Driving licence changes to car hire

Please note that from 08 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA.

Please note that from 08 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA. The counterpart was introduced to display driving licence details that could not be included on the photocard. These details include some vehicle categories you are entitled to drive and any endorsement/penalty points.

This means that from 08 June 2015 neither the photocard driving licence nor the paper licence will provide an accurate account of any driving endorsements you may have. Instead, this information will be held on DVLA’s driver record, and can be checked online, by phone or post. New penalty points (endorsements) will only be recorded electronically, and will not be printed or written on either photocard licences or paper driving licences.

Hiring a vehicle: how to prove your driving record after 08 June 2015

You may wish to check with the hire company what they need to see when you hire a vehicle. If you’re asked for evidence of what vehicles you can drive or confirmation of any penalty points, you can request a unique code from GOV.UK which allows you to share your driving licence details or you can download a summary of your driving licence record. The code lasts for up to 72 hours and will allow the hire companies to make any necessary checks. You can also request a code by calling 0300 083 0013. This also applies if you have a paper licence that was issued before 1998.

To obtain a licence summary please visit: www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

The following will be required:

  • Driving licence number
  • National Insurance Number
  • The postcode on the driving licence

Once on the “View Driving Licence” web page:

Click on the “Share Your Licence Information” tab
Click on the “Create a Code” button
Click the link “to view, print or save your licence information” and print out a copy of your ‘Licence Summary’

Any drivers unable to obtain a passcode should call the DVLA Customer Contact Centre on 0300 083 0013 (Mon – Fri, 9am-5pm).

Note, unique codes are case sensitive so it is important to write in upper and lower case letters where relevant.
Not all vehicle hire companies will ask for this information and the DVLA advise checking with your hire company.

For further information please call the travelharbour team on 0208 949 8080.