DVLA updates drivers as changes made to vital documents access

The DVLA has announced a change to its services with a new update set to simplify the way drivers access their vital documents and carry out some admin tasks.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the governmental body shared the news:"You can now view your driving licence and vehicle information in one place! Set up your Driver and vehicles account on http://GOV.UK today. It's free, quick and secure: "

By creating a driver and vehicles account on Gov.UK, drivers are given the convenience of having lots of information about their driving licence and vehicle in one place, streamlining processes like renewing their driving licence or dealing with vehicle tax.

The following tasks can be carried out on the new page:

• view your driving record, for example vehicles you can drive
• check your penalty points or disqualifications
• add and view details of your vehicles - including when the MOT expires
• check the tax rates for your vehicles
• set up vehicle tax reminders by email and SMS - if you pay tax every 6 or 12 months
• choose to stop getting vehicle tax reminders by post
• renew your photocard driving licence
• view a photo of your driving licence (you'll need a valid photocard driving licence)
• create a licence 'check code' to share your driving record with someone, for example a car hire company
• view your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and tachograph information, if you have these

Motorists who want to use this service will either need to have a driving licence issued in England, Scotland or Wales. or a vehicle log book (V5C) in their name in order to register.

This development comes ahead of the introduction of digital driving licences in the summer of 2025. Using the Gov.UK wallet, motorists will have the ability to digitally store essential documents, such as their driving licence, on their smartphones, meaning they can prove their identity and buy age-restricted products, without needing to carry their physical card.

In a joint statement, several government agencies announced: "The GOV.UK Wallet will allow users to securely store government-issued documents on their phone and use them easily when needed."

"The technology will make use of security features that are built into modern smart phones, including facial recognition checks similar to those used when people pay using a digital bank card. It means that digital documents will be more secure, even if a device is lost."

Science Secretary Peter Kyle praised the new system: "For people who choose to use GOV.UK Wallet, they will find it easier to prove they're entitled to benefits or check their age when buying alcohol or DIY equipment, with more security and trust than ever before."

He added: "Crucially, it also opens huge opportunities to make interacting with public services much easier by putting people in control of their own data."

Gov.UK Wallet is set to arrive on iOS and Android platforms later this year.