What the Audit Number Is and Where to Find It
The audit number on a Texas driver's license is a unique identifier printed on the back of your card. It is a six-digit code that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses to track and verify the authenticity of your license. Every Texas driver's license issued since the mid-2000s carries this number in the lower right corner of the back side of the card.
The audit number serves as an internal reference for DPS records. When you renew your license, change your address, or correct information on your license, DPS uses this number to pull up your file and match it against their database. It is not the same as your driver's license number (which appears on the front), your Social Security number, or any other identifier you may have used during the process process.
To locate your audit number, flip your license over and look at the bottom right corner of the back side. You will see a six-digit number printed there. The exact position and formatting may vary slightly depending on when your license was issued, but it will always be on the back of the card, never on the front.
Key Takeaways
- The audit number is a six-digit code on the back of your Texas driver's license that DPS uses to track and verify your license record.
- You will find the audit number in the lower right corner of the back side of your card, not on the front.
- DPS staff use the audit number when you renew, update your address, or correct information on your license.
- The audit number is different from your driver's license number, Social Security number, and any other personal identifier.
- You may need to provide your audit number when contacting DPS by phone or mail about your license status.
When You Will Need to Provide Your Audit Number
You may be asked for your audit number when you contact the Texas DPS directly about your license. If you call the DPS customer service line to check on a renewal, report a lost or stolen license, or ask about a correction to your record, the representative may ask you to provide this number along with your driver's license number. Having it ready can speed up the process because it allows DPS staff to locate your file more quickly than searching by name and date of birth alone.
Some third-party services that handle license renewals or address changes on your behalf may also ask for your audit number as part of their verification process. However, you should never provide this number to anyone except official DPS staff or a licensed service acting directly on behalf of DPS. Scams that impersonate DPS sometimes request this information, so always verify you are speaking with or writing to the actual Texas DPS before sharing any details from your license.
How the Audit Number Differs From Your Driver's License Number
Your driver's license number is the primary identifier printed on the front of your card. It is the number you use when you need to provide proof of identity to law enforcement, when you rent a car, or when you verify your identity for official purposes. This number stays with you throughout your life in Texas, even if you renew your license multiple times.
The audit number, by contrast, is an internal DPS tracking code. It is not used for identification outside of DPS systems. You will rarely need to provide it to anyone other than DPS staff. The two numbers serve different purposes: your driver's license number is your public identifier, while the audit number is DPS's internal reference tool.
What Happens If You Cannot Find Your Audit Number
If your license is worn, faded, or damaged and you cannot read the audit number clearly, you do not need to worry. You can still contact DPS and handle any license matter using your driver's license number, name, and date of birth. DPS staff can pull up your record without the audit number, though it may take slightly longer.
If you have lost your physical license and need to report it or request a replacement, you will not have access to the audit number at all. In that case, provide DPS with your driver's license number if you remember it, or straightforward give them your name and date of birth. They will locate your file and issue a replacement card. The new card will have a new audit number printed on it.
Audit Numbers on Renewed or Replacement Licenses
When you renew your Texas driver's license, you receive a new physical card with a new audit number. The old audit number is no longer active. DPS keeps a record of your old numbers in their system for historical tracking, but you should only use the audit number from your current, valid license.
Similarly, if you request a replacement card because your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, the replacement will have a different audit number than the original. This is normal and expected. Always refer to the audit number on the card you currently hold in your wallet.
Security and Privacy Considerations
The audit number is not considered highly sensitive information in the way your Social Security number or full driver's license number is. However, you should still treat it as part of your license information and not share it casually. Combine it with other details from your license only when you are certain you are communicating with legitimate DPS staff or an authorized service.
If you suspect someone has misused your audit number or any other information from your license, contact the Texas DPS directly. You can reach them through their official website or by calling their customer service line. Report any suspicious activity related to your license record as soon as you notice it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the audit number the same as my driver's license number?
No. Your driver's license number is on the front of your card and is your primary identifier. The audit number is a six-digit code on the back used only by DPS for internal tracking. They are separate numbers that serve different purposes.
Do I need to memorize my audit number?
No. You only need to provide it if DPS staff specifically ask for it during a phone call or written inquiry. Most of the time, your driver's license number, name, and date of birth are sufficient. Keep your license handy when contacting DPS so you can read the audit number if asked.
What if my audit number is smudged or illegible on my card?
You can still handle any license matter without it. Contact DPS with your driver's license number or personal information, and they will locate your record. If you want a clearer card, you can request a replacement, which will come with a new, legible audit number.
Will my audit number change if I renew my license online?
Yes. Every time you renew your license—whether online, by mail, or in person—you receive a new physical card with a new audit number. The old number is archived in DPS records but is no longer active on your current license.
Can I look up my audit number online through the Texas DPS website?
The Texas DPS website does not provide a public lookup tool for audit numbers. The only way to find your audit number is to look at the back of your physical license card. If you need to verify information about your license record, contact DPS directly by phone or mail.