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Since the 8th July 2015 the DVLA has abolished the paper counterpart to the photo driving licence, so they say the document no longer has any legal status and should be destroyed.

If you have a paper licence issued before 1998 when the photocard driving licence was introduced, then you should keep hold of this because it remains valid, but if you change any details like your name, address, or if you have any endorsements, you will be issued with a photocard licence by the DVLA and your old paper licence won’t be returned to you.

If you need to prove your driving credentials – for example, if you’re planning on hiring a car - you’ll need to get your up-to-date details from the DVLA’s website:

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You can’t use this service if your licence was issued in Northern Ireland, to check the progress of a licence application, or to check historical information like expired penalty points.

To generate a check code you will need:

• your driving licence number

• your National Insurance number

• the postcode on your driving licence

If you can’t generate a code online the you can call 0300 083 0013 and the DVLA will provide you with a code.

This information is correct as of 28/07/2015. For further information see:

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