A driving licence check code is a short, one-off code that lets someone you trust, such as a car hire desk, an employer or an insurer, look at your driving record online for a limited time. It exists because the paper counterpart that used to list your endorsements was abolished in June 2015. Today, the only official way to prove what is on your record is to generate a code and hand it over.
If you have been asked for a driving licence check code and you have never heard of it, this guide walks you through exactly what it is, what you need before you start, how to share it without putting your personal details at risk, and what to do when something goes wrong. We are an independent information site and not part of DVLA or GOV.UK. Every step below is free to do yourself on the official GOV.UK service, and you should never pay a third party to generate one for you.
What is a driving licence check code?
A driving licence check code is a temporary, randomly generated code of letters and numbers that DVLA creates when you ask for it. On its own, the code reveals nothing. The person you give it to must combine it with the last eight characters of your driving licence number on the official “check someone’s driving licence” service. Only then can they see the summary of your record that DVLA chooses to make visible.
Think of it as a temporary key rather than a document. You decide who gets it, you decide when to create it, and it stops working automatically after 21 days. That makes it far safer than photocopying your licence or emailing a photo of the card, which is what many people did before the system existed.
The service works for licences issued in England, Scotland and Wales. Licences issued in Northern Ireland are handled by a separate body, so a Northern Ireland licence holder will need to follow that process instead.
Why car hire firms, employers and insurers ask for a driving licence check code
Anyone who lets you drive something valuable wants to know that you are allowed to. The check code answers three questions in seconds: which vehicle categories you can drive, whether you have any current penalty points or endorsements, and whether you are disqualified. Common situations where you will be asked include:
- Hiring a car or van, especially at the counter when you collect the keys.
- Starting a driving job, from delivery work to company-car roles, where the employer has a duty of care.
- Buying or renewing insurance, where the insurer wants to confirm your convictions match what you declared.
- Signing up as a private hire or courier driver, where checks are repeated regularly. If that is you, our guide to PCO licence requirements explains the wider process.
It is worth remembering that the other person can only look at your record with your permission. It is a criminal offence to obtain someone else’s driving record without their consent, so if anyone ever asks you for a code and you do not know why, you are entitled to ask.
What you need before you generate a driving licence check code
The process takes about five minutes if you have the right details in front of you. Gather these first:
| You need | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Driving licence number | Section 5 on the front of your photocard licence |
| National Insurance number | Payslip, P60, HMRC app or an old NI card |
| Postcode | The postcode DVLA holds on your licence record, which should be your current address |
If your address has changed and you never told DVLA, the postcode will not match and you will be refused. Fix that first by following our guide to changing the address on your driving licence, which is free and quick online.
How to get your driving licence check code step by step
- Go to the official “View or share your driving licence information” page on GOV.UK. Check the web address ends in gov.uk before you type anything.
- Select “Start now” and sign in with your GOV.UK One Login or create an account if you do not have one.
- Enter your licence number, National Insurance number and postcode when asked.
- Choose the option to create a check code. The page will show a code made of letters and numbers.
- Write it down or copy it straight away. The page will also tell you how long it stays valid.
You can also create a code through your driver and vehicles account if you already use one. Either route is free.
How to share your driving licence check code safely
Once you have the code, you have to give the recipient two things: the code itself and the last eight characters of your licence number. Neither is useful without the other, which is the whole point of the design. Good habits include:
- Share the code only with the person or company you were expecting to hear from.
- Send the code and the eight characters in separate messages if you are using email or text.
- Do not send your National Insurance number. The recipient does not need it.
For a hire desk, you can simply read the details out at the counter. Many firms will also accept a screenshot of the page, but delete it afterwards.
What can the other person see with your driving licence check code?
The recipient sees a read-only summary, not your whole file. It typically shows your name, the categories and entitlements you hold, the date you passed your test, any restrictions that apply, and your endorsements or disqualifications if you have them. It does not show your National Insurance number, your full address history or your medical records.
If you want to understand what the entries mean before someone else reads them, our explainer on penalty points and totting-up and our guide to driving licence categories will help you read your own record the way a hire company would.
How long does a driving licence check code last?
A code stays valid for 21 days from the moment you create it. After that it simply stops working, and the recipient will see an error. If the other party is slow to check, or you need to share your record with someone new, generate a fresh code. There is no limit on how many you can create, and creating a new one does not affect your licence in any way.
Because the code reflects your record on the day it is checked, not the day it was created, anything that changes in those 21 days will show up. If you pick up points or pay a fine that lifts a restriction, the next check will be accurate.
Driving licence check code problems and how to fix them
The service says my details do not match. The usual cause is an out-of-date postcode. Update your address with DVLA, wait for the record to update, then try again.
My licence number looks different. Photocard licence numbers have 16 characters. If you are reading the number from an old paper licence, make sure you are using the right document.
The car hire firm says my code is invalid. They may have mistyped the eight characters or used a code more than 21 days old. Ask them to try again, or generate a new code.
I have just passed my test and my licence has not arrived. Your record is usually updated before the card arrives, so you can often generate a code anyway. If you are unsure how long the card takes, see how long a driving licence takes to arrive.
I only have a digital or foreign licence. The service covers GB licences. Our guide to driving licence rules for new UK residents explains the position if you are using a licence from another country.
Spotting driving licence check code scams
Because the code unlocks a summary of your record, fraudsters sometimes pretend to be a hire company, an insurer or even DVLA and ask you to read out a code over the phone. Treat any unexpected request with suspicion. DVLA will not text or email you a link asking for your licence number and National Insurance number, and a legitimate firm will give you time to create the code yourself on the official site rather than demanding it immediately. If you receive a suspicious message, forward it to the National Cyber Security Centre’s reporting service and do not click any links.
Driving licence check code FAQs
Is a driving licence check code free?
Yes. Creating a code on the official GOV.UK service costs nothing. Anyone offering to generate one for a fee is not DVLA, and you should avoid them.
Can I use a driving licence check code for a job application?
Yes. Employers commonly ask for one to confirm your entitlements and endorsements. You choose when to create it and who to give it to.
Do I need a National Insurance number to get a code?
Yes. You will be asked for your licence number, National Insurance number and the postcode on your licence record. The person you share the code with does not need your National Insurance number.
Can someone check my licence without my permission?
No. It is a criminal offence to obtain another person’s driving licence information without their permission. The check code system means nothing can be viewed until you hand over the code.
What if I lose my licence but need a code urgently?
Your online record still exists, so you may be able to create a code using the licence number from other documents. You should still arrange a replacement, and our guide to replacing a lost driving licence explains how.
Key takeaways
A driving licence check code is the quick, free and secure way to prove your driving record to car hire companies, employers and insurers. Get your licence number, National Insurance number and current postcode ready, create the code on the official GOV.UK site, share it together with the last eight licence characters, and remember it expires after 21 days. Keep your address up to date and never pay a third party for something DVLA gives you for nothing. For more answers on everyday licence questions, browse our UK driving licence FAQ.
Fast Driving Licence is an independent information service and is not affiliated with DVLA or GOV.UK. Fees and rules were checked against GOV.UK in October 2026 and can change, so always confirm on the official site before you apply.