From 8th June 2015 the paper counterpart of the photocard driving licence will no longer be issued by the DVLA. The decision to abolish the counterpart is as a result of the government’s ‘Red Tape Challenge’ consultation on road transportation.
The counterpart was introduced in 1998 because the photocard could not display information about endorsements/penalty points or provisional driving entitlement categories.
When the DVLA stops issuing the counterpart you can destroy yours, but you will still need to keep your current photocard driving licence. Paper driving licences, i.e. those issued before 1998, will remain valid but, from 8th June 2015, endorsements/penalty points will no longer be recorded on them.
The next time you need to update your name, address or renew your licence, only a photocard licence will be issued.
Information about endorsements/penalty points and driver entitlements will be held at DVLA and can be checked online, by phone or post. DVLA is developing a new digital enquiry service for organisations and businesses (e.g. car hire and employers) who need real-time access to the information contained on the paper counterpart; this will require the permission and knowledge of the driving licence holder.