Hiring a car in the UK has become a smoother process since the DVLA streamlined how driving licence details are shared. If you’re renting a vehicle, you may be asked to provide a DVLA check code for a secure way to grant access to your driving history.
Understanding what this code is, how to generate it, and when it’s required can save you time and hassle. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is A DVLA Code?
A DVLA code is a temporary, secure access code generated through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) online service. It allows individuals like me to share the details of my driving licence with third parties, typically car hire companies.
Since the removal of the paper counterpart of the driving licence in 2015, all endorsements, penalty points, and driving entitlements are recorded electronically. This check code serves as a digital solution to provide proof of my driving history when needed.
The code itself is a randomly generated alphanumeric string that is valid for 21 days and can only be used once. I can create up to 15 active codes at any one time. This ensures I have full control over who can access my driving record and for how long.
Why Do Car Hire Companies Need It?
When I hire a car, the rental company needs to verify that I am legally allowed to drive and that my driving record is clean or within acceptable limits.
Before the digital system, they could simply check the paper counterpart of my driving licence. Now that this is no longer issued or valid, rental agencies rely on the DVLA check code system to access that information directly from the DVLA’s database.
This code allows the car hire company to check for any penalty points, disqualifications, or restrictions that may affect whether they can provide me with a vehicle. It also helps them meet their own insurance obligations by ensuring that only eligible drivers are permitted to rent their vehicles.
Some companies may still accept just the photocard or an older-style paper licence, but most now prefer or require a DVLA check code to confirm the accuracy of the information. It’s always wise to confirm their requirements before the day of collection to avoid any last-minute issues.
How Did The 2015 Changes Affect Driving Licence Checks For Car Hire?
In June 2015, the DVLA removed the paper counterpart from photocard driving licences. Before that, the counterpart recorded penalty points, endorsements, and categories of vehicles a person was allowed to drive. With the counterpart removed, this data is now only accessible online.
Licences issued before March 2000 are still valid and remain in the old paper format. However, they do not reflect any current penalty points. For drivers with such licences, rental companies often require additional verification to check the driver’s status, typically through the DVLA code system.
The changes streamlined the driving licence system and reduced administrative tasks, but they also made it necessary for drivers and rental companies to use digital verification methods when hiring vehicles.
How Can I View Or Share My Driving Licence Information Online?
The DVLA offers a convenient online portal called View Driving Licence. It allows drivers to access their full driving record and share it when required. To use the service, the following information is needed:
- Driving licence number
- Postcode as shown on the licence
- National Insurance number
Once logged in, the platform displays key information such as driving status, entitlement categories, and any penalty points or disqualifications. There is also an option to create a share code which can be provided to a car rental firm for temporary access to this information.
How Do I Generate A DVLA Check Code For Car Hire?
To generate a DVLA check code, follow these steps:
- Visit the View Driving Licence page on the official government website.
- Enter the required personal details: licence number, postcode, and National Insurance number.
- Navigate to the Share Your Licence Information section.
- Click on Create A Code.
The system will generate a unique eight-character code. This code can then be shared with the car rental company so they can verify the driving record. It is valid for 21 days from the date of generation and can only be used once.
What Information Does A Car Hire Company See Using The DVLA Code?
When a hire company enters the check code into the verification portal, they will be able to view a driver’s:
- Name and date of birth
- Driving licence number
- Classes of vehicles the person is entitled to drive
- Endorsements or penalty points on the licence
- Disqualifications, if applicable
This process helps them ensure that the driver has the proper qualifications and meets the company’s safety and insurance policies.
Can I Rent A Car Without A DVLA Code?
Some car hire companies might only require a photocard driving licence or a pre-2000 paper licence to issue a vehicle. However, many others request a DVLA check code as part of their verification process.
Without the code, a rental agency may not be able to confirm the driver’s record. In such cases, the customer might face delays or be refused a vehicle. If the code is unavailable, some companies will attempt to verify the licence details verbally with the DVLA, but this depends on whether the driver gives permission in advance.
To avoid problems, it is best to check the rental company’s requirements before travelling and generate the code in advance.
How Long Is The DVLA Check Code Valid And How Many Times Can It Be Used?
The DVLA check code is valid for 21 days from the moment it is created. It can only be used once to protect the driver’s personal data.
Drivers are allowed to hold up to 15 active codes at any given time. This is useful for people hiring cars from different companies during a single trip or over a period of time. After use, the code becomes invalid and cannot be reused.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Get The DVLA Code Online?
In situations where internet access is not available or technical difficulties occur, drivers can still obtain the code by phone. By calling the DVLA, it is possible to request a check code over the phone after answering a few security questions to confirm identity.
The DVLA helpline for this service is 0300 083 0013. The process is straightforward, and the code provided by phone functions in the same way as one generated online.
How Can Car Rental Companies Verify A Driver’s Record?
Car rental companies have multiple methods to verify a driver’s record. The most commonly used method is the DVLA check code. However, companies can also ask customers to bring a printed version of their driving record or to contact the DVLA directly for a verbal check.
If a customer has not generated a code or brought a printout, the following steps are typically used:
- The customer calls the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 and gives verbal permission for their record to be accessed by the car hire company.
- The hire company then contacts DVLA on 0906 139 3837 to retrieve the driver’s details. This line charges a fee per minute, so it is typically considered a last resort.
What Are The Key Differences Between A Printout And A Check Code?
A printed driving summary and a DVLA check code serve the same purpose, but there are key differences between them.
| Feature | DVLA Check Code | Printed Summary |
| Validity Period | 21 days | Only valid at the time of printing |
| Number of Uses | Single use | Can be reused but may be outdated |
| Ease of Use | Digital and instant | Requires access to printer |
| Security | High – single use only | Less secure |
While both are accepted by most car hire companies, the code is generally preferred for its security and ease of access. A printout is a suitable backup in situations where internet access is unreliable or unavailable.
Is The DVLA Code System Used In Northern Ireland?
The DVLA code system applies to licences issued in England, Scotland, and Wales. It does not apply to licences issued by the Driver & Vehicle Agency in Northern Ireland.
If a driver holds a Northern Ireland licence, they should contact the rental company in advance to confirm what verification documents are required.
These companies may use different systems or ask for additional forms of identification depending on their internal policies.
How Secure Is The DVLA Code Sharing Process?
The DVLA code system is designed with user privacy and data security in mind. Each code is randomly generated and linked to the driver’s information only temporarily. The system ensures that:
- Codes are valid for 21 days only
- Each code can only be used once
- Only the person with the code can access the information
- The code does not grant access to sensitive personal data beyond driving details
The process complies with data protection regulations and prevents unauthorised access to personal records. For added security, codes can be generated directly from personal devices and are never stored permanently by third parties.
DVLA Contact Details For Licence Checks And Support
- Get a code by phone: 0300 083 0013
- Consent to share details verbally: 0300 790 6801
- Hire companies can call: 0906 139 3837 (51p/min)
What Are the Common Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A Car?
Hiring a car should be a straightforward process, but I’ve noticed that small oversights can lead to major inconveniences, delays, or even cancellations.
Whether I’m booking a vehicle for business or personal use, avoiding these common pitfalls helps ensure a smooth experience. Below are the key mistakes that many drivers make, along with how to avoid them.
1. Not Generating The DVLA Code In Advance
One of the most common issues is arriving at the car rental desk without a valid DVLA check code. Many people are unaware that rental companies require this code to verify their driving licence details. Without it, the company may not allow the hire to go ahead, or I might have to wait while they try to reach the DVLA.
Tip: Always generate the DVLA check code at least 24 hours before your collection time and store it safely, either on paper or digitally.
2. Assuming Your Photocard Licence Is Enough
While the photocard provides basic identification and driving entitlements, it does not display penalty points or disqualifications. Many drivers think it alone is sufficient, but most companies want to see the full driving record.
Tip: Don’t rely on your photocard alone. Even if your licence looks valid, the company may still require a DVLA code or printed driving summary.
3. Bringing An Expired DVLA Code
The DVLA check code expires after 21 days and is valid for a single use only. Some drivers reuse old codes or bring one generated weeks ago, unaware it has expired. This leads to last-minute panic or re-verification on the spot.
Tip: Always check the expiry date of the code before heading to the rental desk. If in doubt, create a new code as it only takes a few minutes online.
4. Not Checking The Rental Company’s Specific Requirements
Different car hire companies have varying policies. Some accept printed summaries, others insist on digital DVLA codes. Location also plays a role; some airport-based offices have different verification procedures than city branches.
Tip: Contact the rental company directly before your hire date. Ask what documentation is required and whether they need the DVLA code or a printout.
5. Forgetting To Bring Required Documents
Even with a valid DVLA code, forgetting to bring your physical photocard licence can halt the rental process. Similarly, not having a credit card in the driver’s name, or valid ID, can also result in a booking being declined.
Tip: Pack a checklist of documents, including your photocard licence, DVLA code or printout, ID, proof of address (if needed), and credit card. Keep them together in your travel folder or phone wallet.
Conclucion
As someone who regularly hires vehicles, I’ve learned that sorting out my DVLA code for car hire beforehand saves time, stress, and potential rejection at the hire desk. It’s a simple but essential part of ensuring a smooth car rental experience in the UK.
FAQs
What Happens If I Forget To Bring My DVLA Code To The Car Hire Desk?
You might be refused the hire or face delays while the company tries to verify your driving record by calling the DVLA directly.
Is The DVLA Check Code The Same As My Driving Licence Number?
No, the check code is a temporary, one-time-use code generated to share your licence information securely.
Can I Reuse The Same DVLA Code For Multiple Hire Companies?
No. Each code is valid for one use only. You’ll need to generate a new code for each company.
Do All Car Hire Companies In The UK Require The DVLA Code?
Not all, but most major companies do. Always check their specific requirements ahead of time.
Is The DVLA Check Code Required For International Driving?
No, it’s specific to the UK. For driving abroad, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed instead.
What Devices Can I Use To Access The View Driving Licence Service?
You can use any internet-enabled device, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Does Having Penalty Points Affect My Ability To Hire A Vehicle?
It depends on the hire company’s policy. Some accept a limited number of points, while others may refuse drivers with any endorsements.
