Your audit number stays the same for the life of your license

The audit number on your driver's license is a permanent identifier assigned when you first receive your license. It does not change when you renew your license, update your address, or correct your name. The same audit number follows you from your first license through every renewal for as long as you hold a license in that state.

This number exists so the state can track your driving record, violations, and license history in one place. Think of it as your permanent file number within the Department of Motor Vehicles system. Even if you move to a different state and get a new license there, your old state's audit number stays attached to your old record.

Key Takeaways

  • Your audit number is assigned once when you first get your license and remains the same through every renewal and update.
  • The audit number is not the same as your license number — your license number changes at each renewal, but your audit number does not.
  • If you move to a different state, you will get a new license with a new audit number in that state, but your old audit number stays with your old state's records.
  • You cannot request a different audit number or have it changed; it is tied to your identity and driving history in the state system.

How audit numbers differ from license numbers

Many people confuse the audit number with the license number, but they serve different purposes. Your license number is the main identifier printed on the front of your card — the one you give when you need to show your license. This number changes every time you renew your license, usually every four to eight years depending on your state.

Your audit number is a separate code that appears on your license but is primarily used by the DMV's internal system. It stays constant across all your renewals so the state can link your entire driving history together. When you renew, you get a new license number but keep the same audit number behind the scenes.

What happens to your audit number during renewal

When you renew your license, the DMV issues you a new physical card with a new license number. Your audit number, however, remains unchanged in the state database. The DMV uses this audit number to pull up your complete record — all your violations, accidents, points, and previous licenses — so nothing gets lost or separated.

This is why the renewal process is straightforward: the state already knows who you are through your audit number, even though your license number is new. If you change your address, name, or other information on your license, your audit number stays the same. The DMV straightforward updates your file under that same permanent identifier.

Moving to a different state and getting a new license

If you move to a new state and obtain a driver's license there, you will receive a new audit number assigned by that state's DMV. Your old state's audit number stays with your old record and does not transfer. However, states can request your driving history from other states through the National Driver Register, so your violations and record can still follow you even though the audit number changes.

You do not need to do anything to manage your old audit number — it straightforward remains part of your file in your previous state. If you ever move back to that state and reapply for a license, the DMV may reassign you a new audit number or may reactivate your old one, depending on how long you have been gone and that state's specific policies.

Why the audit number cannot be changed

Your audit number is tied directly to your identity and your complete driving history in that state. Changing it would break the connection between you and your record, making it impossible for law enforcement, courts, and insurance companies to access your driving history. It is a permanent part of your file for this reason.

You cannot request a different audit number, and the DMV will not issue one. If you have concerns about your driving record or want to dispute something in your history, you work with the DMV to correct the record itself — not to change your audit number. The audit number is the tool that keeps your record intact and accessible.

Where to find your audit number on your license

The location of the audit number varies by state. On many licenses, it appears as a small code on the back of the card or in a specific field on the front. Some states label it clearly as "Audit Number," while others may call it a "Control Number" or similar term. Your state's DMV website or handbook will show you exactly where to find it on your specific license format.

If you need your audit number for any reason — to check your driving record online, to dispute a violation, or to provide to an insurance company — you can find it on your physical license or contact your state's DMV directly. They can also look it up if you provide your name, date of birth, and license number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my audit number change if I get a duplicate or replacement license?

No. Whether you order a duplicate because you lost your card or get a replacement due to damage, your audit number remains the same. Only your license number changes if you receive a new physical card. The audit number in the state system never changes.

Can I look up my driving record using my audit number?

Most states allow you to check your driving record online using your license number, not your audit number. However, the audit number is what the DMV uses internally to pull your record. If you call the DMV directly, you can provide your audit number and they can retrieve your information, though they typically ask for your license number first.

What if I want to dispute something in my driving record?

Contact your state's DMV directly to dispute violations, accidents, or other items in your record. You do not need to change your audit number — the DMV will investigate and correct the record under your existing audit number if they find an error.

Does my audit number transfer if I get a REAL ID compliant license?

Yes. If you upgrade to a REAL ID compliant license, your audit number stays the same. You will receive a new license number on your new card, but the audit number in the state system does not change. It is a permanent part of your file regardless of what type of license you hold.

Will my audit number show up on background checks?

No. Background checks typically use your license number, name, and date of birth to access your driving record. The audit number is an internal DMV identifier and does not appear on documents you share with employers, landlords, or other third parties.