UK Driving Licence Certified Copy – Same-Day Remote UK Solicitor Certification

Need a UK driving licence certified copy for a bank, company, lawyer, employer, KYC check or overseas authority?

Ginkgo Advisory provides an express remote UK solicitor service for certified copies of British driving licences.

We can assist with the current GBR-FO-11002 UK Driving Licence, the post-Brexit photocard driving licence first issued in December 2021.

Our remote verification process can include clear copies of both sides of the licence, video inspection of the original physical photocard and, where appropriate, verification of the driver’s details using an official driving licence check code.

Same-day service is available where all required evidence is received and the solicitor is satisfied that the copy can properly be certified.

UK Driving Licence Certification for GBR-FO-11002

The GBR-FO-11002 is an ordinary UK driving licence.

Its official title is:

DRIVING LICENCE

This version was first issued on 9 December 2021.

It is the post-Brexit monolingual English photocard design. It does not display the EU flag and instead incorporates the UK national flag.

Key details include:

• Issuing country: United Kingdom
• Country code: GBR
• Document category: Driving licence
• Document type: Ordinary document
• Document reference: GBR-FO-11002
• First issued: 9 December 2021
• Construction: Card
• Size: approximately 86 × 54 mm
• Maximum validity: 10 years
• Language: English
• EU flag: Not present
• UK national flag: Present
• Variable laser image: Present beneath the photograph

The licence incorporates several physical and optically variable security features that can assist when examining the original card.

What Does UK Driving Licence Certification Mean?

A certified copy of a driving licence is a copy that a solicitor has checked against the original physical document.

The solicitor then adds appropriate certification wording to the copy.

For example, the certification may state that the document is a:

true copy of the original document seen

However, the exact wording can depend on the organisation receiving the certified copy.

A solicitor-certified driving licence copy will normally include:

• the solicitor’s signature;
• date of certification;
• solicitor’s full name;
• professional status;
• firm or business details; and
• appropriate certification wording.

Before certification, you should tell us who requires the document and why it is needed.

Banks, lawyers, financial institutions, employers and overseas authorities can have different requirements.

Remote UK Driving Licence Certification

You may not need to visit a solicitor’s office to obtain a certified copy of your UK driving licence.

In suitable cases, the process can be completed remotely.

We may combine several forms of evidence so that the solicitor can assess both the original driving licence and the person presenting it.

1. Send a Clear Copy of the Front and Back

First, send us a clear colour scan or high-quality photograph of both sides of your driving licence.

The complete card should be visible.

The front should clearly show relevant information such as:

• your photograph;
• full name;
• date of birth;
• driving licence number;
• issue date;
• expiry date; and
• issuing authority information.

The reverse should also be provided so that the licence categories, codes and other printed information can be examined.

2. Provide a Short Video

We may ask you to provide a short video showing:

• your face;
• the original physical driving licence;
• the front of the licence;
• the back of the licence;
• your photograph on the licence; and
• the card being moved and tilted under the light.

This gives the solicitor more information than a static photograph alone.

Movement of the original licence can be particularly useful because the GBR-FO-11002 contains optically variable security features whose appearance changes according to the viewing angle.

3. Provide a Driving Licence Check Code

For driving licences issued in England, Wales or Scotland, we may also ask you to provide a DVLA driving licence check code.

The official DVLA service allows a driver to share information from their driving record.

This can provide an additional independent source of information to support the remote verification process.

The driving record can include information such as:

• vehicles the person is entitled to drive;
• penalty points;
• disqualifications; and
• licence validity information.

The check code is generated by the licence holder and can then be provided to us for the authorised check.

This does not replace solicitor certification.

Instead, it provides additional evidence that can be compared with the physical photocard and the information shown during the video verification.

Why We Use Video and DVLA Verification

A scanned driving licence can show the information printed on the card.

However, a scan alone does not necessarily demonstrate that the customer currently possesses the original physical licence.

For that reason, our remote process can combine:

front and back licence copy + original licence video + licence holder’s face + security feature inspection + DVLA driving record check

This gives the solicitor several sources of information before deciding whether the copy can properly be certified.

The exact checks required can vary according to the circumstances.

No NFC Passport Chip Scan Is Required

The verification process for a UK driving licence is different from the process used for a biometric passport.

For a biometric passport, an NFC-enabled smartphone may be used to read information stored electronically on the passport chip.

For the GBR-FO-11002 driving licence, our remote process instead focuses on:

• inspection of the original physical photocard;
• front and back copies;
• video evidence;
• visible and optically variable security features; and
• official driving record information where available.

Therefore, you do not need to carry out a passport-style NFC chip scan for this driving licence certification process.

Security Features of the GBR-FO-11002 UK Driving Licence

The GBR-FO-11002 driving licence incorporates numerous physical and optical security features.

These features make the document more difficult to reproduce or alter and can assist when assessing the original licence.

Black-and-White Facial Image

The main photograph on the front of the licence is a black-and-white facial image.

This forms one of the principal identity features of the photocard.

When carrying out a remote verification, the solicitor can compare the person shown in the video with the facial image displayed on the licence.

Secondary Ghost Image

The licence also contains a secondary facial image, commonly described as a ghost image.

This provides an additional representation of the licence holder.

Multiple facial images make unauthorised alteration of the document more difficult and provide another point of comparison during document examination.

Variable Laser Image

One of the important security elements on the front of the GBR-FO-11002 is a variable laser image, or CLI/MLI feature.

This feature is positioned beneath the main photograph.

Its appearance changes as the card is viewed or tilted from different angles.

For this reason, we may ask you to slowly tilt the original driving licence during the verification video.

A flat scanned image cannot demonstrate this type of optical behaviour as effectively as a moving original card.

Optically Variable Devices

The front of the licence contains several optically variable devices, or OVDs.

These are security elements designed to display different effects depending on lighting and viewing angle.

The GBR-FO-11002 includes multiple OVD features on the identity side of the card.

These provide additional security against simple photographic or printed reproduction.

Embossed Security Features

The licence also uses embossed optical security elements.

Embossing creates physical surface characteristics in the document rather than relying solely on printed information.

These features provide another layer of document security.

Embossing is present on both the front and reverse of the GBR-FO-11002.

Partially Tactile Biodata

Some of the personal information on the licence is partially tactile.

This means that certain biodata has a physical surface characteristic that can be felt on the original document.

A digital scan cannot reproduce this physical characteristic.

This is another reason why examination of the original physical card is important.

UV Security Features

Both sides of the driving licence contain security features intended to be viewed under ultraviolet light.

The official document specification identifies UV features using 365 nm ultraviolet light.

These specialist features form part of the overall security design of the licence.

They may not be visible under ordinary lighting.

Optically Variable Ink

The reverse of the GBR-FO-11002 also contains optically variable ink, or OVI.

Optically variable ink changes appearance according to the angle from which it is viewed.

This provides another anti-counterfeiting feature.

Movement of the original licence during a video can therefore provide useful information that is not available from a simple photocopy.

Front and Back Verification

Unlike a passport, where the identity information is primarily concentrated on the biodata page, a driving licence contains important information and security features on both sides of the card.

For that reason, we normally require copies of both the recto and verso.

We may also ask you to show both sides of the original licence during the verification video.

This allows comparison of:

• identity information;
• photographs;
• document number;
• issue and expiry information;
• driving categories;
• licence codes;
• optical security elements; and
• the overall construction of the card.

DVLA Driving Licence Check Code Verification

For a driving licence issued in England, Wales or Scotland, the licence holder can use the official GOV.UK service to generate a driving licence check code.

The code allows authorised access to certain information held on the driver’s DVLA record.

Where appropriate, we may ask for:

• the driving licence check code; and
• the relevant characters from your driving licence number.

The check can provide an additional comparison with the physical document presented to the solicitor.

A DVLA check is particularly useful in remote cases because it provides an official source of information separate from the photograph or scan supplied by the customer.

However, a DVLA check does not itself constitute certification.

The solicitor considers it together with the other evidence available.

Same-Day UK Driving Licence Certified Copy Service

Ginkgo Advisory provides an express same-day UK driving licence certification service.

Customers may require a certified driving licence urgently for:

• KYC checks;
• AML checks;
• banks;
• financial institutions;
• investment accounts;
• proof of identity;
• proof of address;
• company formation;
• corporate compliance;
• Companies House matters;
• property transactions;
• mortgage applications;
• employment;
• professional registration;
• university administration;
• legal matters;
• powers of attorney;
• inheritance matters;
• probate matters; and
• overseas applications.

To maximise the possibility of same-day completion, please provide all requested information and evidence as early as possible.

Same-day completion remains subject to successful verification.

The solicitor must be satisfied that the copy can properly be certified.

UK Driving Licence Certification in London and Across the UK

Our remote service means that you may not need to attend a solicitor’s office.

We can assist customers throughout the UK, including:

London, City of London, Westminster, Kensington, Chelsea, Hammersmith, Fulham, Richmond, Putney, Wimbledon, Kingston upon Thames, Ealing, Hounslow, Croydon, Surrey, Reading, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Southampton and elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

Customers outside London can generally follow the same remote verification process.

UK Driving Licence Certification for Clients Overseas

You may also need a certified copy of your UK driving licence while living or working outside the United Kingdom.

For example, a certified driving licence may be required for:

• overseas banking;
• foreign KYC procedures;
• company registration;
• property transactions;
• employment;
• immigration administration;
• foreign lawyers;
• identity verification; or
• another overseas authority.

Depending on the recipient’s requirements, remote UK solicitor certification may be suitable.

Please tell us:

• where you currently live;
• who requires the certified copy;
• the destination country;
• why the document is required; and
• whether specific certification wording has been requested.

We can then consider the appropriate certification process.

UK Driving Licence Certified Copy for Overseas Use

Many organisations accept a certified copy signed by a UK solicitor.

However, requirements vary between countries and organisations.

An overseas recipient may instead require:

• notarisation;
• an apostille;
• embassy legalisation;
• verification of the driver’s record; or
• particular certification wording.

Please tell us the destination country and intended purpose before certification.

This can help avoid unnecessary repeat certification.

Certified Copy, Notarisation and Apostille: What Is the Difference?

These are different procedures.

Solicitor-Certified Driving Licence Copy

A solicitor examines the original driving licence and certifies that the copy corresponds with the document presented.

This is commonly required for banking, KYC, AML, corporate and legal purposes.

Notarised Driving Licence Copy

A Notary Public carries out the certification.

Certain overseas authorities specifically require notarisation rather than solicitor certification.

If the recipient asks for a notarised driving licence, you should not assume that ordinary solicitor certification will satisfy the requirement.

Apostille

An apostille is a separate legalisation procedure.

Where appropriate, it authenticates the signature or professional capacity of the person who signed the certified document.

If the recipient requires an apostille, please tell us before certification so that the appropriate certification and legalisation route can be considered.

What We Need for UK Driving Licence Certification

For a typical remote application, we may request the following.

Clear Front Copy

Send a clear colour scan or photograph of the entire front of your driving licence.

Clear Back Copy

Send a clear colour scan or photograph of the complete reverse side.

Short Video

Show your face together with the original physical driving licence.

Front and Back of Original Licence

Show both sides of the original card clearly during the video.

Tilt the Licence Under the Light

Move and tilt the photocard as requested so that relevant optical characteristics can be viewed.

Driving Licence Check Code

For eligible licences issued in England, Wales or Scotland, we may ask you to generate and provide an official DVLA driving licence check code.

Additional Evidence

The solicitor may request further evidence if any part of the document or verification requires clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GBR-FO-11002?

GBR-FO-11002 is the document reference for a current post-Brexit UK photocard driving licence design.

It is an English-language licence without the EU flag and incorporates the UK national flag.

When was GBR-FO-11002 first issued?

The document was first issued on 9 December 2021.

Can a UK solicitor certify a UK driving licence?

Yes.

A UK solicitor can certify a copy of a driving licence where the receiving organisation accepts solicitor certification and the solicitor is satisfied with the verification process.

Can you certify GBR-FO-11002?

Yes.

We can assess a GBR-FO-11002 UK driving licence for remote solicitor certification.

Can I get my UK driving licence certified online?

In suitable cases, yes.

Our remote process can use clear copies of the licence, video inspection of the original card and official driving record information where appropriate.

Do I need to visit a solicitor’s office?

Usually not for a suitable remote case.

The verification process can generally be completed remotely.

Do I need to post my original driving licence?

Usually not.

Instead, we can ask you to show the original physical driving licence during the video verification process.

Do I need to send both sides of my driving licence?

Yes.

We normally require clear colour copies of both the front and back because important information and security features appear on both sides.

Why do you ask me to tilt the driving licence?

The GBR-FO-11002 contains optically variable security features.

Their appearance can change as the card is tilted or viewed from different angles.

Showing the original licence moving under the light therefore provides information that cannot be obtained from a flat scanned copy.

Do I need an NFC scan?

No passport-style NFC chip scan is normally required for this driving licence verification process.

Instead, we use physical document inspection, video verification and, where appropriate, an official driving licence record check.

What is a driving licence check code?

A driving licence check code allows a licence holder to share information from their official driving record with another person or organisation.

For licences issued in England, Wales or Scotland, the code can be generated through the official GOV.UK driving licence service.

Why do you request a DVLA check code?

The check provides an additional official source of information that can be compared with the physical driving licence.

It can therefore support the solicitor’s remote assessment.

Is a DVLA check the same as certification?

No.

The DVLA check provides supporting information.

The solicitor makes the final professional decision about whether the copy can properly be certified.

Can you provide same-day driving licence certification?

Yes.

We provide an express same-day UK driving licence certification service, subject to successful verification and receipt of all required evidence.

Can you email the certified copy?

Where the receiving organisation accepts an electronic copy, a scan of the completed certified document can normally be provided by email.

If the recipient requires the original wet-ink certified copy, a physical document may also be required.

Can I use the certified copy overseas?

Possibly.

Some overseas recipients accept UK solicitor certification, while others require notarisation, an apostille or further legalisation.

Always check the receiving organisation’s requirements.

Is a solicitor-certified driving licence the same as a notarised copy?

No.

Solicitor certification and notarisation are different procedures.

If the recipient specifically asks for a Notary Public, solicitor certification may not be sufficient.

Express UK Driving Licence Certification by UK Solicitor

Ginkgo Advisory provides a fast remote service for customers who need a UK driving licence certified copy.

Our service can include:

• certified copy of UK driving licence;
• GBR-FO-11002 driving licence certification;
• British driving licence certification;
• UK photocard driving licence certification;
• remote UK solicitor certification;
• same-day driving licence certification;
• video driving licence verification;
• front and back licence verification;
• DVLA driving licence checks;
• driving licence check code verification;
• identity verification;
• certified driving licence for KYC;
• certified driving licence for AML;
• certified driving licence for banks;
• certified driving licence for company purposes; and
• certified UK driving licence for UK or overseas use.

If you need a UK driving licence certified copy, send us clear copies of both sides of your licence and tell us who requires the certification, the destination country and the intended purpose.

We can then confirm the appropriate verification and certification process.