Driving Licence – Update on abolition of the Paper Counterpart.
The latest from the DVLA – From 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA. The counterpart was introduced to display driving licence details that could not be included on the photocard. These details include some vehicle categories you are entitled to drive and any endorsement or penalty points.
Driver’s with Existing Paper Counterparts
If you already hold a paper counterpart, after 8 June 2015 it will no longer have any legal status. You should destroy your paper counterpart after this date but you will still need to keep your current photocard driving licence.
Driver’s with the Old Paper Driving Licence
Paper driving licences issued before the photocard was introduced in 1998 will remain valid and should not be destroyed.
If you need to update your name, address or renew your licence, you will be issued with a photocard only.
Penalty Points (Endorsements)
From 8 June 2015 penalty points (endorsements) will no longer be shown on the driving licence. This information will be held on DVLA’s driver record, and can be checked online, by phone or post.
How to Check Your Driving Licence Details
DVLA will have a free View Driving Licence service which lets you see what details are on your licence, including the vehicles you are licenced to drive and any penalty points you may have.
Confirming your Driving Record to an Employer or when Hiring a Vehicle
After 8 June 2015 if you are hiring a vehicle or if you drive for a living and you are asked to provide evidence of your driving record (entitlements or penalty points), you will be able to do this online for free by accessing our Share Driving Licence service.
We have been told this service is currently in development but will be available before the counterpart is abolished. The service should be used by both paper and photocard driving licence holders and will also allow you to download a summary of your licence record which can be printed or shared.
Alternatively you can call DVLA and leave permission for your driving record to be checked verbally by a nominated person or organisation.
Why is the Counterpart Being Abolished?
The decision to abolish the counterpart was as a result of the government’s Red Tape Challenge consultation on road transportation. It also aligns to DVLA’s Strategic Plan which includes commitment to simplifying our services.
Confused?
If so……….. please contact the DVLA Customer Services 0300 790 6801.