Press release

Union Flags now feature on British driving licences

From today (6 July 2015), all photocard licences issued in England, Scotland and Wales will carry the Union Flag alongside the existing European Union flag.

• From: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon KCMG
• Published: 6 July 2015
• Last updated: 7 July 2015 — See all updates

Transport Minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said:

Our flag is recognised and respected around the world and is something which British people take pride in. I am delighted to see it featured on driving licences.

We are bringing the country together. Adding our national flag to British driving licences is a true celebration of one nation Britain.

The European Union flag has been displayed on full driving licences since photocards first came into use in July 1998. More than 132 million photocard licences have been issued since they were introduced. Last year alone, DVLA issued more than 10.4 million licences.

Notes to editors

1. The Union Flag will be displayed on all driving licences issued to motorists in England Scotland and Wales. The changes do not apply to motorists in Northern Ireland as driver licensing is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland.
2. The changes apply to all new and replacement licences issued to GB drivers from 6 July. Existing licences in circulation before that date remain valid and will not be recalled.

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Published 6 July 2015
Last updated 7 July 2015 + show all updates

1. 7 July 2015

   Added translation

2. 6 July 2015

   First published.