DVLA’s ‘check code’ allows you to share your driving licence information safely and quickly with others. Learn more about how to use this service.
Published on 19 August 2022 | 0 min read
DVLA check codes are, essentially, an online or digital version of your photocard driving licence.
You’d use the check code to access all information regarding your driving licence, including your driving record and any penalty points you may have, stored in the DVLA database. You can use the licence 'check code' service if: • You've lost your driving licence • You've forgotten your driving licence number • You want to hire a car in the UK or abroad • You want to share your driving licence information safely with anyone such as your employer
To do a DVLA licence check, you’ll need the following information:
• Your 16-digit driving licence number • Your National Insurance number • The postcode on your driving licence Once you have this information, you can enter it here and access your licence information instantly.
A DVLA check code is valid for 21 days after it’s generated. You can use it to hire a car or share your licence details with an employer within this time period.
Once the 21-day period ends, the DVLA check code expires - you will have to generate a new check code if you want to use it again. Related: Buying a car: how to access DVLA online services
