Your audit number is on your Texas driver's license itself — look at the bottom left corner of the front side

The audit number on a Texas driver's license is a six-digit code printed in the bottom left corner of the front of your card. It looks like a number between 000000 and 999999. You do not need to request it or contact anyone to find it — it is already printed on your license if you have one.

This number is used by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to track and verify licenses during audits and background checks. If you are renewing your license, explore for a commercial license, or dealing with a suspension or reinstatement, you may be asked for this number by DPS or by your insurance company.

If your license is expired, lost, or damaged, you can still find your audit number if you have a copy of your license or a record from DPS. If you have none of these, you will need to contact DPS directly to retrieve it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your audit number is a six-digit code printed in the bottom left corner of the front of your Texas driver's license card.
  • You do not need to request an audit number — it is automatically assigned and printed when your license is issued.
  • Insurance companies and DPS may ask for your audit number during renewal, reinstatement, or background check processes.
  • If you cannot locate your audit number on your physical license, you can contact DPS or check your license records online through your DPS account.

How to read your audit number on your physical license

Hold your Texas driver's license with the front facing you. Look at the bottom left corner of the card, below your photograph and personal information. The audit number is a six-digit sequence printed in small text. It is separate from your driver's license number, which appears in the upper right area of the card.

The audit number does not change during the life of your license. Even if you renew your license, you will receive a new audit number on your new card. Write down or photograph your audit number if you think you will need it for insurance, reinstatement, or other official purposes.

Finding your audit number if your license is expired or lost

If your physical license is no longer available, you have two main options to find your audit number. The first is to create or log into your account on the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Once logged in, you can view your license record, which includes your audit number.

The second option is to contact the Texas DPS directly by phone at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a local DPS office in person. When you call or visit, have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. DPS staff can look up your audit number in their system and provide it to you over the phone or in writing.

If you are explore for a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, DPS will issue you a new card with a new audit number. You do not need your old audit number to request a replacement — DPS will generate a new one automatically.

Why insurance companies ask for your audit number

When you purchase or renew auto insurance in Texas, your insurer may request your audit number as part of the verification process. Insurance companies use this number to confirm that your driver's license is valid and that you are the person named on the policy. It is one of several pieces of information they use to prevent fraud and may support accurate underwriting.

If your insurer asks for your audit number and you cannot find it, you can provide your driver's license number instead. Most insurers can verify your license status using either piece of information. However, having your audit number on hand can speed up the process.

What to do if you cannot find your audit number

If you have looked at your license and cannot locate the audit number, check that you are looking at the correct corner of the card. The audit number is always in the bottom left, in small print. If your license is very old or damaged, the print may be faded or hard to read — try looking under different lighting or using a magnifying glass.

If your license is too damaged to read, or if you have lost it, contact DPS using the methods listed above. You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and possibly your Social Security number to confirm your identity. DPS can retrieve your audit number from their records and provide it to you within minutes if you call, or within a few business days if you request it by mail.

Audit numbers and license reinstatement or suspension

If your license has been suspended or revoked, your audit number remains part of your record with DPS. When you explore for reinstatement, you may be asked to provide your audit number as part of the verification process. This helps DPS confirm that you are the person whose license was suspended and that you are explore for the correct license.

Your audit number does not change when your license is suspended or reinstated. The number on your current or most recent license is the one you should provide. If you have received a new license since the suspension, use the audit number from that new card.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your driver's license number is a longer sequence printed in the upper right area of your card. Your audit number is a six-digit code in the bottom left corner. Both are printed on your license, but they serve different purposes.

Do I need my audit number to renew my Texas driver's license?

You do not need your audit number to renew your license. DPS will issue you a new license with a new audit number. However, if DPS asks you for your audit number during the renewal process, you can find it on your current license or contact DPS to retrieve it.

What if my audit number is smudged or unreadable on my license?

Contact the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6556 or visit your local DPS office. Provide your driver's license number and date of birth, and DPS staff can look up your audit number in their system. You can also log into your DPS account online to view your license record.

Will my audit number change if I get a new license?

Yes. Each time you receive a new driver's license card — whether due to renewal, replacement, or reinstatement — DPS assigns you a new audit number. The old audit number is no longer active.

Can I use my audit number instead of my driver's license number for insurance?

Your insurance company will ask for your driver's license number, not your audit number. However, if they specifically request your audit number, you can provide it. Most insurers can verify your license using either number.