What is a DVLA Shared Driving Licence Code?
Your DVLA shared driving licence code, often referred to as a 'view driving licence code', is a temporary, unique digital credential. It allows you to grant access to specific information held on your driving record by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This system replaces the need for drivers to always carry their physical licence, especially when dealing with third parties who need to verify your driving status or entitlement. The code is generated through the official GOV.UK website and is valid for a limited time, ensuring your data is only accessible when you explicitly permit it.
- A temporary digital code to share driving licence details.
- Generated via the official GOV.UK website.
- Securely proves driving entitlement without the physical card.
- Valid for a limited period after generation.
The primary purpose of the shared driving licence code is to facilitate secure, privacy-conscious data sharing. Instead of a physical document that can be lost, stolen, or photocopied, you create a time-limited digital access token. This token can be presented to employers for licence checks, car hire companies, or any other organisation that requires confirmation of your driving qualifications. It simplifies processes and enhances security for both the driver and the verifier.
How the Driving Licence Code System Works
The system is designed for simplicity and security. When you need to share your driving record, you log into your GOV.UK account, navigate to the driving licence section, and request a 'share driving licence' code. The DVLA then generates a unique code. You provide this code, along with your date of birth, to the organisation or individual requesting it. They use this information on the GOV.UK website to view the details you've authorised them to see. Crucially, this access is read-only and temporary, meaning they cannot alter your record, and the access expires after a set period, typically 21 days.
Why Use a Shared Code?
The benefits are numerous. It streamlines processes that previously relied on physical documents. For employers, it provides a quick, reliable, and accurate way to check a candidate's driving record, including endorsements and penalty points, without the administrative burden of requesting official checks themselves. For individuals, it offers peace of mind knowing their personal driving information is not being unnecessarily exposed. It is particularly useful if you have lost your physical driving licence and need to prove your entitlement quickly, or if you are changing your address on your driving licence and need to provide current details.
Generating Your Shared Driving Licence Code
When you need to share your driving entitlement, the process of generating a shared driving licence code is straightforward and can be completed online. You will need access to the GOV.UK website and your National Insurance number, as this is often used to verify your identity within the system. The DVLA uses this integrated approach to ensure that only you can generate codes for your driving record.
Steps to Create a Code
Follow these steps on the official GOV.UK website to generate your code:
- Visit GOV.UK: Navigate to the section for driving licence services. You will typically need to sign in or create a GOV.UK account if you haven't already.
- Access Your Licence Record: Once logged in, find the option to view your driving licence information.
- Request to Share: Look for a button or link labelled 'Share your driving licence' or similar.
- Generate a Code: The system will then display a unique, 8-character code, usually a combination of letters and numbers. It will also show the date it was created and when it will expire.
- Provide the Code: You will then need to give this code, along with your date of birth, to the person or organisation that requires it. They will use these details on the GOV.UK 'View driving licence' service to access your record.
It is crucial to note that the code is only valid for 21 days from the date of generation. If it expires, you will simply need to generate a new one when required. This ensures that access is always granted with current permission.
What Information is Shared?
The shared driving licence code grants access to specific, verified details from your driving record. This typically includes:
- Your name and address.
- Your date of birth.
- Your driving licence number.
- The classes of vehicles you are entitled to drive.
- Any endorsements or penalty points on your licence.
- Your entitlement status (e.g., provisional or full licence).
This comprehensive yet controlled sharing allows for robust verification without revealing unnecessary personal data. It means organisations can confirm your driving credentials accurately and efficiently.
Your driving licence code acts as a temporary, secure bridge between your DVLA record and third parties needing verification.
If you have recently made changes, such as a change of address on your driving licence, the shared code will reflect these updates, provided the DVLA system has processed them.
Who Needs to Use a Shared Driving Licence Code?
The digital shared driving licence code has become an indispensable tool for various scenarios, simplifying verification processes and enhancing data security. It's not just for new drivers; anyone who needs to prove their driving eligibility for official or commercial purposes will find this system incredibly useful, especially if they need to provide details without their physical licence.
For Employers: Licence Checking
One of the most common uses of the shared driving licence code is for employers who need to check the driving records of current or prospective employees. This is particularly relevant for roles involving driving company vehicles, delivery services, or any position where driving is a key component of the job. Companies can use the code to verify that drivers hold the correct licence for the vehicles they operate and to check for any endorsements or penalty points that might affect their suitability. This process is more efficient and secure than manual checks or relying on employees to produce their physical licence.
Car Hire and Rental Companies
When you hire a car, rental companies often need to verify your driving licence to ensure you are legally permitted to drive and that you meet their insurance criteria. Using a shared driving licence code allows them to perform this check quickly and digitally. This can speed up the pick-up process and offers a more modern, secure alternative to handing over your physical licence, which might otherwise be retained temporarily.
Financial and Insurance Purposes
Certain financial institutions or insurance providers may require proof of your driving entitlement. For instance, if you're applying for a specialist insurance policy related to your vehicle or driving activities, they might ask for confirmation of your licence details. The shared code provides a convenient way to supply this information securely.
Situations Where Physical Licence is Inconvenient
Beyond specific organisational needs, the shared code is invaluable in situations where you might not have your physical driving licence with you. If you’ve lost your driving licence, or if it’s been temporarily misplaced, you can still prove your entitlement to drive using a generated code. It also helps if you've recently updated details, such as a change of name on your driving licence, and are awaiting a new physical card.
Decision Point: The shared code's utility hinges on the verifier's willingness and ability to use the GOV.UK online service. Always confirm with the organisation beforehand if they can accept a shared code.
Sharing and Viewing Licence Information Securely
The security and privacy aspects of the shared driving licence code system are paramount. The DVLA has designed the process to ensure that your personal driving data is only accessible to those you explicitly authorise, and only for a limited duration. This prevents unauthorised access and ensures your information remains protected.
How to Grant Access
Once you have generated the 8-character code and your date of birth, you simply pass these details to the requesting organisation. They will then use the official GOV.UK 'View driving licence' service. They enter the code and your date of birth. If correct, they will be able to view the specific details you have permitted them to see. It’s a simple, direct, and controlled method of data exchange.
What the Verifier Sees
The information displayed to the verifier is a snapshot of your driving record, tailored to be relevant for licence checks. This includes your name, address, date of birth, driving licence number, and details of any vehicles you are permitted to drive. Crucially, it also shows any current endorsements or penalty points. This allows the verifier to make informed decisions regarding your driving eligibility or suitability for a particular role or service.
Duration of Access
Access granted via a shared driving licence code is strictly time-limited. The code itself is valid for 21 days from the moment it is generated. Once the verifier accesses your record using the code, their viewing permission typically lasts for 72 hours (3 days). After this viewing window closes, they will no longer be able to access your record using that specific code. If they need to view your details again, you will have to generate a new code.
Always generate a new code for each separate request or individual requesting to view your licence, rather than reusing an old one, to maintain granular control over who sees your information and when.
Revoking Access
While the system automatically expires access, you also have the ability to 'revoke' or cancel a code before it expires. If you decide not to proceed with sharing your information with a particular organisation, or if you believe a code may have been compromised, you can log back into your GOV.UK account and cancel the active code. This immediately prevents anyone from using it to view your driving record.
When Might You Need to Renew or Update Your Licence Details?
While the shared driving licence code itself expires, the underlying information on your driving record might need updating. Keeping your DVLA driving licence details current is a legal requirement and ensures your shared codes reflect accurate information. Common updates include changes to your personal details or when your licence reaches certain age milestones.
Changing Your Address
If you move house, you must notify the DVLA of your new address. This is a crucial step to ensure you continue to receive important correspondence, such as driving licence renewal reminders or vehicle tax notifications. You can update your address on your driving licence by using the GOV.UK website. Once processed, any new shared driving licence codes you generate will reflect this updated address.
Changing Your Name
Similarly, if you change your name, for example, due to marriage or a legal change, you are required to inform the DVLA. You will need to apply for a new driving licence with your updated name. This process involves sending specific documentation to the DVLA. Again, once your record is updated, any future shared driving licence codes will use your new name.
Licence Renewals at Age Milestones
For most drivers, a standard driving licence is valid for 10 years. However, there are specific age-related renewal requirements. For example, drivers typically need to renew their licence every 3 years from the age of 70. It's important to be aware of these renewal dates to ensure you remain legally entitled to drive. You can check your entitlement and renewal dates via the GOV.UK website. If you are approaching a renewal or have specific driving licence codes related to medical conditions that require periodic review, ensure these are handled promptly.
Checking Your Licence Entitlements
Understanding the classes of vehicles you are entitled to drive is also important. Your driving licence details will specify these. If you have acquired new driving skills or completed advanced training, you may be eligible for additional categories. Ensuring your licence accurately reflects all your entitlements is vital, and the shared code will display these categories.
Actionable Insight: Proactively check your driving licence details on GOV.UK periodically to confirm your address, name, and vehicle entitlements are all up-to-date before you need to generate a code.
Handling a Lost or Stolen Driving Licence
Losing your physical driving licence or having it stolen can be a stressful experience, but the introduction of the shared driving licence code provides a vital lifeline. It means you don't have to wait for a replacement to prove your entitlement to drive for essential purposes. The digital code allows you to maintain access to necessary verification services.
Immediate Steps to Take
If your physical driving licence is lost or stolen, your first action should be to report it to the DVLA. You can do this online via the GOV.UK website. This report helps to invalidate the old licence, preventing potential misuse. The DVLA will then arrange for a replacement licence to be sent to you. However, this process can take some time.
Using the Shared Code as a Temporary Solution
While awaiting your replacement licence, you can still generate a shared driving licence code. As long as your driving record is active and you know your driving licence number, you can access the GOV.UK service and create a code. This code can then be used for any immediate needs, such as car hire or employment checks. It’s a practical workaround that ensures your ability to drive for essential needs isn't unduly interrupted.
What if I've Lost My Driving Licence Number?
If you have lost your driving licence and cannot recall your licence number, the situation becomes more challenging. You will need to contact the DVLA directly or use the online services that may help you retrieve this information, often by verifying other personal details. Without your driving licence number, generating a shared code or even requesting a replacement becomes significantly harder. You may need to provide additional identification documents to prove your identity to the DVLA.
Key Consideration: The shared driving licence code's effectiveness relies on your ability to access your DVLA account, which typically requires your driving licence number. Keep this number recorded securely elsewhere.
Preventing Future Issues
To minimise the impact of losing your licence, consider keeping a secure, private record of your driving licence number, date of birth, and other key details. You could use a password manager or a securely encrypted note on your personal devices. This way, even if the physical card is lost, you have the essential information to generate a new code or apply for a replacement more easily.
Understanding Driving Licence Codes and Entitlements
Beyond the shared driving licence code for verification, your driving licence also contains specific codes that define your entitlements and any restrictions you may have. These codes are crucial for understanding exactly what vehicles you can drive and under what conditions. They are an integral part of your driving record and will be visible when a shared code is used for verification.
Vehicle Categories Explained
Your licence categorises the types of vehicles you are permitted to drive. Common categories include:
- Category B: Cars and small vans (up to 3,500kg).
- Category A: Motorbikes.
- Category C: Larger goods vehicles.
- Category D: Buses and coaches.
There are many sub-categories within these, such as B+E for cars with large trailers. The shared driving licence code will accurately display all categories you hold.
Medical Driving Licence Codes
Certain medical conditions require specific endorsements or restrictions on your licence. These are represented by medical driving licence codes. For example, a code might indicate that you must wear glasses or contact lenses to drive, or that you can only drive automatic vehicles. If you have a condition that requires regular medical review, the DVLA will issue specific codes related to this, and these will be visible through the shared code system.
Best Practice: Familiarise yourself with the driving licence codes relevant to your entitlements and any restrictions. This ensures you are always driving legally and are aware of what information is shared about you.
Penalty Points and Endorsements
When you commit certain driving offences, you may receive penalty points on your licence and an endorsement. These are recorded against your driving record and are typically valid for a period of 4 to 11 years, depending on the offence. The shared driving licence code will show any active penalty points and endorsements, which is why employers frequently use this system to assess driver history.
Checking Your Entitlements and Codes
You can always check your driving licence entitlements and any associated codes directly on the GOV.UK website by accessing your driving record. If you believe there is an error or wish to discuss your entitlements, you should contact the DVLA directly. Understanding these codes ensures you are fully compliant and informed about your driving status.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Driving Licence Code
Here are answers to some common queries regarding the DVLA shared driving licence code and related driving licence matters.
Q: How long is a DVLA shared driving licence code valid for?
A: A generated shared driving licence code is valid for 21 days from the date you create it. After this period, it will expire and cannot be used. You will need to generate a new one if required.
Q: Can I use the shared code if I've lost my physical driving licence?
A: Yes, absolutely. If you have lost your physical licence, you can still generate a shared driving licence code via GOV.UK to prove your entitlement to drive to third parties.
Q: What if the person I'm sharing the code with cannot access my record?
A: Ensure they are using the official GOV.UK 'View driving licence' service. Double-check that both the code and your date of birth have been entered correctly. If issues persist, ask them to generate a new code for you.
Q: Does the shared code show my photo?
A: No, the shared driving licence code service does not display your driving licence photograph. It provides access to your driving record details, such as entitlement, endorsements, and personal information.
Q: How do I change my address on my driving licence?
A: You can update your address online via the GOV.UK website. Log in to your driving licence record, and you should find an option to amend your personal details, including your address.
Q: Is it safe to share my driving licence code?
A: Yes, the system is designed for safety. The code is temporary, expires quickly, and only grants read-only access. You can also revoke a code if you change your mind about sharing.
Q: How much does it cost to generate a shared driving licence code?
A: There is no charge for generating or using a DVLA shared driving licence code. It is a free service provided by the DVLA to simplify licence verification.