Where to find endorsements on your licence card

Your endorsements appear on the back of your photocard driving licence, printed in a section labeled "Endorsements" or sometimes "Restrictions". The format varies slightly depending on which country issued your licence — England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all use the same DVLA photocard but may format the information slightly differently.

If you have an older paper licence (issued before 1998), endorsements are printed on the back in a similar section. The information is the same either way: a code number followed by a brief description of the offense or restriction.

Start by holding your licence so you can see the back clearly. Look for the section that lists codes and descriptions. Each endorsement will show a date — this is when the offense was recorded, not when it expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Endorsements appear on the back of your photocard or paper licence in a dedicated section, with each one shown as a code number plus a description.
  • Common endorsement codes include SP30 (speeding), MS90 (failure to stop after an accident), and DR10 (driving under the influence).
  • Most endorsements stay on your licence for four to eleven years depending on the offense, though some remain permanently.
  • You can request a replacement licence from the DVLA if you believe an endorsement is incorrect or if you want to check your record officially.

Understanding endorsement codes and what they mean

Each endorsement is shown as a two-letter code followed by a two-digit number. The letters indicate the category of offense, and the number provides more detail. For example, SP30 means "exceeding the speed limit" (SP = speed), while MS90 means "failure to stop after an accident" (MS = motor safety).

Common endorsement codes you might see include: SP10 (exceeding speed limit on a motorway), AC10 (careless driving), DR10 (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs), and IN10 (driving without insurance). The DVLA publishes a full list of codes, which you can find on the GOV.UK website if you need to look up a specific one.

Next to each code is a brief description in plain language, so you do not need to memorize what the letters mean. The description will say something like "Speeding" or "Driving without due care and attention".

How long endorsements stay on your licence

Most endorsements remain on your licence for a fixed period, after which they are removed automatically. The length of time depends on the type of offense. Speeding offenses (SP codes) typically stay for four years from the date of the offense. Careless driving (AC codes) usually stays for four years. Drink-driving offenses (DR codes) normally stay for eleven years.

Some endorsements are permanent or very long-lasting. If you were disqualified from driving, that disqualification period is recorded separately and does not follow the same removal timeline. Certain serious offenses may result in endorsements that stay on your record for longer than the standard periods.

The date shown next to each endorsement is the date the offense was recorded, not the date it will be removed. You can calculate the removal date yourself by adding the relevant number of years, but the DVLA will remove it automatically when the time comes — you do not need to do anything.

Checking your record through the DVLA

If you want an official confirmation of what is on your licence, or if you cannot read the endorsements clearly on your card, you can contact the DVLA directly. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and driving licence number (found on the front of your card).

The fastest way is to use the DVLA's online service at www.gov.uk/check-driving-licence. This service lets you view your licence details, including any endorsements, without waiting for a letter. You will need your National Insurance number and can set up a free account to check whenever you need to.

If you prefer to contact the DVLA by phone or post, you can find the current contact details on the GOV.UK website. Response times vary, but a postal inquiry typically takes two to three weeks.

What to do if an endorsement is wrong or missing

If you believe an endorsement on your licence is incorrect — for example, if it shows an offense you were acquitted of, or if the date is wrong — you can challenge it. Contact the DVLA with evidence of the error, such as a court document or letter from the police confirming the offense was dismissed.

If an endorsement is missing that you believe should be there, this is less common but can happen if the court has not yet sent the details to the DVLA. There is usually a delay of several weeks between a conviction and the endorsement appearing on your licence. If you were convicted and several months have passed, contact the DVLA to check whether the information has been received.

In either case, you will need to provide documentation. The DVLA will investigate and correct your record if an error is found. This process can take several weeks.

Requesting a replacement licence to see your endorsements clearly

If your licence card is damaged, faded, or difficult to read, you can request a replacement from the DVLA. The replacement will show the same endorsements as your current licence, but printed more clearly.

You can order a replacement online through the GOV.UK website, by post, or by phone. The online service is fastest — you will receive your new licence within one to two weeks. A postal process takes longer, usually three to four weeks. There is a small fee for a replacement licence (currently £20, though this may change).

A replacement licence is useful if you need to show your driving record to an employer, insurance company, or court, and you want to make sure the endorsements are legible.

How endorsements affect your insurance and employment

Insurance companies can see your endorsements when you explore for car insurance or renew your policy. Some endorsements will increase your premium, while others may make you ineligible for certain types of cover. Serious offenses like drink-driving will have a larger impact than minor speeding violations.

Some employers, particularly those in roles involving driving or working with vulnerable people, may ask to see your driving licence as part of a background check. They will be able to see your endorsements. The impact on employment depends on the role and the type of offense.

If you are unsure how a specific endorsement might affect your insurance or job prospects, contact your insurance provider or employer directly — they can tell you whether it will make a difference to your process or premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove an endorsement early from my licence?

No, endorsements cannot be removed before the set time period expires. Once the time period has passed (usually four to eleven years depending on the offense), the DVLA removes it automatically. You do not need to do anything or request removal.

Will an endorsement show up if I get a new licence in a different country?

If you move to another country and obtain a driving licence there, your UK endorsements will not automatically transfer. However, some countries do exchange driving records with the UK. If you are moving abroad, contact the driving authority in your new country to find out whether they will see your UK record.

Do penalty points and endorsements show the same thing?

No, they are different. Penalty points are added to your licence for minor offenses and are removed after a set period (usually three years). Endorsements are recorded for more serious offenses and stay longer. You can have both on your licence at the same time.

What happens if I get a new endorsement while one is still on my licence?

Multiple endorsements can appear on your licence at the same time. Each one has its own removal date based on when the offense was recorded. They are removed independently as their time periods expire.

How do I know if my endorsement has been removed?

Check your licence card — if the endorsement no longer appears on the back, it has been removed. You can also check online through the DVLA's licence checker service to confirm your current record.