On 8th June paper is scrapped as records move online
The counterpart was introduced to display driving licence details that could not be included on the photocard such as vehicle categories you can drive and any endorsement/penalty points you have.
But from 8 June, any new penalty points you get will be recorded electronically, and will not be printed or written on either photocard licences or paper driving licences.
What do you need to do?
Drivers with both parts need to keep the photocard and destroy the paper counterpart after 8 June.
Motorists with a paper only licence (issued before the photocard was introduced in 1998) should not destroy them as they will still be vali.
The next time you update your personal details or renew your licence, you will be issued with a photocard only.
Entitlements, penalty points and the status of your driving licence won't change
Checking your driving record
In 2014 the DVLA launched their free, 24-hour View Driving Licence service which allows you to check what vehicles you can drive and any endorsements (penalty points) you may have.
Hiring a car abroad
If you're planning on hiring a car after 8 June, you'll need to familiarise yourself with the new procedure. Before heading off you'll need to download a special code to take to the hire desk in lieu of the paper counterpart licence.
To get the code, you'll need to log onto the DVLA's website and click on the 'share your licence information' button, doing so will generate a unique code.
However, the code will only be valid for 72 hours, so if you plan on hiring a car midway through your trip you'll need to generate the code while abroad.
May 27, 2015