Demystifying the DVLA Licence Check Code: Your Essential Guide

Navigating the world of driving entitlements, penalty points, and vehicle rentals can sometimes feel like a maze, especially with the move towards digital systems. If you’ve ever been asked for a “DVLA licence check code” by a potential employer, a car hire company, or even your insurance provider, you might have wondered exactly what it is, why it’s needed, and how to get one.

You’re in the right place! This comprehensive guide will demystify the DVLA licence check code, empowering you with the knowledge to confidently manage and share your driving information. We’ll cover everything from generating the code to understanding what information it reveals, ensuring you’re always in the driver’s seat when it comes to your licence data.

What Exactly is the DVLA Licence Check Code?

Back in 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence was abolished. This meant that the details of your driving entitlements (what vehicles you can drive) and any endorsements (penalty points or disqualifications) were no longer physically printed on a document you carried. Instead, this information is now stored digitally by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

The DVLA licence check code, sometimes referred to as a “share code,” is essentially a temporary key that grants an authorised third party, like a car rental agency or an employer, secure, one-time access to your digital driving record. It allows them to view your up-to-date driving information directly from the DVLA’s database, ensuring they have an accurate picture of your legal eligibility to drive.

Why is it important for you?

Proof of Entitlement: It confirms what vehicles you are legally allowed to drive.
Transparency of Endorsements: It shows any penalty points, disqualifications, or driving bans you may have.
Compliance: Many organisations are legally obligated to check your driving record, especially if driving is part of your job or if you’re hiring a vehicle.
Security: It provides a controlled way for you to share your information, rather than you having to disclose sensitive details directly.

How to Get Your DVLA Licence Check Code

Generating your DVLA licence check code is a straightforward process that you can complete online in a matter of minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Your Share Code:

Visit the Official DVLA Service: Open your web browser and go to the official DVLA “View or share your driving licence information” service. You can usually find this by searching “DVLA view driving licence” on Google. Always ensure you are on the official GOV.UK website.
Gather Your Information: Before you start, make sure you have the following details readily available:
- Your UK Driving Licence Number: This is the 16-digit number found on your photocard driving licence.
- Your National Insurance (NI) Number: This is found on your NI card, payslips, or official letters regarding tax/benefits.
- The Postcode on Your Driving Licence: Ensure this is the exact postcode that appears on your photocard licence.
Enter Your Details: On the DVLA service page, you will be prompted to enter these three pieces of information. Double-check for accuracy to avoid errors.
Agree to Terms: You will need to tick a box confirming you understand and agree to the terms of the service.
Generate Your Code: Once your details are verified, you will be presented with an option to “Get a share code.” Click this.
Record Your Code: Your unique, case-sensitive share code will be displayed on the screen. It’s a combination of letters and numbers (e.g., AbCdEfGhIjK1). This code is valid for 21 days. We recommend writing it down or taking a screenshot immediately. You also have the option to print a summary of your driving licence information which includes the share code.

Important Note: You can also view your full driving licence information (entitlements, penalty points, etc.) on the same service page without generating a share code. This is useful for your own records and understanding.

What Information Does the Code Reveal?

When you provide someone with your DVLA licence check code, they use it, along with your driving licence number, to access a summary of your driving record directly from the DVLA. This ensures they are viewing the most current information.

Here’s a breakdown of the key information that can be accessed via the share code:

Category	Information Displayed	Purpose
Driving Entitlements	Vehicle categories you are allowed to drive (e.g., B for cars, C for lorries, D for buses)	Confirms your legal qualification to drive specific vehicle types.
Conditions and Codes	Any specific conditions on your licence (e.g., ’01’ for eyesight correction)	Informs about restrictions or requirements for your driving.
Endorsements	Details of any penalty points received (e.g., SP30 for speeding)	Shows your driving history related to offences.
Disqualifications	Information on any periods of disqualification from driving	Crucial for determining current legal eligibility to drive.
Licence Status	Whether your licence is currently valid, revoked, or expired	Provides an immediate overview of your licence’s active status.
Licence Issue/Expiry Dates	Date your current photocard licence was issued and when it expires.	Helps verify the currency and validity of your physical licence.

This secure system ensures that only necessary and relevant information is shared, maintaining your privacy while allowing legitimate checks to occur.

Sharing Your Code: Who, When, and Why

Understanding when and with whom to share your DVLA licence check code is crucial for both convenience and security. You will typically be asked for this code by specific types of organisations for clear, legitimate reasons.

Common Scenarios for Sharing Your Code:

Employers: If your job involves driving – whether it’s a delivery driver, bus operator, taxi driver, or even just occasionally using a company car – your employer has a legal duty of care. They need to verify that you hold a valid licence, are entitled to drive the relevant vehicles, and have an acceptable driving record (e.g., not too many penalty points).
Car Rental Companies: Before you can hire a vehicle, the rental company needs to confirm you have a valid driving licence and are insured to drive. The share code allows them to quickly check your endorsements and entitlements.
Insurance Providers: While less common for routine policy setup, some insurance companies might request your share code, particularly if you have a complex driving history, are insuring a high-performance vehicle, or are involved in an incident. This allows them to verify your claims about your driving record.
Fleet Management Companies: If you drive a company vehicle managed by a third-party fleet service, they may also require your code to ensure compliance.

Key things to remember when sharing:

Consent is Key: The DVLA code system is designed so that you are in control. You must generate the code yourself and provide it to the third party. No one can access your record without your consent and the code you provide.
Provide Your Licence Number Too: The person checking your record will need both your unique share code and your driving licence number to access your information. Make sure you provide both.
Timeliness: Since the code is only valid for 21 days, make sure you generate it close to the time it will be needed. If it expires, you can simply generate a new one.

Alternative Ways to Check/Share (for organisations)

While the share code is the most common method for individuals to provide access to their driving record, organisations that frequently check many licences may use dedicated DVLA services.

Access to Driver Data (ADD): This service is primarily used by employers and other organisations that need to check driver records on an ongoing basis for multiple drivers. It allows them to access information directly, but only with the explicit consent of the driver. Drivers typically sign a “mandate” or consent form allowing their employer to conduct these checks.
Third-Party Intermediaries: Some employers or rental companies use third-party companies that specialise in driver licence checks. These companies act as an intermediary, using the ADD service on behalf of their clients, again, always requiring your direct consent.

Regardless of the method, your consent is paramount. You always have the right to know who is accessing your driving data and why.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with a straightforward process, you might occasionally encounter a hiccup. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

“Details do not match DVLA records” error:
- Check for typos: The most common reason! Double-check your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode for any errors.
- Postcode accuracy: Ensure you’re using the exact postcode registered on your driving licence. If you’ve moved recently and haven’t updated your licence, you’ll need to use the old postcode until your licence is updated.
- NI Number: Make sure you’re using your correct National Insurance number.
- Licence Validity: Is your licence still valid? If it has expired, you might need to renew it before you can access the service.
Forgotten National Insurance Number:
- You can find your NI number on payslips, P60s, benefit letters, or by contacting HMRC directly.
Expired Share Code:
- Simply generate a new one! There’s no limit to how many you can generate, and it’s always free.
No Internet Access:
- If you don’t have internet access, you can call the DVLA directly on 0300 083 0013. They can provide you with a code over the phone. Be prepared to answer security questions to verify your identity.
International Licences:
- The DVLA share code system is specifically for UK driving licences. If you hold a driving licence issued outside of the UK, the process for proving your entitlement will differ. You’ll typically need to present your physical international driving permit (IDP) or foreign licence, and the requesting organisation may need to verify its authenticity through other means.

Advantages of the Digital System

The move to a digital system and the introduction of the share code bring several benefits:

Convenience: You can generate the code anytime, anywhere, as long as you have internet access and your details.
Up-to-Date Information: The digital record is always current, reflecting any new points or disqualifications almost immediately, which provides accurate information to checkers.
Reduced Fraud: It’s much harder to tamper with an official digital record than a paper document.
Environmental Benefits: Eliminates the need for a paper counterpart, reducing waste.
Controlled Access: You remain in control of who sees your data and for how long.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often can I generate a DVLA licence check code? A1: You can generate a new share code as many times as you need to. There is no limit.

Q2: What if my share code expires before it’s used? A2: No problem at all! If your code expires after 21 days, simply go back to the DVLA service and generate a brand new one.

Q3: Do I need a share code if I still have a paper driving licence (issued before 1990)? A3: Yes, even if you have an old-style paper licence, your driving record is still held digitally by the DVLA. You will still need to generate a share code to allow others to view your entitlements and endorsements. You will need your NI number and the postcode on your licence.

Q4: Can someone check my licence details without my consent or the share code? A4: No. No one can legally access your full driving licence details from the DVLA without your explicit consent and either your share code (which you provide) or a signed mandate for organisations using the ADD service.

Q5: Is it safe to share my DVLA licence check code? A5: Yes, provided you share it with legitimate organisations that have a valid reason to check your licence (e.g., employers, car rental companies). The code only grants temporary, read-only access to specific parts of your record and doesn’t allow them to make changes.

Q6: What if I don’t have a National Insurance Number? A6: Most UK residents who work or claim benefits will have an NI number. If you genuinely don’t have one (e.g., you are a recent arrival to the UK), you may need to call the DVLA directly to discuss alternative verification methods.

Q7: Can I just view my own driving licence information without generating a share code? A7: Absolutely! When you use the “View or share your driving licence information” service on GOV.UK, you can view all your entitlements, penalty points, and disqualifications for your own records without creating a share code. The share code option is separate, for when you need to share that information with a third party.

Conclusion

The DVLA licence check code is a modern, secure, and convenient solution for managing and sharing your driving record. By understanding how to generate it, what information it reveals, and when it’s appropriate to share, you maintain control over your personal data while effortlessly meeting the requirements of employers, car rental agencies, and other necessary parties.

Make it a habit to familiarise yourself with the DVLA’s online service. It’s a powerful tool that puts your driving information at your fingertips, ensuring you’re always prepared and informed. Drive safely, and confidently manage your licence details!

DVLA Licence Check Code