What this means for you

Paper driving licence holders (those issued before 1998)

If you only have a paper licence it will remain valid and should not be destroyed.

You will be issued with a photocard licence, the next time you need to update your name or address or renew your licence.

Penalty points (endorsements)

From June 8, these will no longer be shown on driving licences.

The information will be held on the DVLA’s driver record.

You can check this by contacting the DVLA online or by phone or post

Organisations/businesses that check driving licence counterpart

Later this year a new DVLA digital enquiry service will be launched to allow organisations – such as employers and car hire companies – to view information that is currently on the paper licence.

Driving licence information via these services will only be made available to those who have a right to see it, and with the knowledge of the driving licence holder.

Why is the paper licence being abolished?

It is part of a DVLA plan to simplify its services and as part of a government scheme to cut red tape.

It was introduced in 1998 as part of the photocard driving licence to display information that could not be included on the photocard. This includes provisional driving entitlement categories and current endorsements/penalty points.