Your license number is printed on the front of your physical card

Your driver's license number is an eight-digit code unique to you, printed on the front of your license card in the upper right corner. It is not your Social Security number, your date of birth, or any other identifier — it is a number your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assigned when you first received your license.

If you have your physical license in hand, you can find it when ready. If you do not have the card with you, there are other places to look, and we walk through each one below.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license number appears on the front of your physical driver's license card, usually in the upper right area.
  • If you have lost your card, your state's DMV website or customer service line can provide your number using your name and date of birth.
  • Your license number is also on any documents the DMV sent you when you first received your license, such as your temporary license or receipt.
  • Insurance companies, employers, and government agencies may have your license number on file if you provided it to them.
  • Your license number changes if you renew your license or get a replacement card, so always use the number on your current card.

Check your physical license card first

Open your wallet and look at the front of your driver's license. The license number is printed in the upper right corner, below your photograph. It is an eight-digit number with no letters. Write it down or take a photo if you need to save it.

The exact position varies slightly by state — some print it on the left side or in a different location — but it is always on the front of the card, never on the back. If you cannot read it clearly because the card is worn or faded, you can request a replacement card from your DMV.

Contact your state's DMV if you have lost your card

If your license card is lost or stolen, your state's DMV can tell you your number over the phone or through their website. You will need to provide your full name and date of birth. Most DMVs have a customer service line that handles this request in a few minutes.

Visit your state's DMV website and look for a phone number or online account portal. Many states now allow you to log into your DMV account with your driver's license number and password, but if you do not have those yet, the phone line is faster. Have your Social Security number or state ID number ready — the DMV may ask for it to confirm your identity.

Look for your temporary license or DMV receipt

When you first received your driver's license, the DMV gave you either a temporary paper license or a receipt. Your license number is printed on both of these documents. If you kept either one, you can find your number there.

Temporary licenses are usually valid for 30 to 60 days while your permanent card is being mailed. Many people throw them away once the card arrives, but if you saved yours, it has your license number on it. The same is true for the receipt you received at the DMV office on the day you passed your road test.

Check documents from insurance companies or employers

If you provided your driver's license number to an insurance company, employer, or government agency, they may have it on file. Call your auto insurance company and ask them to read your license number from their records. Employers often keep a copy of your license in your personnel file.

This is useful if you need your number quickly and cannot reach the DMV. However, always verify the number against your physical license once you have it back, because transcription errors can happen.

Understand what happens when you renew or replace your license

Your license number stays the same for the life of your license — it does not change when you renew. However, if you lose your card and request a replacement, your state may issue you a new number. The same is true if you change your name or address and get a new card.

Always use the number printed on your current, valid license. If you have an old license card at home, do not use that number for any new forms or applications. When in doubt, check the front of the card you carry with you.

Why you might need your license number

Your license number is required when you rent a car, explore for a loan, open a bank account, or register to vote. Insurance companies need it to issue a policy. Law enforcement may ask for it during a traffic stop. Government agencies ask for it on official forms.

Keep your license number in a safe place — written down at home, not in your wallet where a thief could find it. If someone asks for your license number online or over the phone, verify that they are a legitimate business before you give it. Scammers sometimes pose as government agencies to collect personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. "License number" and "driver's license number" mean the same thing — the eight-digit code printed on the front of your card. Some documents call it your "DL number" for short.

Can I look up my license number online without calling the DMV?

Many states have online DMV portals where you can log in and view your license information, including your number. Visit your state's DMV website and look for "check your license status" or "view your record." You will need to create an account using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

What if I cannot remember my license number and I do not have my card?

Call your state's DMV customer service line with your name and date of birth. They can provide your number in a few minutes. If you do not know the phone number, search "[your state] DMV phone number" online or visit the DMV website.

Does my license number change when I move to a different state?

Yes. If you move and get a license from a new state, you will receive a new license number from that state's DMV. Your old number is no longer valid. Update your information with your insurance company and employer as soon as you receive your new card.

Is it safe to give my license number to someone who asks for it?

Only give your license number to businesses you trust and that have a legitimate reason to ask — insurance companies, rental car agencies, banks, employers, and government offices. Do not give it to someone who calls you unexpectedly or to unknown websites. If you are unsure, hang up and call the organization directly using a phone number from their official website.