How to Check Your UK Driving Licence Status Online
Do you want to check whether your UK driving licence is valid, see which vehicles you can drive, or find out how many penalty points are recorded against your licence? You can use official government services to view your driving record online. (Check UK driving licence status)
This guide explains how to check your UK driving licence status, what information you need, how to share your driving record with an employer or car hire company, and what to do if something appears incorrect.
For information about other UK driving licence procedures, visit our UK driving licence assistance page. If your interested in getting the licence fast and stress-free
How to Check Your UK Driving Licence Status Online
If your driving licence was issued in England, Scotland or Wales, you can use the official GOV.UK service to view your driving record.
The service allows you to check information such as:
- The vehicle categories you are entitled to drive.
- Penalty points recorded on your driving record.
- Driving disqualifications.
- Your driving licence details.
- A check code that allows another person or organisation to view specified driving record information.
Start here: View or share your driving licence information on GOV.UK.
Use the official government service rather than an unofficial website claiming to access or change your DVLA record.
What Do You Need to Check Your Driving Licence?
Before starting, prepare the information requested by the official service. You will generally need:
- Your driving licence number.
- Your National Insurance number.
- The postcode shown on your driving licence.
If you cannot access the service, check that your details match the information held by DVLA and follow the official instructions for account or identity verification.
You can also use the Driver and vehicles account to access additional services, including licence renewal, replacement applications and address updates.
How to Check Your Driving Licence Is Valid
To check your driving licence record, open the official GOV.UK service and follow these steps:
- Visit the View or share your driving licence information service.
- Enter the information requested, including your driving licence number.
- Complete any identity or sign-in steps.
- Review the driving record displayed.
- Check the vehicle categories, restrictions, penalty points and disqualification information shown.
If your record indicates that your entitlement has expired, been revoked or is subject to a restriction, do not assume you can drive. Check the relevant official guidance and contact DVLA if you need clarification.
Remember that checking a driving record is not the same as applying for a replacement licence or renewing an expired photocard.
How to Check Your Driving Licence Points
Penalty points, also called endorsements, are recorded against a driving licence following relevant motoring offences.
You can view the penalty points recorded on your driving record through the official GOV.UK service.
Your record may show the relevant endorsement details and when points are due to be removed. The time they remain on your record depends on the endorsement and applicable rules.
To check your points, visit the official penalty points and endorsements guidance.
If you believe the information is incorrect, follow the official guidance to contact the relevant authority. Do not rely on a third-party service promising to remove valid penalty points without the required legal process.
How to Check Which Vehicles You Can Drive
Your driving licence record shows the vehicle categories you are entitled to drive.
This is useful if you are unsure whether your licence covers a particular car, motorcycle, van or another vehicle type. Different categories have different requirements, and additional restrictions may apply.
Check your record through GOV.UK’s driving licence service.
If you need more information about a particular category, consult the official driving licence categories guidance.
Always confirm your entitlement before driving a vehicle. Do not assume that holding a full car licence automatically permits you to drive every other vehicle type.
How to Share Your Driving Licence Information
You may need to share your driving record with a car hire company, employer or another organisation that has a legitimate reason to check your driving entitlement.
For licences issued in England, Scotland or Wales, you can generate a driving licence check code through the official service.
The code:
- Allows the recipient to view specified driving licence information.
- Is valid for 21 days.
- Can be used only once.
Give the code to the intended recipient along with the information they need to complete the check.
Start with the official GOV.UK driving licence sharing service.
You should only share your information with a person or organisation you trust. Checking another person’s driving record requires their permission and the information specified by DVLA.
What If Your Driving Licence Information Is Incorrect?
If your driving record shows incorrect details, take the following steps:
- Review the record carefully and identify the information that appears wrong.
- Check whether you need to update your name, address or other personal details.
- Contact DVLA or the relevant authority using the official contact details.
- Follow any instructions for correcting the record and providing supporting information.
If the issue relates to penalty points or an endorsement, use the official penalty points guidance to determine the appropriate next step.
Do not assume that a mistake on a website or a missing physical photocard automatically changes your legal driving entitlement. Confirm your circumstances with the relevant authority.
How to Check Your Driving Licence Application Status
If you have recently applied for a new licence, renewal or replacement, you may want to know whether your application has been processed.
You can track eligible applications through your Driver and vehicles account. You will need the application reference provided when you applied.
Use the official GOV.UK driving licence application tracking service.
GOV.UK says you will normally receive a licence within one week of completing an online application, although some applications take longer. If you applied by post, follow the official instructions for tracking or contacting DVLA.
For a lost, stolen or damaged licence, read our guide to replacing a UK driving licence.
Can You Check a Driving Licence Issued in Northern Ireland?
The online service for viewing or sharing a driving record described in this guide applies to licences issued in England, Scotland and Wales.
Northern Ireland uses a separate licensing authority, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA). If your licence was issued in Northern Ireland, use the relevant official Northern Ireland driving licence services instead.
You can begin with the official GOV.UK driving licence guidance to find the service that applies to your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my UK driving licence status for free?
Yes. The online service for viewing your driving licence information is available through GOV.UK. Always check the official service for the current requirements.
Can I check how many penalty points I have?
Yes. You can view recorded penalty points and endorsement details using the official driving licence service.
Can I check my driving licence using only my name?
The official online service requires specific information, including your driving licence number, National Insurance number and licence postcode. Your name alone is not sufficient for this service.
Can an employer check my driving licence?
An employer can check your driving record through the appropriate official service when you provide the required information and permission. You can generate a check code to share your record.
How long does a driving licence check code last?
A check code is valid for 21 days and can be used once. Generate another code if a new check is required.
What should I do if my driving licence has expired?
Check the details on your record and follow the appropriate renewal process. You can read our guide to renewing a UK driving licence online.
Final Thoughts
Checking your UK driving licence status online can help you confirm your vehicle categories, review penalty points and share your driving record when necessary.
For licences issued in England, Scotland and Wales, use the official GOV.UK service. If your record appears incorrect or you are uncertain about your entitlement to drive, contact the relevant licensing authority for clarification.
For more information about UK driving licence procedures, visit our UK driving licence assistance page.