Your issue number is printed on your physical driving licence card, usually in the bottom left corner or along the top edge

The issue number is a two-digit code that tells you which version of your licence you hold. It appears on every UK driving licence and changes each time you renew, replace, or update your licence. You need it when you're explore for certain types of insurance, reporting a lost or stolen licence, or proving your identity to third parties.

Finding it takes seconds if you have your card in front of you. If you've lost your licence or need to find it another way, there are other routes — but they take longer and may cost money.

Key Takeaways

  • Your issue number is a two-digit code printed on your physical driving licence card, usually in the bottom left or top edge.
  • You can find it by looking at your card directly, or by contacting DVLA if your licence is lost, stolen, or you need a replacement.
  • Insurance companies and employers often ask for your issue number to verify your licence details against their records.
  • If you cannot locate your issue number and need it urgently, DVLA can confirm it over the phone or by post, though postal requests take 5 to 10 working days.

Where the issue number appears on your card

On a photocard driving licence, the issue number sits in one of two places depending on when your licence was issued. On most modern licences (issued after 1998), it appears in the bottom left corner of the card, printed in small black text. On some older cards, it may be positioned along the top edge.

The number itself is always two digits — for example, 01, 02, or 03. The first time you receive a licence, your issue number is 01. Each time you renew it (usually every 10 years) or replace it after loss or damage, the number increases by one.

If you're holding your licence right now, look at the bottom left first. If you don't see it there, check the top edge and the right side of the card. The text is small but clear against the white background.

What to do if you cannot find it on your card

If your licence is damaged, faded, or you straightforward cannot locate the number, you have two options: contact DVLA directly, or check any paperwork you received when your licence was issued.

Your photocard driving licence counterpart — the paper document that came with your card — also shows your issue number. If you kept this paperwork, look for a section labelled "Issue Number" or "Issue" near the top of the page. This is often easier to read than the card itself if the card is worn.

If you no longer have the counterpart, DVLA can tell you your issue number by phone or post. Call the DVLA enquiries line at 0300 790 6801 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm; Saturday, 8am to 2pm). Have your driving licence number ready — it's the 16-character code on your card. They will confirm your issue number when ready.

Contacting DVLA by post or online

If you prefer not to call, you can write to DVLA with a request for your issue number. Send a letter to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD, including your full name, date of birth, and driving licence number. Include a stamped addressed envelope for the reply. Responses usually arrive within 5 to 10 working days.

DVLA does not currently offer an online portal where you can look up your issue number yourself. You must either check your card, contact them by phone, or write to them. Some third-party services claim to retrieve this information, but they typically charge a fee and straightforward contact DVLA on your behalf — you can do this for free.

Why insurance companies and employers ask for it

Your issue number is part of your unique licence identity. When you provide it to an insurance company, they use it alongside your licence number to verify that the licence details on file match the actual licence you hold. This prevents fraud — someone could theoretically give a false licence number, but matching both the licence number and issue number together is much harder to fake.

Employers, especially those hiring drivers, also ask for your issue number as part of a driving record check. They cross-reference it with DVLA records to confirm you hold a valid licence and that there are no undisclosed points or disqualifications.

What happens if your issue number changes

Your issue number increases by one each time you renew your licence or receive a replacement card. If you renew your licence at 10 years (the standard renewal period), your new card will show issue number 02. If you lose your licence and request a replacement before the 10-year mark, you'll also receive a new issue number.

When your issue number changes, you should update your insurance company and any other organisations holding your licence details. Some insurers update this automatically if they have your DVLA consent, but it's safer to contact them directly and confirm the new number. Providing an outdated issue number can cause delays if you need to make a claim or update your policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my issue number is 00?

An issue number of 00 is extremely rare and usually indicates a provisional or temporary licence issued in special circumstances. Contact DVLA to clarify what type of licence you hold, as this may affect your insurance or employment may be able to access.

Do I need my issue number to renew my licence?

No. When you renew your licence through DVLA, you only need your current licence card and a completed process form. DVLA will assign your new issue number automatically. You'll see it on your replacement card when it arrives.

Can I change my issue number if I want a fresh start?

No. Your issue number is assigned by DVLA and reflects the history of your licence. You cannot request a different one. The only way to get a new issue number is to renew or replace your licence through the normal DVLA process.

Will my issue number be different if I get a Real ID or upgraded licence?

The UK does not use a Real ID system. If you're upgrading your licence category (for example, from car-only to include motorcycles), you'll receive a replacement card with an increased issue number. The process is the same as a standard renewal.

What if I lost my licence and don't remember my issue number?

You don't need to remember it. When you report your licence lost to DVLA and request a replacement, they will issue you a new card with a new issue number. Once you receive it, you can then provide the new number to your insurance company and other organisations.