Are Paper Driving Licences Still Valid?

The UK driving licence system is there to make sure drivers are properly trained and understand the rules of the road. Most people now have a photocard license, but some still use an older paper version.

There are two main types of licences. A provisional licence is for learners, and it lets them take lessons and practice before their test. A full driving licence is issued once they pass both the theory and practical exams.

But what about the paper licence? Are paper driving licences still valid today? Let’s find out.

Transition to Photocard Driving Licences

In 1998, the DVLA replaced the old paper driving licence with a plastic photocard and a paper counterpart, which was used to record penalty points.

By 2015, the paper counterpart was scrapped and replaced with an online system. A major reason for this change was how often people lost them — around 445,000 went missing in 2014 alone. Because each replacement cost £20, that added up to nearly £9 million in fees that year. It was clear the paper counterpart had run its course.

Do I Need to Exchange My Paper Driving Licence for a Photocard?

You don’t need to replace your paper driving licence with a photocard, except in certain situations.

• If your paper licence was issued before March 31, 2000, it’s still valid. However, if you change your name or address, you’ll need to update it.
• Since the DVLA no longer issues paper licences, any changes mean you’ll receive a photo card instead. The same applies if your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged. You’ll need a replacement, and that replacement will be a photo card.
• When you turn 70, you must renew your licence. At that point, the DVLA will replace your paper licence with a photo card. However, as long as your details stay the same, you can continue using your paper licence until you reach 70.

Abolition of the Paper Driving Licence Counterpart

When the paper counterpart of the driving licence was scrapped, the goal was to cut down on paperwork and move everything online. From then on, details like penalty points and endorsements were recorded digitally. This made them easily accessible to both drivers and authorities like the police.

You could still use your licence to prove your identity, so there was no need to worry. Even so, many drivers were left wondering whether their photocard licence was enough now that the paper counterpart was gone.

Are Paper Driving Licences Still Valid in 2025?

Some paper driving licences are still valid, but not all of them. Paper driving licences issued before March 31, 2000, can still be used if all your details are still correct. This remains the case until you turn 70. When that time comes, you’ll need to renew it, and the DVLA will send you a photocard licence for free. By 2033, all licences will need to be plastic.

If you need a new licence sooner — because it’s lost, damaged, or your details have changed — you can apply for a replacement through the government website. It costs £20, and delivery usually takes three to four weeks.

The good news is that as long as you’re legally and medically fit to drive, and your application isn’t more than a year old, you can still drive while waiting for your new photocard to arrive.

Penalty Points and Endorsements

Since June 2015, penalty points and endorsements have no longer been recorded on paper driving licences.

Instead, all offence details are stored online. If you need to check your driving record, see which vehicles you can drive, or prove your licence is valid, for example, when renting a car, you can do it through the DVLA’s online portal. This only applies to licences issued in:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales

How to Check Your Driving Licence Details

The View Driving Licence service is a quick and free way to check your details. You can see which vehicles you’re allowed to drive and whether you have any penalty points, all without needing a paper counterpart.

Confirming Your Driving Record for an Employer or When Hiring a Vehicle

If an employer or car rental company needs to check your driving history, the Share Driving Licence service makes it easy. You can:

• Create a licence summary
• Print it
• Share it online for free

If you prefer to do it over the phone, you can give the DVLA permission to confirm your details directly to an employer or rental company.

Checking Driving Records Without the Paper Counterpart

Employers and rental companies can use the Share Driving Licence service to check a driver’s record. With the driver’s consent, this free tool gives secure access to licence details.

Why Was the Paper Driving Licence Counterpart Abolished?

The decision to remove the paper counterpart was part of the government’s effort to cut unnecessary paperwork in road transport. It also aligned with the DVLA’s plan to simplify its services and make things more efficient for drivers.

Paper Driving Licences in Northern Ireland

The licensing changes introduced in Britain in 2015 didn’t apply to Northern Ireland. There, driving licences still come in two parts — a photocard and a paper counterpart. Unlike in Britain, the counterpart is still an important document and should be kept safe.

However, as in Great Britain, older paper-only licences issued before photocards were introduced are still valid.

Updates to HR and Employment Policies

Now that the paper counterpart is no longer used, employers should update their HR policies and employee handbooks to reflect this change. If a job requires driving, having a valid licence should be a clear part of the contract. To stay compliant and guarantee safety, HR teams should carry out regular licence checks using the DVLA’s Share Driving Licence service.

Company car policies should also be updated to include electronic licence verification to make the process easier and more reliable.

Carplus: Your Partner in Navigating Driving Licence Transitions

If you’re moving from a paper to a photocard licence, Carplus is here to help. We offer car finance options, even for those with a provisional licence, and make sure you meet DVLA requirements. With expert guidance and flexible financial solutions, Carplus makes the process simple and stress-free, and you’ll now have everything you need to stay on the road and drive with confidence.

Should I Exchange My Paper Licence for a Photocard?

There’s really no reason not to switch.

Paper driving licences are still valid in the UK, but photocards have mostly replaced them because they’re more secure and convenient. Since the paper counterpart was removed in 2015, all licence details are now kept online. The only minor drawback is that photocard licences must be renewed every ten years. But don’t worry, because the DVLA will remind you when it’s time.

This shift to digital records is part of a bigger move to modernise government services. Some drivers may still hold onto their old paper licences out of habit, but photocards offer better security and easier access for the driving licence holder and the police.