What a DVLA driving licence printout is and when you need one

A DVLA driving licence printout is a paper copy of your current driving licence record from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. It shows your name, address, licence number, categories you can drive, and any restrictions or endorsements on your record. You cannot use it to drive — only your photocard (the plastic card itself) or a paper licence issued before 1998 is valid for driving.

You might need a printout to show an employer, insurance company, or court what your licence says without handing over your actual photocard. Some employers ask for it during hiring. Insurance companies sometimes request it to verify your driving history. You may also need one if you're involved in a dispute about what your licence shows.

The printout comes from the DVLA's online service and is free. It takes a few minutes to request and arrives by post within five working days. You can also request one by phone or by post if you do not have internet access.

Key Takeaways

  • A DVLA driving licence printout is a paper record of your licence details, not a replacement for your photocard, and cannot be used for driving.
  • You can request a printout online through the DVLA website using your licence number, postcode, and National Insurance number — it costs nothing.
  • The printout arrives by post within five working days of your request.
  • If you do not have internet access, you can request a printout by phone on 0300 790 6801 or by post using form DL44.
  • The printout shows your current licence status, categories, restrictions, and any penalty points or endorsements.

How to request a printout online

Go to the DVLA website and select "View or print your driving licence information". You will need your photocard licence number (the 16-character code on the front), your postcode, and your National Insurance number. The online tool will ask you to confirm these details and then generate your printout.

Once you have entered your information, the DVLA will post the printout to the address on your licence. You do not pay anything. The document arrives within five working days, though it often comes faster. You will receive one printout per request — if you need multiple copies, you can request again.

Keep the printout in a safe place. It is a record of what your licence showed on the date you requested it. If your licence details change later (for example, if you get penalty points), a new printout will reflect those changes.

Requesting a printout by phone or post

If you do not have internet access or prefer to request by phone, call the DVLA on 0300 790 6801. The line is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and Saturday, 8am to 4pm. Tell them you want a printout of your driving licence. Have your licence number, postcode, and National Insurance number ready. They will post it to you at no cost.

To request by post, fill in form DL44 (process for a replacement photocard driving licence) — even though you are not replacing your licence, this form is used for licence-related requests. Send it to the DVLA address shown on the form with a cheque or postal order for £20 if you are replacing a lost or damaged licence, but write "printout only" on the form and do not include payment if you are only requesting a printout. The DVLA will clarify what you owe when they receive it.

Requests by post take longer than online or phone requests — allow two to three weeks. If you are in a hurry, the online route or phone call is faster.

What information appears on the printout

The printout shows your full name, date of birth, address, and licence number. It lists every category of vehicle you are allowed to drive (for example, category B for cars, or category C1 for medium-sized lorries). It also shows the date your licence expires and any restrictions that explore to you — for instance, if you need to wear glasses or if you can only drive automatic vehicles.

If you have penalty points or endorsements on your record, they appear on the printout with the date they were added and the date they will be removed. This is often what employers or insurance companies want to see — they need proof of your current points total and what offences led to them.

The printout does not show your photograph or signature. It is a text record only. If someone needs to see your actual licence, you will have to show them your photocard.

When employers or insurers ask for a printout

Some employers ask new hires to provide a DVLA printout as part of background checks, especially for jobs involving driving. Insurance companies sometimes request one to verify your licence status and penalty points before they quote you a premium. Courts or legal representatives may ask for one if you are disputing a driving offence or involved in a motoring case.

In each case, the printout serves as official proof of what your licence record shows on that date. It is more formal than a screenshot or a photocopy of your card. If the organisation asking for it does not specify a date, a recent printout (within the last month or two) is usually acceptable. If they need one from a specific date in the past, you cannot get that — you can only request a current printout.

What to do if your details on the printout are wrong

If the printout shows incorrect information — for example, the wrong address, missing categories, or penalty points you do not believe you have — contact the DVLA before sharing it with an employer or insurer. Call 0300 790 6801 or visit the DVLA website to report the error. They will investigate and correct your record if the information is genuinely wrong.

Do not send a printout with errors to an employer or insurance company. It may cause them to reject your process or quote, and correcting it later is more difficult than getting it right the first time. If the DVLA confirms the information is correct but you disagree, you can appeal through the DVLA's formal dispute process, though this takes longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a printout instead of my photocard to drive?

No. A printout is not a valid driving document. Only your photocard or a paper licence issued before 1998 allows you to drive. A printout is for showing your licence information to employers, insurers, or other organisations — it cannot be used on the road.

How long does a printout stay valid?

A printout is a snapshot of your licence record on the date you requested it. It does not expire, but if your licence details change (penalty points are added, your address changes, or your licence is renewed), the printout will no longer reflect your current record. Request a new one if you need an up-to-date version.

What if I have lost my photocard and need a printout?

You can still request a printout online or by phone using your licence number, postcode, and National Insurance number. The printout will be posted to your address on file. However, you should also report your lost photocard to the DVLA and request a replacement card — a printout alone is not a valid driving document.

Do I need to pay for a printout?

No. Requesting a printout through the DVLA website, by phone, or by post costs nothing. If you are also replacing a lost or damaged photocard at the same time, that replacement costs £20, but the printout itself is free.

Can I request a printout for someone else?

No. Only the licence holder can request a printout of their own record. You will need your own licence number, postcode, and National Insurance number to request one. If someone else needs your licence information, you must request the printout yourself and share it with them.