Guides for workers

How to share your DVLA check code with an employer

If you already hold a UK driving licence, here is how to create a check code at GOV.UK and share it with an employer, so they can view your licence details at the source.

What is a DVLA check code?

If you drive for work, an employer will often want to see your driving licence details before you start. Instead of handing over your licence, you can share a DVLA check code. This is a short code you create at GOV.UK that lets an employer view specific details from your driving record, such as the vehicle categories you can drive and any penalty points, for a limited time.

You already have a driving licence. This guide walks through creating the check code and sharing it, so an employer can look at your details directly on the official service.

How to create your DVLA check code at GOV.UK

DVLA check codes are created on the official GOV.UK service. iam-vetted is not the DVLA and does not issue check codes; the code always comes from GOV.UK.

Go to the GOV.UK service, View or share your driving licence information.
Sign in with your driving licence number, your National Insurance number, and your postcode.
Choose the option to share your licence. GOV.UK then creates a check code for you.
Make a note of your check code and the last 8 characters of your driving licence number. An employer needs both to view your details.

How long the code lasts

A DVLA check code lasts up to 21 days from the moment you create it, but it can only be used once. When an employer uses the code, it expires immediately, even if days remain. You generate a new code each time you need to share your licence (for a different employer, or after one has been used). You can have multiple active codes at once if needed.

How to share it with an employer

To share your details, give your employer two things: your check code and the last 8 characters of your driving licence number. Your employer enters these on the GOV.UK service, Check someone’s driving licence information, and views your details directly.

Because your employer views the details at GOV.UK, they see the information straight from the source. iam-vetted does not issue the code and does not take the place of GOV.UK; the check happens on the official service.

Keep your references in one place

Instead of starting over every time an employer asks, you can keep your DVLA, Right to Work and DBS reference details organised in one worker profile on iam-vetted, ready to share again.

Create your free profile

New to iam-vetted? See what a worker profile includes on the for workers page, or read the short explainer at iam-vetted.com/start.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a DVLA check code last?

A DVLA check code lasts up to 21 days from the moment you create it. It stops working once an employer has used it, or after 21 days, whichever comes first. When you need to share your licence again, you create a new code at GOV.UK.

Do I need to pay to share my licence?

No. Viewing and sharing your driving licence information at GOV.UK is free. Creating a worker profile on iam-vetted is free as well.

Can I reuse the same check code?

No. Each code can be used once. If you need to share your licence again, generate a new one at GOV.UK (it’s free).

Is iam-vetted the official DVLA service?

No. DVLA check codes are created at GOV.UK, and employers view your details there. iam-vetted is a separate service where you can keep your DVLA, Right to Work and DBS reference details organised in one worker profile to share with employers.

Organise your reference details once

Create a free worker profile and keep your DVLA, Right to Work and DBS reference details in one place to share with employers.

Create your free profile