What are DVLA check codes?

DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) check codes are time sensitive codes provided through the GOV.uk website. They first came about in 2015 when the green paper counterpart to the DVLA driving license was made obsolete. The DVLA check codes now perform the same function this document used to, along with other functions that are important for renting a car or van. Continue reading for all relevant information on what DVLA check codes are and what they are used for.

Why do I need a DVLA check code?

By using a DVLA check code, you can gain access to the DVLA database. This is necessary when you need to view information that relates to your driving license, including:

Any penalty points or disqualifications you have.
Which vehicles you are able to drive, along with other information on your driving record.

A DVLA check code can also be essential to renting a car or vehicle, as it allows the holder of a driving license to share your driving record with third parties. Many vehicle dealerships will request to view your license information so they can perform standard background checks before approving the rental.To do this, send the code along with the last eight characters of your driving license number to the party.

How to get DVLA check codes

A DVLA check code is easily accessible through the Gov.uk website. To get access to a code, follow this step-by-step process:

Click the green ‘Start now’ button.
Find your DVLA driving license and enter your license number, National Insurance number, and the postcode listed on the license.
After entering this information, you should immediately be taken to a page containing a summary of the details of your records.
Find the tab labelled ‘Get a Code’ and click the green button.
A code should appear on screen, which you can then use to share your driving record with whoever you choose.

The code should appear as a sequence of 8 characters in groups of two. There will be a mixture of numbers and letters of both higher and lower case. Each code can only be used once and is valid for 21 days. However, individuals can have up to 15 different codes active at any one time. Rental dealerships often ask for a code at the point of enquiry and then again just before the rental period is due to start. This is so they can view the most up-to-date version of an individual’s driving record.

Experts in car and van rental services

At Croxdale, we want your vehicle hire experience to go as smoothly as possible. As such, a member of our friendly team is always on hand to receive DVLA check codes for both short and long term car rental. Having been in the industry for more than 55 years, Croxdale car and van rental has always kept up with the latest developments in government legislation to keep our customers informed. Contact us today if you’re unclear about what we need to check when providing vehicle hiring solutions.

Whatever your question or feedback we are here to help.
So please feel free to contact us.

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Company Info

A167 Croxdale Durham County Durham DH6 5HS

Head Office: Croxdale Service Station LTD A167 Croxdale Durham County Durham DH6 5HS

Reg. Company Number: 913346

VAT Reg. No. GB176008861

Financial Disclosure

Croxdale Service Station Limited is an Appointed Representative of Automotive Compliance Ltd, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 497010).

Automotive Compliance Ltd’s permissions as a Principal Firm allows Croxdale Service Station Limited to act as a credit broker, not as a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of lenders.

We can introduce you to a selected panel of lenders, which includes manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent. An introduction to a lender does not amount to independent financial advice and we act as their agent for this introduction. Our approach is to introduce you first to the manufacturer lender linked directly to the particular franchise you are purchasing your vehicle from, who are usually able to offer the best available package for you, taking into account both interest rates and other contributions. If they are unable to make you an offer of finance, we then seek to introduce you to whichever of the other lenders on our panel is able to make the next best offer of finance for you. Our aim is to secure the best deal you are eligible for from our panel of lenders. Lenders will pay a fixed commission to us for introducing you to them, calculated by reference to the vehicle model or amount you borrow. Different lenders may pay different commissions for such introductions, and manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent may also provide preferential rates to us for the funding of our vehicle stock and also provide financial support for our training and marketing. But any such amounts they and other lenders pay us will not affect the amounts you pay under your finance agreement, all of which are set by the lender concerned. If you ask us what the amount of commission is, we will tell you in good time before the Finance agreement is executed. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18’s or over. Guarantees may be required.