DVLA extends car hire 'check code' validity

Motoring and Travel

Updated on 13 July 2015 | 5 Comments

Drivers hiring a car abroad will now have three weeks instead of three days to share their driving licence details with car hire firms.

Motorists heading abroad this summer are being given more time to use their car hire 'check code', following criticism of the DVLA's current three-day window.

Now they have 21 days to share their code with their chosen car hire company.

The DVLA has received numerous complaints from drivers that the previous 72-hour period wasn’t long enough.

It will be reviewed again in three months’ time after further feedback. Drivers in Northern Ireland are unaffected.

Why do I need a code?

Paper driving licences were abolished last month, meaning they don’t hold any legal status anymore. As a result, extra data like points and fines are now kept online.

So if you need to share your driver record, for example when hiring a car, you'll need to generate a 'check code'.

How do I get a code?

You can request a code through the new online Share Driving Licence service or by phoning the DVLA on 0300 083 0013.

You’ll need the driving licence number found on your photocard (or paper licence for pre-1998 holders), National Insurance number and the postcode on your driving licence.

As paper licences were only abolished recently, the AA is warning that foreign companies may not be aware of the changes, so keep all of your bases covered.

It’s worth noting that you’ll be able to download a PDF of your licence and take it with you, just in case you need to verify any information on your licence. You’ll still need a check code, though.

If you can’t get a code for whatever reason, you can give permission for the car hire firm to ring the DVLA to check you details over the phone, but this will cost you extra in international call charges and extra service costs so you should only do this if you really have to.

Get the right car insurance for you with loveMONEY

More on motoring:

The most popular cars of 2015

Supermarkets cut the cost of diesel

How to pick a car insurance policy

Driving in Europe: what you need to know

Comments

Be the first to comment

Do you want to comment on this article? You need to be signed in for this feature

Copyright © lovemoney.com All rights reserved.

 

loveMONEY.com Financial Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with Firm Reference Number (FRN): 479153.

loveMONEY.com is a company registered in England & Wales (Company Number: 7406028) with its registered address at First Floor Ridgeland House, 15 Carfax, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1DY, United Kingdom. loveMONEY.com Limited operates under the trading name of loveMONEY.com Financial Services Limited. We operate as a credit broker for consumer credit and do not lend directly. Our company maintains relationships with various affiliates and lenders, which we may promote within our editorial content in emails and on featured partner pages through affiliate links. Please note, that we may receive commission payments from some of the product and service providers featured on our website. In line with Consumer Duty regulations, we assess our partners to ensure they offer fair value, are transparent, and cater to the needs of all customers, including vulnerable groups. We continuously review our practices to ensure compliance with these standards. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy and currency of our editorial content, users should independently verify information with their chosen product or service provider. This can be done by reviewing the product landing page information and the terms and conditions associated with the product. If you are uncertain whether a product is suitable, we strongly recommend seeking advice from a regulated independent financial advisor before applying for the products.