What Your Texas Driver's License Audit Number Means and Why You Need It

Your audit number is a six-digit code printed on your Texas driver's license that identifies your record in the Department of Public Safety database

The audit number appears in the bottom right corner of your Texas driver's license, usually printed as a six-digit sequence. It is not your driver's license number — that is the longer number in the upper left. The audit number is a unique identifier that links your physical license to your complete driving record stored in the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) system.

You will need this number when you contact DPS directly about your record, request a copy of your driving history, or work with an insurance company or court that needs to verify your record. It speeds up the lookup process because DPS staff can pull your file when ready rather than searching by name and date of birth alone.

Key Takeaways

Your audit number is a six-digit code in the bottom right corner of your Texas driver's license that connects to your DPS record.
You need the audit number when requesting your driving history, contacting DPS about violations or suspensions, or when insurance companies or courts verify your record.
The audit number is different from your driver's license number and does not change unless you renew your license.
You can find your audit number on your physical license, your DPS online account, or by calling DPS directly.

When you need to provide your audit number

Insurance companies often ask for your audit number during the underwriting process, especially if you have had violations, accidents, or suspensions. Providing it lets them pull your official record from DPS without delay. Courts may request it when you are contesting a ticket or dealing with a suspension hearing. If you are working with a traffic attorney, they will likely ask for it so they can review your complete record before advising you.

If you are requesting an official copy of your driving record — for employment, a commercial driver's license upgrade, or to verify what DPS has on file — DPS staff can retrieve it faster with your audit number. You can order your record online through the DPS website or by mail, and providing the audit number reduces the chance of a delay.

Where to find your audit number

Look at the bottom right corner of your physical Texas driver's license. The audit number is printed there as a six-digit code, separate from your license number. If you have lost your license or do not have it with you, you can log into your DPS online account at dps.texas.gov and view your license information, which includes the audit number.

You can also call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6556 to confirm your audit number. Have your name, date of birth, and driver's license number ready. Some county tax assessor offices that handle license renewals can also provide it if you ask in person.

How the audit number differs from your license number

Your driver's license number is the primary identifier — it is longer (typically eight digits) and appears in the upper left of your license. It stays the same throughout your life unless you request a new license number for privacy or identity theft reasons. Your audit number is shorter and serves as a secondary reference code that DPS uses internally to organize records.

When you renew your license, your license number usually stays the same, but your audit number may change. This is why it is important to check your new license when it arrives and update any records you keep. Insurance companies and courts will ask for your license number first, but may request the audit number as a backup to confirm they have pulled the correct file.

What happens if you cannot locate your audit number

If your license is lost or damaged and you cannot read the audit number, you do not need to panic. DPS can still pull your record using your name, date of birth, and license number. The audit number straightforward makes the process faster. When you renew your license or request a replacement, you will receive a new one with a new audit number printed on it.

If you are working with an insurance company or court and they ask for your audit number but you cannot find it, tell them your license number instead. They can contact DPS with that information. However, having the audit number on hand saves time, so it is worth writing it down when you receive your license and keeping it in a safe place along with other important documents.

Audit numbers and license suspensions or revocations

If your license has been suspended or revoked, your audit number remains tied to your DPS record even though you cannot legally drive. When you work to reinstate your license — by paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving other issues — DPS will use your audit number to track the status of your reinstatement. Insurance companies will also use it to see that your license was suspended and may charge higher rates or require an SR22 form.

If you are dealing with a suspension and need to check the status of your reinstatement, having your audit number makes it easier to get accurate information from DPS. You can also use it when speaking with an insurance agent about how the suspension affects your coverage and rates.

Protecting your audit number and personal information

Your audit number is not as sensitive as your Social Security number, but it is still part of your driving record. Do not share it with people you do not trust, and be cautious about providing it over email or text unless you initiated contact with a verified organization like DPS or your insurance company. Scammers sometimes pose as DPS or insurance staff to collect personal information.

If you are contacting DPS or your insurance company, always call the official number listed on their website or your license documents — do not use a number from a search result or email. This protects you from giving your audit number to someone impersonating a government agency or business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my audit number change when I renew my license?

It may. When you renew your Texas driver's license, DPS issues a new audit number on your new license. Your old audit number is no longer active, so always use the number on your current license when you need to provide it to insurance companies, courts, or DPS.

Can I use my audit number instead of my license number?

No. Your license number is the primary identifier. DPS and insurance companies will ask for your license number first. The audit number is a secondary reference that speeds up record lookups but does not replace your license number.

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

Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6556 with your name, date of birth, and license number, and they will provide your audit number. You can also log into your DPS online account to view it. If your license is damaged, you can request a replacement license, which will have a new audit number printed clearly.

Do I need my audit number to check my driving record online?

No. You can order your driving record from the DPS website using your license number and other identifying information. The audit number is helpful if you are calling DPS directly or if DPS asks for it, but it is not required for online orders.

Will my audit number help me if I am disputing a ticket?

It can help your attorney or the court locate your complete record quickly, but it will not change the outcome of the dispute. Provide it to your traffic attorney so they can review your full history before representing you in court.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.