What a Back Driver License ID Is and Why You Might Need One

A back driver license ID is a second form of identification issued by your state that uses the back of a standard driver's license card

Your driver's license has two sides. The front shows your photo, name, address, and license number. The back is blank on most licenses — but some states print a second ID number there, called a back driver license ID or back ID number. This number is separate from your main license number and serves as an additional form of identification in certain situations.

Not every state uses back driver license IDs, and the ones that do use them differently. Some states print a second ID number on the back for administrative tracking. Others use the back for a completely different purpose, like a state ID number that works alongside your driver's license. Understanding what your state does — and whether you have one — matters if you need to provide identification for banking, employment, or government services.

Key Takeaways

A back driver license ID is an additional identification number printed on the reverse side of your driver's license card, though not all states issue one.
Back IDs are typically used for state administrative purposes, banking, or employment verification rather than for driving-related transactions.
You do not request a back driver license ID separately — it is printed automatically when your state issues or renews your license if your state uses them.
If you need to know your back ID number, check the back of your physical license card or contact your state's DMV directly.

Which states issue back driver license IDs

Back driver license IDs are not universal. The states that use them, and how they use them, varies. Some states print a second identification number on the back of the card for their own record-keeping systems. Other states use the back for a state ID number that is distinct from the driver's license number itself.

Your state's DMV website or handbook will tell you whether your license has a back ID and what it is used for. If you are unsure, the easiest way to find out is to look at the back of your physical license card. If there is a number printed there, that is your back ID. If the back is blank, your state does not use them.

How to find your back driver license ID

The simplest way to find your back driver license ID is to look at the back of your physical license card. If your state prints one, it will be visible there. The number is usually printed in the lower portion of the card or near the center, depending on your state's format.

If you do not have your physical license with you or need the number urgently, you can contact your state's DMV directly. Call the customer service line listed on your state's DMV website, or visit a local DMV office in person. Have your driver's license number and personal information ready when you call. Some states also allow you to view your back ID number through their online DMV portal if you create an account.

When you might need to provide your back driver license ID

Back driver license IDs are rarely required for driving-related transactions. You will not need it to renew your license, take a road test, or register a vehicle. Instead, back IDs are sometimes requested for non-driving purposes like opening a bank account, explore for a job, or completing government paperwork that requires a second form of identification.

Some employers ask for a back ID as part of their I-9 employment verification process, though this is not standard everywhere. Banks may request it when you open an account, particularly if they are verifying your identity against multiple databases. If a business or government agency asks for your back driver license ID, they will tell you specifically — you do not need to volunteer it unless asked.

Back driver license ID versus your main license number

Your main driver's license number — the one on the front of your card — is your primary identifier for all driving-related matters. It is what you provide when you are pulled over, when you renew your license, and when you register a vehicle. This number is tied to your driving record, violations, and license status.

A back driver license ID, when your state issues one, is a separate number used for administrative or identity-verification purposes outside of driving. The two numbers are linked in your state's system, but they serve different functions. For most situations, you will only ever need your main license number. The back ID is a secondary identifier that comes into play only in specific non-driving contexts.

What happens to your back ID when you renew your license

When you renew your driver's license, your state will issue you a new physical card. If your state uses back driver license IDs, your new card will have a back ID printed on it. In most cases, your back ID number stays the same across renewals — it is tied to your identity rather than to a specific card.

However, some states may assign a new back ID number with each renewal, depending on their system. If you need to know whether your back ID has changed after a renewal, check the back of your new card or contact your state's DMV. Keeping track of your current back ID is important if you have provided it to banks, employers, or government agencies, as they may have it on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a back driver license ID to drive?

No. Back driver license IDs are not used for driving purposes. You only need your main driver's license number and your physical license card to drive legally. Back IDs are used only for non-driving identification in specific situations like banking or employment.

What if the back of my license is blank?

If the back of your license is blank, your state does not issue back driver license IDs. This is normal and does not affect your ability to drive or use your license for any purpose. You only need your main license number for all identification needs.

Can I request a back driver license ID if my state does not have one?

No. Back driver license IDs are issued by the state automatically if that state uses them. You cannot request one separately, and states that do not use them do not offer them as an option. If you need a second form of identification, you may be able to get a state ID card instead.

Is my back driver license ID the same as a state ID number?

Not always. Some states use back driver license IDs as their state ID number, while others keep them separate. Check your state's DMV website or call their customer service line to understand how your state uses the back of your license card.

What should I do if I lost my license and need my back ID number?

Contact your state's DMV directly. You can call their customer service line or visit a local office. Provide your personal information and driver's license number, and they can tell you your back ID number. You will need to replace your physical license card, which you can do through the standard renewal or replacement process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.