News story

Driving licence check code extended from 72 hours to 21 days

On 8 June 2015 the paper counterpart to the British driving licence was abolished, making way for an online system changing the way motorists share their details with employers and car hire companies.

Person holding photocard driving licence and counterpart in an envelope

To share their details motorists must generate a code, which can then be redeemed just once by a third party. From today (10 July 2015) the check code generated for motorists to share their driving licence details is valid for 21 days. Previously the code was valid for 72 hours.

You can view and share your driving record at View your driving licence information. You’ll be able to see your information electronically and generate a check code which you can then share with people who need to see your details (such as an employer or car hire company). If you want to, you can also download and print a summary.

If you are hiring a car, make sure you check with your car hire company to see whether you need to generate a code – see our news story on hiring a vehicle for more information.

Updates to this page

Published 10 July 2015