A DVLA check code is a simple way to share your driving licence information with employers, vehicle hire companies or anyone else that requires it.
Understanding these codes and how they work can help you avoid delays and protect your personal information.
No matter the reason you need to share your driving licence details, this legal guide will help you understand how to obtain one and when they are required.
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What is a DVLA check code?
The UK Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency issue a check code that allows a third party to gain access to specific details relating to your driving licence record.
Most people and organisations use this service to:
- View your driving record to check what vehicles you can legally drive
- Check for any penalty points or disqualifications
The DVLA check code is made up of numbers and letters and is commonly used by employers, vehicle hire companies, insurance providers and driving organisations that need to verify a driver’s entitlement to drive.
A check code is generated via www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence website and is valid for 21 days.
You will also need this code if you have lost your driving licence, forgotten your driving licence number, or if you want to hire a vehicle.
How to do a DVLA licence check
To access the DVLA check code, you will need to visit the GOV.UK website and have your 16-digit driving licence number, National Insurance number, and your postcode.
Once you have entered these details, you will gain immediate access to the information. This includes a downloadable PDF that you can share.
Simply click the ‘start now’ button and you will be able to begin the process of getting the code.
Alternatively, you can get the code over the phone by calling the DVLA contact centre on 0300 083 0013 from Monday to Friday (8am to 7pm), or on a Saturday from 8am to 2pm.
Here is the step-by-step on how to carry out a DVLA licence check:
- Visit the DVLA’s online licence sharing platform at www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence
- Enter your driving licence details
- Enter your National Insurance number
- Enter your postcode your licence is registered to
- Check all details are correct
- Click the option to generate the code
- Make a note of it and/or download the PDF
- Share this with the person or businesses that has requested your DVLA licence check code
How long does a DVLA check code last?
The DVLA driving licence check code lasts up to 21 days after it is generated – and once that time period is up, you will need to go through the process again.
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How many times can a DVLA check code be used?
The DVLA driving licence check code can only be used once. This means you will need to generate multiple check codes if you need to share your licence details with more than one person/organisation or business.
DVLA check code scams – how to spot them and what to do
While the DVLA website and codes are legitimate, there are some scams to be aware of.
Here are five warning signs:
- Unexpected requests for check codes – be cautious if an unknown person or business asks for the code
- Fake DVLA emails or texts – ignore or report messages from someone who is asking for urgent access to your driving licence code. The DVLA will never email you to ask for a driving licence check code
- Requests for payment – generating a DVLA check code is free so you should never pay for it. Avoid any websites that demand a fee
- Unofficial websites – you should only use the office GOV.UK or DVLA website to start the process
- Pressure tactics – a company or third party should never push your or threaten you with anything to gain access to this information
RAC SALE – up to 33% off*
Roadside cover from £5.29 a month
- Cheaper than AA Price Promise or we’ll beat it by 20%^
- We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns
*T&Cs apply. ^Find the same cover cheaper with the AA within 7 days & we'll beat it by 20%. T&Cs here.
*T&Cs apply. ^Find the same cover cheaper with the AA within 7 days & we'll beat it by 20%. T&Cs here.
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