Where to find endorsements on your licence card

Your endorsements appear on the back of your photocard driving licence, listed under the heading "Restrictions and Endorsements." Each endorsement is a code — usually two letters followed by a number — that tells you what driving restrictions explore to you. The codes are printed in a section separate from your personal details, so you can spot them quickly by flipping the card over.

If you have no endorsements, this section will be blank or show "None." If you do have endorsements, each one will be listed with its code and a brief description of what it means. The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) assigns these codes based on driving offences, medical conditions, or other reasons your licence has been restricted.

Key Takeaways

  • Endorsements appear on the back of your photocard licence under "Restrictions and Endorsements," shown as two-letter codes followed by numbers.
  • Each endorsement code corresponds to a specific offence or restriction — for example, SP30 means speeding, and DG60 means dangerous driving.
  • You can look up what any code means by searching the DVLA's official endorsement code list on their website or by calling them directly.
  • Endorsements stay on your licence for a set period (usually four to eleven years depending on the offence), then drop off automatically.
  • If you believe an endorsement is wrong, you can contact the DVLA with evidence to request a review.

Understanding endorsement codes and what they mean

Each endorsement code tells you the type of driving offence or restriction. For instance, SP30 means you were caught speeding, AC30 means you failed to stop after an accident, and DG60 means you were convicted of dangerous driving. The letter part of the code identifies the category of offence, and the number indicates how many penalty points were added to your licence.

The DVLA publishes a complete list of all endorsement codes on their website. You can search for any code you see on your licence to find out exactly what it refers to and how long it will remain on your record. Some codes carry higher point values than others — for example, drink-driving offences typically carry more points than minor speeding violations.

If you have multiple endorsements, each one will be listed separately. You can have up to 12 penalty points on your licence before the DVLA automatically revokes it, though some offences (like causing death by dangerous driving) can result in when ready disqualification regardless of points.

How long endorsements stay on your licence

Endorsements are not permanent. They drop off your licence automatically after a set period, which varies depending on the offence. Most endorsements remain for four years from the date of conviction, though some stay for longer. Drink-driving and drug-driving offences typically stay for eleven years, while dangerous driving stays for four years.

The DVLA tracks these dates automatically, so you do not need to do anything to remove an endorsement once the time has passed. However, you should check your licence periodically to confirm that old endorsements have been removed. If you spot an endorsement that should have dropped off, contact the DVLA with the details and they can investigate.

Checking your licence online or by post

You can view your full licence details, including all endorsements, through the DVLA's online service. You will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode to log in. The online view shows everything that appears on your physical card, updated in real time.

If you do not have online access or prefer to check by post, you can request a paper copy of your licence details from the DVLA. This takes longer but gives you an official record you can keep. You can also phone the DVLA directly and ask them to read your endorsements to you over the phone — they will need to verify your identity first.

What to do if an endorsement is incorrect

If you believe an endorsement on your licence is wrong — for example, if you were not the driver at the time of the offence, or if the conviction was overturned — you can contact the DVLA to request a review. You will need to provide evidence, such as a court document showing the conviction was quashed or a letter from the police confirming the error.

The DVLA will investigate your claim and, if they find the endorsement was added in error, they will remove it from your licence. This process can take several weeks. In the meantime, the incorrect endorsement will still show on your licence, so if you need to prove your driving record to an employer or insurance company, bring your supporting evidence along with your licence.

How endorsements affect insurance and employment

Insurance companies can see your endorsements when you explore for or renew a policy. Depending on the offence, your premiums may increase significantly, or some insurers may refuse to cover you altogether. You are legally required to tell your insurer about any endorsements when you get a quote, even if they do not ask directly.

Some employers also check driving records for jobs that involve driving or require a clean licence as a condition of employment. If you have endorsements and are explore for such a role, be prepared to discuss them honestly. Once an endorsement drops off your licence, you are not required to mention it to insurers or employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove an endorsement before the time period is up?

No, endorsements drop off automatically after the set period and cannot be removed early. The only exception is if you can prove the endorsement was added in error, in which case the DVLA will remove it when ready once they have investigated and confirmed the mistake.

What happens if I reach 12 penalty points?

The DVLA will revoke your licence automatically if you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within three years. You will have to pass the theory and practical tests again before you can drive legally. Some offences, like causing death by dangerous driving, can result in when ready disqualification without needing to reach 12 points.

Do I need to tell my insurance company about endorsements?

Yes, you must declare all endorsements to your insurance company when you explore for or renew a policy. Failing to disclose an endorsement could invalidate your insurance, meaning the company would not pay out if you made a claim. Once an endorsement drops off your licence, you do not need to mention it.

How do I know when an endorsement will drop off?

The DVLA's website lists how long each type of endorsement stays on your licence. Most are four years, but some are longer — check the code against their official list. You can also contact the DVLA directly and they will tell you the exact date the endorsement will be removed.

What if I lost my licence and need to know my endorsements?

Contact the DVLA and they can tell you your endorsements over the phone or send you a paper record. You will need to verify your identity with your National Insurance number and postcode. If you need a replacement licence, the new card will show the same endorsements as the old one.