Where the DPS Audit Number Appears on Your Card

The DPS audit number on a Texas driver's license is a six-digit code printed on the back of your card, in the lower right corner. It sits below the barcode and to the right of your signature line. The number is small but clearly visible against the white background of the card back.

This number is unique to your license and is used by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for internal tracking and verification purposes. You may need it when contacting DPS about your license, requesting records, or resolving issues with your account.

If you have a renewed or replacement license issued after 2015, the audit number will be present. Older licenses may not have this number printed in the same location or format, depending on when they were issued.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS audit number is a six-digit code on the back of your Texas driver's license, located in the lower right corner below the barcode.
  • This number is used by DPS for internal record-keeping and verification when you contact them about your license.
  • Licenses issued before 2015 may not display the audit number in the same location or may not have one at all.
  • You do not need the audit number for routine transactions like renewing your license or updating your address online.

Why DPS Uses Audit Numbers

The audit number serves as an internal identifier within the DPS system. When you contact DPS by phone or in person with a question about your specific license, providing this number helps staff locate your record quickly and verify that you are the license holder.

DPS uses audit numbers to track license issuance, replacements, and renewals. If there is a discrepancy in your record or if you need to dispute something on your license, the audit number gives DPS a direct reference point to investigate your case.

When You Might Need to Provide It

You may be asked for your audit number if you call the DPS Driver's License Division to report a lost or stolen license, request a duplicate, or ask about the status of a renewal. It is also useful if you are working with DPS to correct information on your license, such as a name change or address error.

Some third-party services that verify Texas driver's licenses may also request the audit number as part of their verification process. However, most routine online transactions through the DPS website do not require it.

How to Read the Back of Your License

Turn your Texas driver's license over so you are looking at the back. The barcode will be near the center or lower portion of the card. Just below and to the right of that barcode, you will see a six-digit number printed in small text. This is your audit number.

The back of your license also displays your signature, a small photo, and your license class and restrictions. The audit number is separate from all of these elements and is purely numerical.

What to Do If You Cannot Find It

If your license is worn, faded, or damaged and the audit number is no longer legible, you can contact DPS directly. Call the Driver's License Division at 1-888-589-6900 or visit a local DPS office with your license. Staff can look up your record using your name and license number instead.

If you have lost your license entirely, you do not need the audit number to request a replacement. You can explore online through the DPS website or visit an office in person with proof of identity and residency.

Audit Number vs. License Number

Do not confuse your audit number with your license number. Your license number is the main identifier on the front of your card and is what you use to verify your identity in most situations. The license number is eight digits long and appears prominently on the front.

The audit number is much shorter (six digits) and appears only on the back. It is an internal DPS tool, while your license number is your public identifier. When DPS asks for your license number, they mean the front number, not the audit number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my audit number to renew my license online?

No. To renew online through the DPS website, you will need your license number (from the front of your card), your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The audit number is not part of the online renewal process.

What if my audit number is smudged or unreadable?

If the number is unclear, you can still contact DPS using your name and license number. Staff will be able to pull up your record without the audit number. If you need a replacement card because the back is damaged, you can request a duplicate license.

Is the audit number the same as the barcode?

No. The barcode and the audit number are separate. The barcode encodes your license information and can be scanned by law enforcement or other officials. The audit number is a printed six-digit code next to the barcode used for DPS internal tracking.

Can someone use my audit number to access my license information?

The audit number alone cannot be used to access your full license record. DPS requires additional verification, such as your license number, date of birth, or Social Security number. Sharing your audit number is not a security risk in the way sharing your full license number would be.

Do temporary licenses have audit numbers?

Temporary paper licenses issued while you wait for your permanent card do not have audit numbers. Only the physical plastic card issued by DPS displays the audit number on the back.