The move should make life easier for motorists
The move should make life easier for motorists
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have announced changes to their platform, which will make it easier for driver to access their documents.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the government organisation announced: “You can now view your driving licence and vehicle information in one place! Set up your Driver and vehicles account on http://GOV.UK today. It’s free, quick and secure: http://gov.uk/dvla/account”
Opening a driver and vehicles account on Gov.UK allows motorists to view a wide range of important information in one place, and carry out necessary tasks such as driving licence renewals and sorting out vehicle tax.
The following tasks can be carried out on the new page:
- view your driving record, for example vehicles you can drive
- check your penalty points or disqualifications
- add and view details of your vehicles – including when the MOT expires
- check the tax rates for your vehicles
- set up vehicle tax reminders by email and SMS – if you pay tax every 6 or 12 months
- choose to stop getting vehicle tax reminders by post
- renew your photocard driving licence
- view a photo of your driving licence (you’ll need a valid photocard driving licence)
- create a licence ‘check code’ to share your driving record with someone, for example a car hire company
- view your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and tachograph information, if you have these
Motorists who want to use this service will either need to have a driving licence issued in England, Scotland or Wales. or a vehicle log book (V5C) in their name in order to register.
The move comes as the government prepares to launch digital driving licences in summer 2025. Motorists will be able to use a Gov.UK wallet, which will store important documents such as their driving licence on their smartphone, meaning drivers won’t need to carry their photocard. The digital card will also allow holders to verify their age when buying age-restricted products.
In a joint statement, the government agencies responsible for the changes said: “The GOV.UK Wallet will allow users to securely store government-issued documents on their phone and use them easily when needed.
“The technology will make use of security features that are built into modern smart phones, including facial recognition checks similar to those used when people pay using a digital bank card. It means that digital documents will be more secure, even if a device is lost.”
Science Secretary Peter Kyle added: “For people who choose to use GOV.UK Wallet, they will find it easier to prove they’re entitled to benefits or check their age when buying alcohol or DIY equipment, with more security and trust than ever before.
“Crucially, it also opens huge opportunities to make interacting with public services much easier by putting people in control of their own data.”
The Gov.UK will be available on iOS and Android later this year.