Your audit number is a six-digit code printed on the front of your Texas driver's license, usually in the lower right corner below your photograph

The audit number is a unique identifier that Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety) uses to track and verify your license record. It appears as a six-digit number on the physical card itself. You do not need to request it or look it up online — it is printed directly on your license in a specific location, and you can find it by looking at your card right now.

This number matters because Texas DPS, law enforcement, and some employers use it to pull up your exact license record without confusion. If you have ever had multiple licenses or name changes, the audit number ensures they are looking at the correct one. It is also sometimes called a document number or control number in DPS correspondence, though "audit number" is the most common term.

Key Takeaways

  • The audit number is a six-digit code printed on the front of your Texas driver's license in the lower right area, below your photo.
  • You do not need to contact DPS or look it up — the number is already on your physical card and visible without any request.
  • Law enforcement, employers, and DPS use this number to pull your exact license record and verify your identity.
  • If your license is lost, stolen, or expired, you can still reference your audit number from a previous card or contact DPS to retrieve it.

Exactly where the audit number appears on your card

On a standard Texas driver's license, the audit number sits on the front of the card in the lower right section. It is positioned below your photograph and to the right of your signature line. The number is printed in small black text and consists of exactly six digits with no letters.

The placement is consistent across all current Texas licenses issued after 2009. If you are holding your license and looking at the front, scan the bottom right quadrant — you will see the audit number there. It is not hidden or in a secondary location; it is part of the standard information block on every card.

On older Texas licenses issued before 2009, the audit number may appear in a slightly different position or may not be present at all. If you hold a license from that era and need the audit number, contact DPS directly with your license number and they can provide it from their records.

What to do if you cannot locate the number on your card

If your license is damaged, faded, or the number is difficult to read, you have two straightforward options. First, try holding the card under bright light or at an angle — the text may become clearer. The audit number is printed in standard ink and should be readable on any card in reasonable condition.

If the card is too worn or the number is genuinely illegible, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety directly. You can reach them by phone at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a local DPS office in person. Have your driver's license number ready, and they will confirm your audit number from their database. This takes only a few minutes and requires no fee.

If your license is lost or stolen, you do not need the audit number to report it or request a replacement. However, if you need the audit number for a specific purpose before you receive your new card, DPS can provide it over the phone using your name, date of birth, and license number.

Why DPS and employers ask for your audit number

The audit number is DPS's internal control number for your specific license record. When you provide it alongside your license number, it eliminates any possibility of pulling the wrong record — especially important if you have had multiple licenses, name changes, or corrections over the years. It is a verification tool that speeds up record lookups.

Some employers, particularly those in transportation, security, or positions requiring background checks, may ask for your audit number as part of their verification process. They use it to confirm they are checking the correct person's driving record. Insurance companies sometimes request it as well when verifying your current license status.

Law enforcement can use the audit number to pull your record during a traffic stop or investigation. It is not required — your name and license number are sufficient — but providing it can speed up the process if you have it readily available.

Difference between audit number and driver's license number

Your driver's license number is your primary identifier and is printed prominently on the front of your card, usually in the upper left or center area. It is the number you use to renew your license, update your address, or reference your record with DPS. This number stays the same throughout your life in Texas, even if you renew or replace your card.

Your audit number is a secondary identifier used internally by DPS and for verification purposes. It is tied to a specific physical card and may change if you receive a replacement license due to damage, loss, or renewal. The audit number is shorter (six digits) and less prominent than your license number.

In most situations, you only need your driver's license number. The audit number is requested less often and is primarily useful when DPS or an employer specifically asks for it, or when you need to verify which exact card or record you are referencing.

What happens if you provide the wrong audit number

If you accidentally provide an incorrect audit number, the person or organization looking it up will likely catch the error when ready. DPS's system will not return a match, and they will ask you to double-check the number or provide your license number instead. This is not a problem — it straightforward means the lookup takes a few extra seconds.

Providing a wrong audit number does not affect your license status, your driving record, or your ability to renew. It is purely a reference tool, and mistakes are easily corrected by providing the correct number or using your driver's license number as the primary identifier instead.

If you are unsure whether you have copied the number correctly, verify it directly from your physical card before submitting it to an employer or official body. If you still cannot read it clearly, contact DPS to confirm it rather than guessing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I look up my audit number online through the Texas DPS website?

No, the Texas DPS website does not have a public lookup tool for audit numbers. Your audit number is printed on your physical license, and that is the intended way to find it. If you cannot read your card, call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 with your license number and they will provide it over the phone.

Does my audit number change when I renew my license?

Yes, your audit number typically changes when you renew your license because you receive a new physical card. Your driver's license number stays the same, but the audit number is specific to that card. If you need your old audit number for a past record, DPS can retrieve it from their archives.

What if I lost my license and do not remember my audit number?

You do not need your audit number to report a lost license or request a replacement. Contact DPS or visit a local office with your name, date of birth, and address. Once you receive your new card, your new audit number will be printed on it. If you need the old number for a specific reason, DPS can look it up for you.

Is the audit number the same as the document number on my license?

In Texas DPS terminology, "audit number" and "document number" refer to the same six-digit code on your card. You may see either term used in official correspondence, but they identify the same information. If someone asks for your document number, provide the six-digit code from the lower right of your license.

Do I need to memorize my audit number?

No, you do not need to memorize it. Keep your physical license with you, and you can reference the number whenever it is requested. Most situations that require it happen in person or over the phone, where you can read it directly from your card.