How to check a driving licence with a DVLA check code

What you need

• A check code from the driver: 8 characters, like Hb Rh fp 7g. They make it on gov.uk, and it lasts 21 days.
• The last 8 characters of their driving licence number, from the front of their photocard.
• Their permission. Getting someone's driving record without it is a criminal offence.

The online service covers licences from England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland licences have their own service at nidirect.gov.uk.

Step by step on gov.uk

1. 1

   The driver makes a check code

   They sign in at gov.uk/view-driving-licence with their driving licence number, National Insurance number and the postcode on their licence, then create a check code to share. The code lasts 21 days.

2. 2

   Get the code and the end of their licence number

   Ask the driver for the check code and the last 8 characters of their driving licence number.

3. 3

   Open the check on gov.uk

   Go to gov.uk/check-driving-information. This is DVLA’s own service, and it is free.

4. 4

   Enter both

   Type the last 8 characters of the licence number and the check code. A code works once: for another check, the driver makes a new one.

5. 5

   Read the record and save it

   Check the vehicles they can drive, any penalty points or disqualifications, and when the licence runs out. Then save or print the summary as a PDF, as your evidence.

If DVLA says authentication was unsuccessful, check the last 8 characters and the code for typing mistakes. DVLA doesn't say which was wrong, or whether the code has expired, been used or been cancelled, so if they look right, ask the driver for a new code.

What to look at

• The driving status DVLA shows, such as a current full licence.
• The categories they can drive, such as B for cars or C1 for medium lorries, and the dates each one is valid.
• Restriction codes on a category, such as 01 for glasses or contact lenses and 78 for automatic cars only.
• The number of offences and penalty points, and any disqualification.

Keep a record

Save the summary DVLA shows you and the date you checked. The law doesn't say how often to check: many employers check when they hire and again from time to time, more often for people who drive the most. Each check needs a new code.

A driving record can show motoring offences, so keep it only as long as you need it, and only where the people who need it can see it.