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Press Release: 23 March 2009

New DVLA Service Puts Post Office At Technology Cutting Edge

The Post Office has signed a five-year contract with DVLA that will allow drivers to renew their photocard driving licences using new, world-class technology, it was announced today.

The enhanced service means that from next spring, selected Post Office branches will have a dedicated counter position where drivers renewing the photograph on their ten-year licence will have their paperwork scanned into a computer, the driver’s picture will be taken, an electronic signature captured and the data sent immediately by secure electronic link to DVLA. DVLA will then check the application and post a new photocard licence to the driver.

Alan Cook, the Post Office’s Managing Director, said: “We will be the first Post Office in the world to use groundbreaking technology for document and identity verification technology in this way and it puts us in a strong place to use the trusted Post Office brand, our unrivalled network and our experienced staff to bid for other major Government contracts.”

The new DVLA agreement follows the key decision by the Government in November to renew the Post Office Card Account contract, retaining business crucial for the future of many branches. The Secretary of State for Business and Enterprise, Lord Mandelson, has also indicated the Government’s wish to see more Government business transacted in Post Office branches.

The new technology will be installed in up to 750 Post Office branches around the country. Initially, the new technology in selected branches will be used for ten-year photocard renewal but it may be extended to include other driver transactions.

The Post Office also announced today that Cogent, a company specialising in the supply of high security identification technology, has been awarded a contract to supply and install the new equipment to be used for the enhanced DVLA service.

Mr Cook said: “We are putting a huge effort into equipping Post Office branches with a high-technology capability to handle transactions where strong proof of identity is needed.

“This new service supports DVLA’s objectives to reduce paper, increase security and provide improved customer service. We’re delighted at the signing of the contract, as it will mean new work and new revenue for the Post Office – and it is great news for drivers as it offers them a faster and more convenient service while providing better value-for-money for DVLA.”

Noel Shanahan, DVLA chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with the Post Office to provide this more convenient service to drivers across the country, making it easier for them to renew their photocard driving licence.

“This new arrangement builds on our excellent existing relationship with the Post Office which already supplies a range of DVLA services within local communities.”

Issued by Post Office Ltd

Notes to Editors

1. The Post Office already provides a range of services for Government departments involving the verification of documents and the customer’s identity. These include:

• a “Check and Send” service for the Identity and Passport Service whereby passport applicants can have their application forms checked by a Post Office clerk to avoid the risk of errors and delays,
• a “Check and Send” service for applicants for the European Health and Insurance Card (EHIC) issued by the Department of Health,
• the DVLA Premier Check & Send service for driving licence applications.

2. Other services on behalf of Government departments and agencies can also be obtained at Post Office branches, including vehicle tax discs and Rod and Game licences.

3. The Post Office will act as a data handler for the DVLA under the new service to be provided but at no time will personal data be held or retained by the Post Office.

4. The Post Office offers more than 170 products and services to its customers. These include travel services, banking services, bill payments, telecoms products, mail services, gift vouchers, lottery products and licence applications.

It is the biggest cash handler in the UK, the largest provider of foreign currency and the largest independent travel insurer in the UK, issuing more than one million policies each year.

The Post Office is committed to free access to cash and now has more than 1900 fee-free ATMs installed in its network. Current account customers of 12 UK banks can access their cash free at branches – a service covering more than 60 per cent of UK debit cardholders. A further five banks across seven brands also allow basic bank account holders to access cash at branches. More than £306 million is withdrawn, free of charge, over Post Office counters every year.

In 2004, the Post Office linked up with the Bank of Ireland in a joint venture to offer a wider range of financial services including savings, insurance and lending. Post Office Financial Services now has almost two million customers, making it one of the fastest growing financial services providers in the UK.

Products offered through the joint venture include savings, insurance (car, motor, home, van, pet and motorcycle), credit cards, mortgages, personal loans, life insurance, over 50s funeral cover and income protection (Lifestyle Protection).