What a Texas driver's license audit number is and why you need it

Your Texas driver's license audit number is a six-digit code printed on the back of your physical license, below your license number. It is not the same as your driver's license number itself. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses this number to verify your license details when you need to prove your identity or check your driving record.

You will need this number if you are requesting your own driving record from DPS, disputing a traffic ticket, checking on a suspended or revoked license, or verifying your license status online. Some insurance companies and employers also ask for it when they need to pull your official record.

The audit number is unique to your license and changes each time you renew. It is different from your driver's license number, which stays the same throughout your life (unless you change your name or request a new number for safety reasons).

Key Takeaways

  • Your audit number is a six-digit code on the back of your physical Texas driver's license, printed below your license number.
  • You can find it by looking at the back of your license card — no process or request to DPS is needed.
  • If you have lost your license or do not have it with you, you can call the DPS Public Information Bureau at 512-424-2000 to ask for your audit number.
  • The audit number changes each time you renew your license, so always use the number from your current card.
  • You will need this number when requesting your driving record, disputing tickets, or checking your license status online through the DPS website.

How to find your audit number on your current license

The simplest way to get your audit number is to look at the back of your physical Texas driver's license. Turn the card over and look at the lower portion of the back side. You will see your six-digit audit number printed there, positioned below your driver's license number.

The audit number appears in a specific location on every Texas license, so once you know where to look, it takes seconds to find. Write it down or take a photo if you need to use it later. Because this number is printed on your card, you do not need to contact DPS or fill out any form to retrieve it.

Getting your audit number if you do not have your license card

If your license has been lost, stolen, or suspended, or if you straightforward do not have it with you, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety directly. Call the DPS Public Information Bureau at 512-424-2000 during business hours. Have your driver's license number ready when you call — the staff member can look up your audit number in the system and read it to you over the phone.

You can also visit a DPS Driver License office in person if you prefer to speak with someone face-to-face. Bring a form of identification so the staff can verify who you are before providing the information. Office locations and hours are listed on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov.

Using your audit number to check your driving record online

Once you have your audit number, you can use it to look up your own driving record through the Texas DPS website. Go to dps.texas.gov and navigate to the driver record section. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and your audit number, along with your date of birth.

This online tool shows you what is on your official record — traffic violations, suspensions, points, and other details that insurance companies and employers may see. Checking your record yourself is a good way to spot errors or outdated information before someone else pulls it.

What to do if your audit number does not match your records

If you find a discrepancy between the audit number on your license and what DPS has in their system, or if you cannot locate the number on your card, contact a DPS Driver License office. Bring your license and a second form of identification. Staff can verify the correct audit number and check whether your license information is accurate.

If your license is damaged and the audit number is not readable, you can request a replacement license. You will need to visit a DPS office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay the replacement fee. Once your new license arrives, it will have a new audit number printed on the back.

Renewing your license and getting a new audit number

Every time you renew your Texas driver's license, you receive a new card with a new audit number. The old audit number is no longer valid. If you renew your license online or by mail, your new card will arrive in the mail with the updated audit number on the back.

When your new license arrives, take a moment to locate the audit number and note it. If you have saved the old number anywhere — in a file, an email, or a note — update it with the new one so you do not accidentally use an expired audit number when you need to check your record or verify your license status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my audit number the same as my driver's license number?

No. Your driver's license number stays the same for life, but your audit number is a separate six-digit code that changes each time you renew your license. Both appear on your card, but they serve different purposes in the DPS system.

Can someone else use my audit number to look up my driving record?

The DPS online record system requires both your driver's license number and your audit number, plus your date of birth. While the audit number is printed on your card, someone would need all three pieces of information to pull your record. Treat your audit number like you would your license number — do not share it unnecessarily.

What if I renewed my license and forgot to note the new audit number?

Look at the back of your new license card — the audit number is printed there. If you cannot locate it or your card is damaged, call the DPS Public Information Bureau at 512-424-2000 and they can provide it over the phone.

Do I need my audit number to renew my license?

No. You do not need your audit number to renew your license. You will need your current license number and other identification documents. The audit number is only used after you receive your new license, if you need to check your record or verify your license status.