Ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to prove your driving history to a potential employer, insurer, or even a car rental service? The UK government's DVLA offers a simple solution to this: a licence check code. This unique code allows others to view your driving licence details, including your driving history, without you having to share sensitive information.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of getting a licence check code, its uses, and how to share it securely. Let's dive in.

Understanding Licence Check Codes
A licence check code is a unique, temporary code generated by the DVLA that allows third parties to access your driving licence details. It's a secure way to share your driving history without revealing your full licence number or other personal details.

These codes are valid for 21 days from the date of issue. After this period, you'll need to generate a new code if you still need to share your driving history.
When Do You Need a Licence Check Code?

There are several situations where you might need to share your driving history using a licence check code:
- Job applications, especially for roles that require driving.
- Car insurance applications or renewals.
- Car rental services.
- Motoring organisations or breakdown services.
What Information Can Be Accessed?

When someone uses your licence check code to access your driving history, they can see:
- Your driving licence details (name, address, date of birth).
- Your driving history, including endorsements and convictions.
- Your vehicle details (make, model, colour, registration number).
How to Get a Licence Check Code

Getting a licence check code is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Online




















You can generate a code online using the DVLA's View Driving Licence service:
- Visit the View Driving Licence page.
- Enter your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and the date of birth as shown on your driving licence.
- Check the information displayed is correct and then click 'Share your licence information'.
- Your licence check code will be displayed. You can copy this code and share it with the organisation that needs it.
By Phone
If you can't generate a code online, you can request one by phone:
- Call the DVLA on 0300 083 0013.
- Follow the automated instructions to request a licence check code.
- Your code will be sent to you by post within five working days.
Remember, you can only request a code for your own driving licence. If you're a fleet manager or an employer, you'll need to ask your drivers to generate their own codes.
Sharing Your Licence Check Code
Once you've generated your code, you can share it with the organisation that needs it. They'll use this code to access your driving history on the Check driving licence service.
Safely Sharing Your Code
To ensure your code is used only by the intended organisation, follow these safety tips:
- Only share your code with trusted organisations.
- Don't share your code on public platforms or forums.
- Once you've shared your code, you can't cancel it. If you suspect someone is misusing your code, contact the DVLA immediately.
In the world of digital data, it's crucial to maintain control over your personal information. A licence check code is a secure way to share your driving history without compromising your sensitive details. So, the next time you need to prove your driving history, remember to use a licence check code.