What a DVLA driving licence printout is and when you need one
A DVLA driving licence printout is a paper copy of your current driving licence details from the UK Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. It shows your name, address, licence number, categories you can drive, and any restrictions or endorsements. You cannot use a printout as a replacement for your physical photocard — it is a record document only.
You might need a printout to show an employer, insurance company, or car rental firm that you hold a valid licence while your photocard is being replaced, or to keep a copy of your licence details for your own records. Some employers ask for it during onboarding. Insurance companies sometimes request it to verify your driving history before issuing a quote.
The printout is not a legal driving document. You must carry your physical photocard when you drive. A printout alone will not satisfy a police officer who stops you on the road.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a DVLA driving licence printout online through the official DVLA website using your licence number and postcode.
- The printout shows your current licence details but cannot be used as proof of identity or as a replacement for your physical photocard when driving.
- Processing takes around 5 to 10 working days from the date you request it, and the document is sent by post to your registered address.
- You can request a printout even if your photocard is still valid, lost, or being replaced.
- There is no charge for requesting a DVLA driving licence printout.
How to request a printout through the DVLA online service
Go to the official DVLA website and look for the "View your driving licence information" service. You will need your driving licence number (the 16-character code on your photocard) and your postcode. Enter these details and follow the prompts to view your current licence record.
Once you have accessed your licence information online, you can print the page directly from your browser. This gives you an when ready digital record. However, if you need an official printed document sent to you by post, you must use the separate "Request a driving licence printout" service on the DVLA website instead. This is different from straightforward printing your online record yourself.
When you request an official printout through the DVLA service, provide your full name, date of birth, and current address as it appears on your licence. Double-check these details before submitting, as the printout will be sent to the address you provide. If you have moved house recently and your licence has not been updated, tell the DVLA your new address first.
What information appears on your printout
Your DVLA driving licence printout will show your full name, date of birth, address, driving licence number, the date your licence was issued, and the date it expires. It will also list every vehicle category you are authorised to drive — for example, category B for cars, or category C1 for medium-sized lorries.
The printout includes any endorsements (penalty points from traffic offences) and any restrictions (conditions that explore to your driving, such as wearing corrective lenses or an automatic transmission only). If you have had your licence revoked or suspended in the past, this may also appear on the record.
The printout does not include your photograph, signature, or the security features of your physical photocard. It is a text-based record only.
Timing and how the printout reaches you
Once you submit your request through the DVLA online service, processing usually takes 5 to 10 working days. The DVLA will print your document and post it to your registered address by standard mail. You should receive it within 2 to 3 weeks from the date you request it, though this can vary depending on postal delays.
If you need the printout urgently, printing your own copy from the online "View your driving licence information" service is faster — you can do this when ready. This self-printed version is not an official DVLA document, but many employers and organisations will accept it as proof that you hold a valid licence.
Keep your printout in a safe place once it arrives. If it gets lost or damaged, you can request another one at no cost.
When a printout is not enough
A DVLA driving licence printout cannot be used as proof of identity for purposes like opening a bank account, explore for a mortgage, or proving your right to work. For these purposes, you need your physical photocard or a separate form of identification such as a passport.
You also cannot use a printout as your driving document when you are behind the wheel. UK law requires you to carry your photocard driving licence at all times when driving. If you are stopped by police and can only show a printout, you may be asked to produce your photocard within 7 days or face a penalty.
If your photocard has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you must order a replacement photocard from the DVLA rather than relying on a printout. A replacement photocard usually arrives within 3 weeks.
Requesting a printout if your licence is suspended or revoked
If your driving licence has been suspended or revoked — for example, due to a driving ban or medical reasons — you can still request a printout. The printout will show your current status and the reason for the suspension or revocation. This can be useful if you need to show an employer or organisation that you held a valid licence before the suspension took effect.
However, a printout does not restore your right to drive. You cannot use it to drive on the road. If your licence has been suspended, you must wait until the suspension period ends before you can drive again. If it has been revoked, you will need to reapply for a new licence and may have to pass a test or meet other conditions set by the DVLA.
Printouts for learner permits and provisional licences
If you hold a provisional driving licence (a learner permit), you can also request a printout through the same DVLA online service. The printout will show that you are a learner and list the vehicle categories you are learning to drive. It will also show any restrictions — for example, that you must be supervised by a may have access to driver.
A provisional licence printout is useful if you need to show a driving school or employer that you are a registered learner. Like a full licence printout, it cannot be used as your driving document on the road — you must carry your physical provisional photocard when learning to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print my own copy of my licence details instead of requesting an official DVLA printout?
Yes. If you log into the "View your driving licence information" service on the DVLA website, you can print the page yourself when ready. This is not an official DVLA document, but most employers and organisations will accept it as proof that you hold a valid licence. An official DVLA printout sent by post takes 5 to 10 working days but carries the DVLA's authority.
Is there a cost to request a DVLA driving licence printout?
No. Requesting a DVLA driving licence printout is free. You do not pay a fee to the DVLA for this service.
Can I use a printout to prove I can drive if I have lost my photocard?
No. A printout is not a legal driving document. If you are stopped by police and cannot show your physical photocard, you may be given 7 days to produce it or face a penalty. You should order a replacement photocard from the DVLA instead.
What do I do if the information on my printout is wrong?
Contact the DVLA directly to report the error. Do not rely on a printout with incorrect information. The DVLA can update your licence record, and you can request a new printout once the correction has been made. Errors might include your name, address, or driving categories.
Can I request a printout if my address has changed but I have not updated my licence yet?
You should update your address with the DVLA before requesting a printout. The printout will be sent to the address you provide in your request, so if you give your new address, make sure it is registered with the DVLA first to avoid confusion. You can update your address online through the DVLA website.