The date for the death of the counterpart licence has been set
Drivers will no longer need a paper driving licence counterpart under new changes being brought in this year.
As from the 8th June 2015 the DVLA will no longer issue the paper D740 counterpart to the photocard Driving Licence. This means that from the 8th June, existing counterparts will no longer be valid.
This is part of a major “red tape” removal policy by the Government as it continues with its drive to digitise motoring records, saving an estimated £8 million. Drivers will now be able to check their details online using the DVLA’s “View Driving Licence Service” which was launched in 2014: https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence. For the minority who are unable to access the internet, it will be possible to check their records over the telephone or by making a postal enquiry.
Whilst holders of photocard licences can destroy their paper counterparts on 8th June 2015, holders of the old style paper only driving licence (issued before the photo card was introduced in 1998) should retain them as they will remain their valid licence. However their paper licence will no longer be used as an up to date record of their endorsements (points etc).
When holders of paper only style licences come to update their name, address or renew their driving licence they will be issued with a photocard only licence. Driving licences must be renewed every ten years, and there is currently a fee of £14 or £17 in place depending on whether the licence is renewed online or via the post. A person will be issued with a photocard licence when updating their name or address details free of charge.
For more information about these changes, or to discuss any Motoring Law issue, including representation for any Motoring Offence, feel free to contact Forster Dean Solicitors on 0333 323 1830.
Co-authored by Paige Redman and Expert Motoring Lawyer Alison Ashworth of Forster Dean Solicitors.