Licence check code’s lifespan extended from 72 hours to 21 days

Monday, July 13, 2015 - 16:00
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The DVLA has extended the validity period of the check code generated for motorists to share their driving licence details – making it easier for customers to arrive prepared for their car rental pick-up.

The one-use code is now active for 21 days, unlike the previous validity of 72 hours, which meant that motorists had to visit the View Driving Licence website and generate a code less than three days before they intended to hire a car.

“We’re pleased that the DVLA has listened to industry feedback that the code lifespan was too short,” said Gerry Keaney, Chief Executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association.

“This common sense approach will reduce queues at rental desks and give millions of renters more time to plan and arrive prepared ahead of their journey.”

On 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence was abolished. Motorists can now view up-to-date driving licence information using the DVLA’s View Driving Licence website, which includes a Share My Licence service that generates a code enabling car hire companies and other third-parties to check for any endorsements.

Old-style paper licences (issued until 1998) are still valid but they won’t be updated with penalty points.

Although it has welcomed the extended code lifespan, the BVRLA is still calling on the DVLA to make other changes that would benefit consumers:

“We think that the DVLA should extend the opening hours of its call centre, because not all renters have access to the internet,” said Keaney.

“The agency should also waive the cost of the premium line telephone service that is used to check endorsements when motorists turn up without a code.

“Finally, we think that the DVLA can make it easier for people to access the View Driving Licence website by being more flexible on the ID required. For example, most travellers would find it easier to provide a passport number than a National Insurance number.”

1 Comments

  1. Would this code be accepted by overseas car hire companys?
    Was on holiday in Canads as forgot my licence. Hire company would not accept the faxed stamped copy
    sent by DVLA to me in Canada.