Updates and advice to motorists on abolition of the counterpart to the photocard driving licence

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.

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 

From 8 June 2015 penalty points 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 by 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.

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.

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 services.