How to Share Your Driving Licence Record (DVLA Check Code)

To hire a vehicle with Salford Van Hire, UK licence holders must let us view their DVLA driving record (endorsements, categories, validity). The paper counterpart was abolished in June 2015, so this is now done using a DVLA check code.

Why we need it

• Insurance compliance: Our insurers require us to verify your entitlement and endorsements before release.
• Faster collection: Pre-sharing your code or bringing a printed summary speeds up your booking.
• Accuracy & safety: Confirms you’re eligible for the vehicle class you’re hiring (e.g., C1 for 7.5T).

What you’ll need

• Your driving licence number
• Your National Insurance number
• The postcode on your driving licence

Do this before you arrive (recommended)

DVLA availability can be limited at weekends. Please complete these steps before Friday if you’re hiring over a weekend.

Step-by-step: Get and share your DVLA code (FREE)

1. Go to: www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence
2. Identify yourself using your licence number, NI number, and postcode.
3. Click “Share your driving record” → “Get a code.”
4. You’ll get a case-sensitive check code (valid 21 days, single-use).
5. Click “Print or save a driver summary.”
6. Share it with us:
   • Best: Bring the printed Driver Summary to collection.
   • Or email the code/summary to the relevant depot (Manchester/Leeds) ahead of time.
   • Or bring the code on your phone—we’ll verify it at the desk.

Tip: If you can’t print, save as PDF or screenshot the summary and bring it with you.

Phone option (if you can’t get online)

Call 0300 083 0013 (DVLA).
Hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–19:00, Sat 08:00–14:00.
Choose the “Online Application” option to obtain a verification code.

Additional drivers

Every additional driver must attend in person and provide:

• Their driving licence
• A DVLA check code or printed Driver Summary
• Required proofs of address (see our Requirements page)

Non-UK licence holders

DVLA codes apply to Great Britain licences only. If you have a non-UK licence:

• Bring your licence, passport, and (if applicable) an International Driving Permit
• Two documents showing your home address abroad (recent)
• UK stay details (e.g., hotel booking / family member attending with ID & address)
• Return travel evidence
• Payment must be on the hirer’s own credit card

(Note: Northern Ireland licences (DVA) still use the plastic photocard and paper counterpart.)

Quick checklist (bring this on the day)

• ✅ Photocard driving licence
• ✅ DVLA check code (valid, unused) or printed Driver Summary
• ✅ Two recent proofs of address (UK residents, dated within 6–8 weeks)
• ✅ Payment card (hirer’s own; some vehicles require credit card)
• ✅ Any additional drivers with their own documents and codes

Troubleshooting

• Code expired or already used? Generate a new one at the DVLA link.
• No printer? Save the summary as a PDF or screenshot.
• Moved recently? Bring proof of your new address as well.
• Name/postcode mismatch? Use the details exactly as they appear on your licence.

Need help?
Manchester (Vans & LGV): 0161 833 0771 · rentaldesk@salfordvanhire.net
Manchester (Cars & 9 seaters): 0161 833 9311 · cardepot@salfordvanhire.net
Leeds (Vans, Cars & LGV): 0113 244 1531 · svh.leeds@salfordvanhire.net