Is the paper driving licence obsolete?

This morning I was identifying myself at a bank and offered my paper driving licence. However the bank official told me that paper licences ceased to be valid "a few months ago". Is this correct? If so why did DVLA not notify all paper licence holders with details of how to convert to the plastic photo bearing licences?

Asked on 1 October 2016 by John Pickering, Epsom, Surrey

Answered by Honest John
Paper licences are still valid for driving, but not as a form of identification because they do not show your photo. Good idea to swap to a photocard: www.gov.uk/exchange-paper-driving-licence/
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