The audit number is a six-digit code printed on the back of your Texas driver's license, usually near the bottom left corner
The audit number on a Texas driver's license is a unique identifier that the Department of Public Safety uses to track and verify the license. It appears as a six-digit number on the back of the card, typically positioned in the lower left area. This number is separate from your driver's license number (which is on the front) and serves as an internal reference code for the state's records.
You may need this number when contacting DPS about your license, requesting a replacement, or in some cases when law enforcement or other officials need to verify your identity through the state system. It is not the same as your license number, and it is not used for everyday identification purposes like your driver's license number is.
Key Takeaways
- The audit number is a six-digit code on the back of your Texas driver's license, located in the lower left area.
- This number is different from your driver's license number, which appears on the front of the card.
- You may need the audit number when contacting the Texas Department of Public Safety about your license record.
- The audit number helps DPS track and verify licenses in their internal system.
Where exactly to look on the back of your card
Turn your Texas driver's license over to the back side. Look toward the bottom of the card, on the left side. You will see a series of numbers and text printed there. The audit number is a six-digit code that appears in this area, often printed below or near other reference numbers.
The exact placement can vary slightly depending on when your license was issued, as Texas has updated the design of driver's licenses over the years. If you have a recently renewed license, the audit number should be clearly visible in the lower left section. Older licenses may have the number in a slightly different position, but it will still be on the back of the card.
If you are having trouble locating it, check that you are looking at the back of the card and not the front. The front displays your photo, name, and driver's license number. The back contains additional information, including the audit number.
Why DPS uses an audit number
The Texas Department of Public Safety uses audit numbers as an internal tracking system. Each license issued receives its own unique audit number, which helps DPS organize and retrieve records quickly. When you contact the agency about your license or when officials need to verify your information through the state system, the audit number provides a direct reference to your specific record.
This number is different from your driver's license number because it serves a different purpose. Your driver's license number is your primary identifier for everyday use — it appears on the front of the card and is what you provide when you need to prove your identity. The audit number is a behind-the-scenes tool that helps the state manage its records.
When you might need to provide your audit number
You may be asked for your audit number in specific situations. If you contact the Texas Department of Public Safety directly about your license — whether to report a lost card, ask about a renewal status, or address an issue with your record — they may request the audit number to pull up your file quickly.
In some cases, law enforcement or other government agencies may use the audit number when verifying your license through the state system, though this is typically done internally and you would not need to provide it yourself. If you are renewing your license or explore for a replacement, you generally will not need to provide the audit number — DPS will have it on file.
How to read the numbers on the back of your license
The back of a Texas driver's license contains several pieces of information printed in small text. You will see your driver's license number repeated, restrictions or endorsements if applicable, and various other codes. The audit number is one of these codes, and it consists of six digits.
Because the text on the back is small, you may want to look at your license in good lighting or use a magnifying glass if you have difficulty reading it. The audit number should be clearly distinguishable as a separate six-digit code, not mixed in with longer sequences of numbers.
What to do if you cannot find your audit number
If you have looked at the back of your license and cannot locate a six-digit audit number, it is possible your license was issued before the state began using this system, or the number may be printed in a location you have not yet checked. Older Texas driver's licenses may not have an audit number, or it may be formatted differently.
If you need the audit number and cannot find it on your card, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety directly. You will need to provide your driver's license number and other identifying information, and DPS can tell you what your audit number is. You can reach DPS through their website or by calling their customer service line.
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 the card and is your primary identifier. The audit number is a six-digit code on the back that DPS uses internally to track your record. They serve different purposes.
Do I need to memorize my audit number?
No. You only need the audit number if you are contacting the Texas Department of Public Safety about your license. For everyday identification, you use your driver's license number, which is on the front of the card.
What if my license is very old and does not have an audit number?
Older Texas licenses may not have an audit number printed on them. If you need one, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety with your driver's license number, and they can provide it from their records.
Can someone use my audit number to commit fraud?
The audit number is not sensitive information in the way your Social Security number or full driver's license number is. It is a reference code used by the state. However, you should still protect your driver's license itself and not share it unnecessarily.
Where do I call if I need help finding my audit number?
Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety through their official website or customer service line. Have your driver's license number ready, and they can help you locate your audit number or provide it from their system.