From 8 June 2015, the photocard licence counterpart will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA.
What this means for you
Photocard driving licence holders
When DVLA stops issuing the counterpart, you should destroy yours but you still need to keep your current photocard driving licence.
Entitlements and the status of your driving licence won’t change.
Paper driving licence holders (those issued before 1998)
These will remain valid, and should not be destroyed.
The next time 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 driving licences. This information will be held on DVLA’s driver record, and can be checked online, by phone or post.
Organisations and businesses that check the driving licence counterpart
DVLA is developing new digital enquiry services for launch later this year that will allow organisations and businesses (such as employers and car hire companies) to view information they can currently see on the driving licence counterpart.
These new services will be offered in addition to the existing services, but are designed for those who have a business need for real-time access to the information, and may not wish to call DVLA or be in a position to use an intermediary.
Driving licence information via these services will only be made available to those who have a right to see it, and with the knowledge of the driving licence holder.
What does this mean for you! (Comment from Malcolm Maycock)
The system being introduced by DVLA works as follows:
- The driver logs into their driver record
- Driver agrees to share their record
- System produces a form and code for employer to sign in and confirm
- Driver passes detail to employer
- Employer uses code within 72 hours to log into ‘Share my Driver record’
- Employer prints off record
- Employer files document
- Employer notes future date for next check
The system is very similar to an employer reviewing a counterpart. It does however allow access to a real record and stops forgery and abuse. The system will allow access to one record at a time.
