You cannot legally obtain someone else's driver's license number without their permission or a valid legal reason

Driver's license numbers are protected personal information. States treat them the same way they treat Social Security numbers — they do not release them to the public, and they do not release them to private individuals even if you have a reason you think is good. The DMV will not give you someone's license number over the phone, by mail, or through an online search, and neither will any legitimate third-party service.

If you need someone's license number, the only legal path is to ask them directly. If you cannot ask them — because you are trying to verify their identity before hiring them, or because you are involved in a legal matter — there are specific, narrow channels that exist for those situations, and they require court orders or official authorization, not a public database lookup.

Key Takeaways

  • Driver's license numbers are not public information; the DMV does not release them to individuals or businesses without a court order.
  • If you need someone's license number for employment, rental, or verification purposes, ask them to provide it directly or show you their ID in person.
  • Employers and landlords can request a copy of a driver's license as part of their standard screening process, and the applicant must consent.
  • Law enforcement, courts, and licensed investigators can obtain license numbers through official channels, but private citizens cannot.
  • Attempting to obtain someone's license number through deception or unauthorized access is illegal and can result in identity theft charges.

Why states keep driver's license numbers private

A driver's license number is a unique identifier tied to your address, date of birth, driving record, and sometimes your Social Security number. In the wrong hands, it is a key piece of identity theft. States have learned this the hard way — data breaches at the DMV have exposed millions of license numbers, and the fallout is expensive and long-lasting for the people affected.

Because of that risk, every state treats license numbers as confidential records. The Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), a federal law passed in 1994, restricts who can access DMV records and for what purpose. States can only release driver's license information to people with a "permissible purpose" — and "I want to know someone's number" is not one of them. Permissible purposes include law enforcement, courts, insurance companies investigating claims, and a few other narrow categories. A private citizen or business does not fall into any of those categories.

What to do if you need to verify someone's identity

If you are hiring someone, renting to someone, or entering into a contract with someone and you need to confirm their identity, ask them to show you their driver's license in person. You can write down the information they choose to share, or you can ask them to provide a photocopy. Most employers and landlords do this as part of their standard onboarding — it is normal, it is legal, and it protects both of you.

If the person refuses to show you their ID or provide a copy, that is a red flag. You have the right to decline to hire them, rent to them, or do business with them. You do not have the right to go around them and obtain the number yourself.

For employment screening, many businesses use third-party background check companies — firms like Checkr, GoodHire, or Accurate Background. These companies are licensed and bonded, and they have legal authority to request certain information from applicants. But even they cannot pull a license number from the DMV without the applicant's written consent. The applicant must authorize the background check, which typically includes permission to verify their driver's license.

What happens if you try to get someone's license number illegally

Attempting to obtain someone's driver's license number without permission or legal authority can expose you to criminal charges. Depending on the method and your intent, you could face charges for identity theft, fraud, unauthorized computer access, or violation of the DPPA itself. The DPPA allows private citizens to sue for damages if their information is obtained in violation of the law, so you could also face a civil lawsuit.

If you obtain the number through deception — by impersonating a government official, for example, or by hacking into a DMV database — the penalties are much steeper. Federal charges for computer fraud or identity theft can result in prison time and fines in the tens of thousands of dollars.

When law enforcement and courts can access license numbers

Police officers, federal agents, and court officials can obtain driver's license numbers as part of an official investigation or legal proceeding. They do this through the DMV's law enforcement portal, which requires authentication and a case number. A judge can also order the DMV to release someone's license information if it is relevant to a lawsuit or criminal case.

If you are involved in a legal matter and you believe you need someone's license number, your attorney can request it through the discovery process or by filing a motion with the court. You cannot do it yourself, and you cannot ask a private investigator to do it for you — licensed investigators are bound by the same DPPA restrictions as everyone else.

How to report if your own license number has been compromised

If you believe your driver's license number has been stolen or misused, contact your state's DMV when ready. Most states have a fraud or identity theft unit within the DMV that can flag your record and issue you a new license number if necessary. You should also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

Keep a record of when you reported the theft, who you spoke with, and what steps you took. If fraudulent accounts or charges appear later, you will need that documentation to prove you reported the theft promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find someone's driver's license number online?

No. No legitimate website, database, or search engine has access to driver's license numbers. If a website claims to offer this service, it is either a scam designed to steal your money or your personal information, or it is operating illegally. The DMV does not license or authorize any private company to sell license numbers to the public.

What if I need someone's license number for a court case?

Ask your attorney to request it through the discovery process or by filing a motion with the court. The court can order the DMV to release the information if it is relevant to the case. You cannot obtain it yourself, and attempting to do so could result in sanctions or criminal charges.

Can a background check company get someone's driver's license number without their permission?

No. Even licensed background check companies must have the applicant's written consent before they can verify or access driver's license information. If a company claims it can pull this information without consent, it is breaking the law.

What should I do if someone asks me for my driver's license number over the phone or email?

Do not provide it. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will not ask for your full license number over unsecured channels like email or phone. If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, hang up, look up the organization's official phone number, and call them back directly to confirm.

Is it illegal to share my own driver's license number with someone?

It is legal for you to share your own information with whoever you choose. However, it is risky. Only share your license number with people and organizations you trust, and only when there is a clear business reason. Avoid sharing it via email or text unless you initiated the contact and you are certain you are communicating with a legitimate entity.