DVLA warns drivers over change to way they carry their driving licence
The DVLA is rolling out a big driving licence change in 2025 - and it can benefit motorists who have a mobile phone. The DVLA has announced that digital driving licences could be introduced in the UK by the end of 2025.
It means motorists may be able to hire a car with just their phone. In their 2024/25 Business Plan, the DVLA announced plans to roll out a new digital service that could be used for short-term vehicle usage, such as car rentals.
They explained: "This year, we will introduce a new 'Share my licence' service through the account. This will allow customers to generate a share code, which can be used for a variety of purposes including to confirm licence information for car hire companies."
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In a blog post, the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA) said: "A digital driving licence is not currently valid in the UK. One cannot be presented solely as a proof of somebody’s driving entitlement. There is nothing within the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic at Annexes 6 or 7 about the validity of a digital permit, nor is there anything within other pertinent legislation."
The DVLA said: "During the year, we will also begin development of a new online service which will enable vocational drivers to apply to renew their licence online through our Driver and vehicles account." It added, through the account, customers can now view their driving licence information and the tax and MOT status of their vehicles in one place for the first time.
Motorists can receive digital reminders for their vehicle tax and opt out of paper reminders. They can apply for their first driving licence or renew their 10-year driving licence. Drivers can choose for us to use their passport photo that the DVLA can collect instantly, or upload their own photo and signature.