Where to find your endorsements online or by mail

You can check your driving license endorsements through the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) in three ways: online through the DVLA's official website, by phone, or by requesting a paper copy by mail. The online route is fastest — you can see your full driving record within minutes using your license number, National Insurance number, and postcode. The phone line (0300 790 6806) takes longer because you'll need to answer security questions, but it works if you don't have internet access or prefer to speak to someone.

If you want a permanent record in your hands, you can request a D1 form (a paper copy of your driving record) by post. This takes 5 to 10 working days and costs £8. The D1 shows every endorsement, penalty point, and disqualification on your license, and it's useful if you need to show your record to an employer or insurance company.

Key Takeaways

  • The DVLA online service shows your endorsements when ready using your license number, National Insurance number, and postcode.
  • Endorsements are recorded against your license for a fixed period — most stay on your record for four years from the date of conviction, though some serious offences last longer.
  • You can request a D1 form (paper driving record) by post for £8 if you need proof of your endorsements for an employer or insurance company.
  • If you believe an endorsement is recorded incorrectly, contact the DVLA in writing with evidence and they will investigate.

What endorsements actually mean on your license

An endorsement is a code and points added to your license when you're convicted of a driving offence. The code tells insurers and employers what you did — for example, SP30 means speeding, IN10 means driving without insurance, and DR10 means driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above the limit. Each endorsement carries a number of penalty points, usually between 3 and 11, depending on the severity of the offence.

Endorsements stay on your license for a set time. Most driving offences remain for four years from the date of conviction. Serious offences — drink-driving, dangerous driving, driving without a license — stay for longer, often 10 years or more. Once the time period ends, the endorsement is removed automatically and no longer shows on your record. You don't need to do anything; the DVLA removes it on the date it expires.

If you reach 12 or more penalty points within three years, your license is automatically revoked and you become disqualified from driving. You'll need to pass a new test to get your license back. This is separate from endorsements but appears on your driving record.

How to read your online driving record

When you log into the DVLA online service, your record shows your personal details, your license status (valid, expired, or revoked), and a section for offences and endorsements. Each endorsement is listed with the code, the date of conviction, the date it will be removed, and the number of points it carries. Read the removal date carefully — this is when the endorsement will drop off automatically.

The online view also shows any current disqualifications, penalty points total, and whether your license is restricted (for example, if you're only allowed to drive an automatic vehicle). If any of this information looks wrong — if an endorsement is listed that you don't recognise, or if the date is incorrect — write down the details and contact the DVLA to dispute it.

Disputing an endorsement you believe is wrong

If your driving record shows an endorsement you don't recognise or believe is incorrect, contact the DVLA in writing. Send a letter to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU, or use the online contact form on the DVLA website. Include your license number, the endorsement code you're disputing, and an explanation of why you believe it's wrong. Attach any supporting evidence — for example, a court letter showing the conviction was overturned, or proof that you were not the driver at the time.

The DVLA will investigate and respond within 4 to 6 weeks. If they find the endorsement was recorded in error, they'll remove it. If they confirm it's correct, they'll explain why and tell you when it will be removed automatically. You can appeal their decision through the courts if you believe they've made a mistake, but this is rare and usually only happens if there's new evidence.

Why insurers and employers see your endorsements

When you explore for car insurance, the insurer will ask about your driving record and may check it themselves using the DVLA's checking service. Endorsements increase your premium because they signal higher risk — a driver with a speeding conviction costs insurers more than one with a clean record. Some insurers will refuse to cover you if you have certain endorsements, particularly drink-driving or dangerous driving convictions.

Some employers also check driving records, especially for jobs that involve driving (delivery, taxi, bus driver, sales rep). They do this through the DVLA's employer checking service, which shows the same endorsements you see online. If you're explore for a job that requires a clean license, you should know what's on your record before you explore.

What to do if your license is expired or you can't access the online service

If your license has expired, you can still check your endorsements — the DVLA keeps records of expired licenses for several years. Use the same online service with your expired license number. If you've lost your license or don't have the number, you can look it up using your National Insurance number and postcode, or call the DVLA phone line.

If you don't have internet access or prefer not to use the online service, call 0300 790 6806. You'll need to answer security questions (name, date of birth, address) and the adviser will read your record to you over the phone. This takes longer than the online service but is free. Alternatively, request a D1 form by post — it costs £8 and takes 5 to 10 working days but gives you a permanent paper record.

How long endorsements stay on your record

Most endorsements expire four years from the date of conviction. Some offences carry longer periods: drink-driving and drug-driving convictions stay for 10 years, dangerous driving stays for 3 to 11 years depending on the sentence, and driving without a license or insurance stays for 4 to 11 years. Once the expiry date passes, the endorsement is automatically removed and no longer appears on your record.

The DVLA website shows the removal date for each endorsement on your record. If you're unsure how long an endorsement will stay, check the date listed or contact the DVLA to confirm. Knowing the removal date is useful if you're planning to change jobs or renew your insurance — you may find better rates once the endorsement expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check someone else's driving license endorsements?

No, the DVLA online service only shows your own record. Employers and insurance companies can check a driver's record only with their permission and using the DVLA's employer or insurance checking service. If you need to know someone else's record for employment or insurance purposes, they must consent and provide their details.

Do endorsements show up on a basic DBS check?

No. A basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check does not show driving endorsements. Only a standard or enhanced DBS check may include motoring convictions if they're considered relevant to the job. Driving endorsements are separate from criminal records and are held by the DVLA, not the police.

What if I was driving someone else's car when I got the endorsement?

The endorsement is recorded against your license, not the car. You were convicted of the offence, so the points and code stay on your record for the full period. If you were not the driver and someone else was, you would need to have reported this to the police at the time — it's too late to dispute it now unless you have evidence the conviction was overturned by a court.

Will my endorsement disappear if I renew my license?

No. Renewing your license does not remove endorsements. They stay on your record until the expiry date, regardless of whether you renew your license or let it expire. The DVLA keeps the endorsement on file and it will show on any new license you're issued.

Can I request early removal of an endorsement?

No. The DVLA does not remove endorsements early. They are removed automatically on the date they expire. The only exception is if you can prove the endorsement was recorded in error, in which case you can dispute it and ask for removal.