| By Chandraketu Tripathi | Updated April 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whether you want to see your penalty points, check your licence categories or share your record with an employer or car hire company, the DVLA makes it straightforward. Your points do not appear on your physical photocard — they are stored digitally. Here is every method, plus how to decode your 16-character licence number. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Verdict 2026 Check online: GOV.UK → View driving licence information | Need: licence number + NI number + postcode | DVLA check code: valid 21 days, one use only | DVLA phone: 0300 790 6801 (Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 8am-2pm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What You Can See When You Check | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Method 1: Check Online (Fastest) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Go to GOV.UK → ‘View driving licence information’. You need: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Method 2: Driver and Vehicle Account | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A GOV.UK Driver and Vehicle Account gives permanent one-login access to your driving record, vehicle tax and MOT information. You need your UK passport and driving licence number to register. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Method 3: Phone the DVLA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Call 0300 790 6801 (Mon–Fri 8am–7pm, Sat 8am–2pm). Useful if you cannot access the internet. The agent can confirm validity and points verbally. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How to Decode Your 16-Character Licence Number | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Example: SMITH901055 0JN9AA — Male, surname Smith, born 5 Jan 1990, initials J and N. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What Is a DVLA Check Code? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A DVLA check code lets you share your driving record digitally without handing over your physical licence. Car hire companies and employers use it to verify your entitlement and check for points. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Checking Penalty Points | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Driving Licence Categories Explained | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Verdict 2026 Checking your driving licence online takes under 2 minutes. Go to GOV.UK, enter your licence number, NI number and postcode. For car hire generate a DVLA check code — valid 21 days, one use only. Always check your points before buying car insurance so your quote is accurate. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I check my driving licence online? Go to GOV.UK and use the View or share your driving licence information service. You need your 16-digit licence number, National Insurance number and postcode. What is a DVLA check code? A one-time code valid for 21 days that lets you share your driving record with employers or car hire companies. Generate it under Share your licence information on GOV.UK. Can I check someone else driving licence? Yes, with their permission. You need the last 8 characters of their licence number and a check code they generate from their GOV.UK account. Will checking my licence affect car insurance? No. Checking your own record does not impact your premium. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Related Guides | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sources: GOV.UK DVLA, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency official guidance. Always verify. April 2026. |
How to Check Your Driving Licence UK 2026: DVLA Online, Phone & Check Codes
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