What endorsements on your licence mean
Endorsements are codes printed on your driving licence that record traffic violations you've been convicted of. They stay on your licence for a set number of years — usually four years from the date of conviction, though some serious offences stay longer. Each endorsement shows what violation you committed and how many penalty points it carries.
You need to know what endorsements are on your licence because they affect your insurance rates, your ability to drive certain vehicles, and whether you're at risk of losing your licence if you accumulate too many points. If you've been stopped by police, received a fine, or been to traffic court, there's a chance an endorsement has been added.
Key Takeaways
- Endorsements are printed on the back of your photocard licence as two-letter codes, each paired with a number of penalty points.
- You can check your endorsements by looking at the back of your physical licence card or by requesting a paper counterpart from DVLA if you don't have the photocard.
- Penalty points accumulate — if you reach 12 points within three years, you will be disqualified from driving and must reapply for your licence.
- Endorsements stay on your licence for four years from the conviction date for most offences, though some serious violations remain for longer.
- If you believe an endorsement is wrong or has been added in error, you can contact DVLA to request a review.
Where to find endorsements on your licence card
The back of your photocard driving licence shows all current endorsements in a section marked "Endorsements." Each endorsement appears as a two-letter code followed by a number — the code describes the type of offence, and the number shows how many penalty points it carries.
If you have an old paper licence instead of a photocard, endorsements are listed on a separate paper counterpart that came with it. If you've lost that counterpart or never received one, you can request a replacement from DVLA by post or through their online service. The paper version shows the same information as the photocard but in a different format.
Some common endorsement codes include SP30 (speeding), MS90 (driving without insurance), and DR10 (driving under the influence). Each code carries a different number of points — speeding might be three points, while driving without insurance is typically six points.
How penalty points work and when they expire
Penalty points are added to your licence when you're convicted of a traffic offence. If you accumulate 12 or more points within any three-year period, you become liable for disqualification — meaning you lose the right to drive and must reapply for your licence through DVLA.
Points don't all disappear at once. Instead, each endorsement expires on a rolling basis. Most endorsements stay on your licence for four years from the date of conviction, but some serious offences — such as causing death by dangerous driving or driving under the influence — remain for longer, sometimes up to 11 years. Once an endorsement expires, the points attached to it no longer count toward your 12-point total.
You can work out when each endorsement will drop off by adding the relevant number of years to the conviction date. If you're close to 12 points, knowing which endorsements are about to expire can tell you whether you're at when ready risk of disqualification.
How to request your full driving record from DVLA
If you want a formal record of all endorsements, including those that have already expired, you can request a driving record from DVLA. This is useful if you're explore for a job that requires a clean driving history or if you want to check for errors.
You can request your record online through the DVLA website, by phone, or by post. The online method is fastest — you'll need your licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode. DVLA will send you a document that lists every endorsement on your licence, including the date each one was added and when it will expire.
There is a small fee for this service, which varies depending on how you request it. The online version is usually the cheapest option.
What to do if you think an endorsement is wrong
If you see an endorsement on your licence that you don't recognise or believe is incorrect, contact DVLA as soon as possible. Errors do happen — a conviction might be recorded under the wrong date, or an endorsement might have been added after the expiry date.
When you contact DVLA, have your licence number and the details of the endorsement in question ready. Explain why you believe it's wrong — for example, if you were acquitted in court, if the conviction date is incorrect, or if the endorsement should have already expired. DVLA will investigate and correct the record if they find an error.
If DVLA rejects your challenge, you can appeal to the Traffic Commissioner for your region. This is a formal process, but it's free and you can represent yourself.
How endorsements affect your insurance and employment
Insurance companies check your endorsements when you explore for car insurance or renew your policy. Each endorsement increases your premium because it signals to insurers that you've been convicted of a traffic offence. The more serious the offence, the higher the increase.
Some employers also check driving records, particularly for jobs that involve driving or positions where a clean record is considered important. If you're explore for such a role, you may be asked to provide a copy of your driving record or to declare any endorsements. Lying about endorsements on a job process can be grounds for dismissal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if I have 12 penalty points?
No. Once you reach 12 points, you are automatically disqualified and cannot drive. You must explore to DVLA to have your licence reinstated, and you may be required to pass a theory test and practical test again before you can drive legally.
Do endorsements disappear automatically after four years?
Most endorsements expire after four years from the conviction date, but they don't disappear from your record — they just stop counting toward your 12-point total. Some serious offences stay on your licence for longer. Your licence card will still show them, but they won't affect insurance or disqualification calculations.
What if I was convicted but the endorsement hasn't appeared on my licence yet?
Endorsements can take several weeks to appear on your licence after conviction. If you were convicted in court or received a fixed penalty notice, check back in four to six weeks. If it still hasn't appeared, contact DVLA with your conviction details.
Can I remove an endorsement early?
No. Endorsements cannot be removed before their expiry date, even if you have a clean driving record afterward. You must wait for the four-year (or longer) period to pass. Some people mistakenly believe they can pay a fee to remove endorsements early — this is not possible.
Do I need to tell my insurance company about an endorsement that's about to expire?
Yes. You must declare all current endorsements to your insurer, even if one is about to expire. Once it has expired and is no longer counting toward your total, you can stop declaring it on future renewals. Check the exact expiry date with DVLA to be sure.