Plastic fantastic - piece of paper begone

Driving licence counterpart to be abolished

• Legislation

For all of you folks out there who have been wondering what that scrappy bit of paper which went with the driving licence photocard really was for in this day and age...well you don't need to think about it anymore it is destined for that great recycling bin in the sky. Yes it is to be no more, from 8th of June 2015 the counterpart licence will be obsolete and no longer be issued. One less bit of paper to worry about losing, giving you more peace of mind to enjoy your breakfast!

The D740 counterpart licence came in in 1998, as partner to the photocard driving licence.  Its function was to show information about the driver which couldn't be included on the photocard like current endorsements/penalty points etc. Now instead this information will be stored on the DVLA’s driver record and will be available to check online should it be necessary.
The DVLA is developing a new digital enquiry service which will let businesses (such as employers and car hire companies) see the information which was formerly held on the driving licence counterpart, online. This should be a confidential service though only available to people with legitimate access and with the knowledge of the driving licence holder.

In June when the DVLA stops issuing the driving licence counterpart you can destroy your existing paper one and just keep your Photocard driving licence. if you are one of those holders of the pre 1998 paper only licences you need to keep your paper one though of course, as these will still be valid as before. For pre 1998 paper licence holders though any future endorsements will be recorded online not written on your licence as before.
However the next time paper licence holders do need to update any information like a new address though, a photocard only licence will be issued.
It was inevitable really - plastic rules the world now,  time and tide and plastic wait for no man as somebody said...at least it will make the wallet and purse tidier and on that happy note Merry Christmas one and all !