The issue number is printed on the front of your driving licence, usually in the upper right corner or along the top edge

Your issue number is a two-digit code that tells you which version of your licence you hold. Every time you renew your licence or it is reissued for any reason — a name change, address update, or damage — you get a new issue number. The number starts at 01 and increments by one with each reissue.

You need this number when you renew your licence, report it lost or stolen, or provide proof of your driving record to an employer or insurance company. Some states print it prominently; others tuck it into a corner. Knowing where to look saves you time when you are filling out forms or speaking to a DMV representative.

Key Takeaways

  • The issue number appears as a two-digit code on the front of your physical licence card, separate from your licence number.
  • Issue number 01 means your licence was newly issued; higher numbers indicate previous renewals or reissues.
  • You will need your issue number when renewing your licence, reporting it lost, or providing your driving record to third parties.
  • The exact location of the issue number varies by state, but it is always on the front of the card, never on the back.

Where the issue number appears on your licence card

Most states print the issue number in the upper right area of the front of the card, often directly above or below your photograph. Some states place it along the top edge, aligned with your name or licence number. A few states position it in the lower right corner. The number is always printed in small text and is always a two-digit format — for example, 01, 05, or 12.

The issue number is distinct from your licence number (the main alphanumeric code that identifies you) and your control number (a security feature on some state licences). If you are looking at the back of your card, you are looking in the wrong place — the issue number is never printed on the reverse side.

If your licence is laminated or worn, the number may be harder to read. Hold the card under good light and look for a small two-digit number printed in the same font as other text on the card. If you still cannot locate it, your state's DMV website usually shows a sample licence with the issue number highlighted.

How to read your issue number correctly

The issue number is always two digits, separated by a space or printed directly together. You may see it written as "01" or "1" depending on your state's format, but it represents the same thing. When you need to provide this number — on a form, over the phone, or online — enter it exactly as it appears on your card.

Do not confuse the issue number with other codes on your licence. Your licence number is longer and usually contains both letters and numbers. Your expiration date is a full date (month, day, year). Your issue date is also a full date. The issue number is the only two-digit code that increments each time your licence is reissued.

Why your issue number matters for renewal and replacement

When you renew your licence, the DMV issues a new card with a higher issue number. This helps the DMV track how many times your licence has been reissued and can flag patterns if there is a problem with your record. If you report your licence lost or stolen and receive a replacement, that replacement gets a new issue number as well.

Some states require you to provide your current issue number when you renew online or by mail. Others ask for it only if you are renewing in person or by phone. Insurance companies and employers sometimes ask for your issue number as part of verifying your driving record, because it confirms which version of your licence they are looking at.

Finding your issue number if your licence is damaged or expired

If your licence is too worn or damaged to read clearly, contact your state DMV directly. You can usually provide your licence number and date of birth, and a representative can tell you your current issue number over the phone or through your online DMV account. Many states now offer online portals where you can log in and view your licence information, including the issue number.

If your licence has expired and you no longer have the physical card, your DMV record still contains the issue number from your last licence. When you renew, the DMV will pull this information automatically. You do not need to know the old issue number to renew — the DMV will assign you a new one.

State-by-state variations in issue number placement

Most states follow a similar format, but placement and appearance vary slightly. Some states print the issue number in a box or outlined section; others print it in plain text. A few states use a different term — such as "version" or "reissue number" — but the function is identical. Your state's DMV website or your licence itself will show you the exact location.

If you are moving to a new state and need to transfer your licence, you do not carry your old issue number forward. Your new state will issue you a new licence with its own issue numbering system, usually starting at 01. The old issue number is only relevant to your old state's records.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a high issue number mean?

A high issue number (like 08 or 10) means your licence has been reissued multiple times — through renewals, name changes, address updates, or replacements. It does not indicate anything negative about your driving record or status. It straightforward shows the history of how many times you have received a new card.

Do I need my issue number to renew my licence online?

Most states do not require your issue number to renew online. You typically provide your licence number, date of birth, and address. However, some states ask for it as an additional verification step. Check your state's DMV website or the renewal form to see if it is requested.

Can I find my issue number on my driving record printout?

Yes. If you order an official driving record from your state DMV, it will include your current issue number along with other licence information. You can request this online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV office.

What if I cannot find the issue number on my licence?

Contact your state DMV by phone, email, or through their online portal. Provide your licence number and date of birth, and a representative can tell you your issue number. You can also visit a DMV office in person and ask a staff member to locate it on your card.

Does the issue number change when I renew my licence?

Yes. Every time you renew your licence or receive a replacement card for any reason, you get a new issue number one digit higher than the previous one. Your old issue number remains part of your DMV record history but is no longer current.