What a credential number is and where it appears on your card
Your credential number is a unique identifier printed on your Kansas driver's license that distinguishes your specific card from all others issued to you or other people. It is not the same as your driver's license number — it is a separate code that the Kansas Department of Revenue uses to track individual physical cards.
On a Kansas driver's license, the credential number appears in the upper right corner of the front of the card, below the expiration date. It is a short string of numbers and letters, typically formatted as a combination like "K123456" or similar. The exact position and format can vary slightly depending on when your license was issued, but it will always be on the front face of the card in that upper right area.
You may need this number when replacing a lost or damaged license, when the state needs to verify which specific card you hold, or when dealing with law enforcement or other agencies that require precise identification of your physical license rather than just your license number.
Key Takeaways
- Your credential number is printed on the front of your Kansas driver's license in the upper right corner, below the expiration date.
- The credential number is different from your driver's license number and is used to track your specific physical card.
- You may need to provide your credential number when replacing a lost or damaged license or when verifying which card you currently hold.
- If you cannot locate the credential number on your card, the Kansas Department of Revenue can provide it by phone or in person at a driver's license office.
Why Kansas uses credential numbers instead of just license numbers
Kansas issues a new credential number each time you receive a replacement card, even if you keep the same driver's license number. This system allows the state to track not just who you are, but which physical card you are carrying at any given moment. If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged and you get a replacement, that new card will have a different credential number.
This distinction matters because it helps prevent fraud and confusion. If someone finds your old lost license, the credential number on that card will no longer match the one on your current license. Law enforcement or other agencies checking your information can see that the card in question is no longer active, even though the driver's license number itself remains the same throughout your life.
How to read your credential number correctly
Look at the front of your Kansas driver's license in the upper right section of the card. You will see several pieces of information stacked in that area: your expiration date, your license class, and below those, your credential number. The credential number is typically the shortest of these codes and may include both numbers and letters.
Write down the credential number exactly as it appears, including any letters. Do not confuse it with your license number, which appears elsewhere on the card (usually on the left side or lower portion). If the printing is faded or unclear, hold the card up to light or use a magnifying glass to read it more carefully.
When you need to provide your credential number
You will most commonly need your credential number when you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Kansas driver's license. The Kansas Department of Revenue uses it to confirm which card you are replacing and to may support you do not accidentally receive a duplicate or incorrect replacement.
You may also need it if you are involved in a traffic stop and an officer wants to verify the specific card you are presenting, or if you are dealing with a government agency that requires precise identification of your physical license. Some insurance companies or other organizations may also ask for it as part of their verification process, though this is less common.
What to do if you cannot find your credential number
If your license is too worn, faded, or damaged to read the credential number clearly, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue directly. You can call their driver's license section or visit a local driver's license office in person. Have your driver's license number and other identifying information ready, and they can look up your credential number in their system.
If your license is so damaged that you cannot read any information on it, you will likely need to explore for a replacement card anyway. When you do, the Kansas Department of Revenue will issue you a new credential number along with your replacement license.
Credential number versus driver's license number: what is the difference
Your driver's license number is a permanent identifier assigned to you by the state of Kansas. It stays the same for your entire life, even if you renew your license multiple times or move to a different address. This is the number most people think of as their "license number."
Your credential number, by contrast, changes every time you receive a new physical card. If you renew your license, get a replacement for a lost card, or update your address, you will receive a new credential number. The driver's license number remains constant, but the credential number reflects the specific card you are currently holding.
When you need to provide identification to law enforcement or a government agency, they typically ask for your driver's license number. The credential number is more often used internally by the Kansas Department of Revenue or when you are specifically dealing with card replacement or verification issues.
How credential numbers appear on different Kansas license types
All Kansas driver's licenses — whether they are standard licenses, commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), or other types — include a credential number in the same location on the front of the card. The format and placement are consistent across all license types issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue.
If you hold multiple types of Kansas licenses (for example, a standard license and a CDL), each card will have its own separate credential number. The credential numbers are not linked to each other; they are independent identifiers for each physical card you hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my credential number the same as my driver's license number?
No. Your driver's license number stays the same for life, but your credential number changes each time you receive a new physical card. The credential number identifies your specific card, while the driver's license number identifies you as a person.
What happens to my credential number when I renew my license?
You will receive a new credential number when you renew your Kansas driver's license. Your driver's license number will stay the same, but the credential number on your new card will be different from the one on your old card.
Can I look up someone else's credential number?
No. Credential numbers are not public information. Only the Kansas Department of Revenue and the person who holds the license can access that information. Law enforcement may access it during official investigations, but private individuals cannot.
Do I need my credential number to renew my license online?
You typically do not need your credential number to renew your license online. The Kansas Department of Revenue will ask for your driver's license number and other personal information. You would only need the credential number if you are replacing a lost or damaged card and the system asks you to verify which specific card you currently hold.
What if my credential number is printed wrong or illegible on my new license?
Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue when ready. If there is a printing error on your new license, you can request a replacement card. Bring your current license and a form of identification to a driver's license office, and explain the issue. They can issue you a corrected card with a new credential number.