Your identification number is printed in the upper right corner of the front of your Illinois driver's license
The identification number on an Illinois driver's license is a unique six-digit code that appears in the upper right area of the front side of the card. It is not the same as your driver's license number. The ID number is smaller and sits above or near the expiration date, depending on when your license was issued. You'll see it printed in black text on the white background of the license.
This number is used by the Illinois Secretary of State to track your specific license document. It helps distinguish between multiple licenses you may have held over time. When you renew your license, you receive a new identification number along with a new license number.
Key Takeaways
- The identification number is a six-digit code located in the upper right corner of the front of your Illinois driver's license.
- This number is different from your driver's license number, which appears elsewhere on the card.
- The ID number changes each time you renew your license.
- You may need this number when contacting the Secretary of State's office or for certain vehicle-related transactions.
How the identification number differs from your driver's license number
Illinois driver's licenses contain multiple numbers, and it's straightforward to confuse them. Your driver's license number is the primary number assigned to you and typically remains the same throughout your driving life, even after renewals. This is the number you use when you get pulled over, register a vehicle, or provide proof of identity to most businesses.
The identification number, by contrast, is tied to that specific card. Think of it as a document number rather than a personal identifier. If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged and you get a replacement, you'll have a new identification number but the same driver's license number. The identification number appears smaller and in a different location on the card than your main license number.
Where exactly to look on your license
On the front of your Illinois driver's license, look at the upper right portion of the card. The identification number sits in this area, printed in a smaller font than your name or license number. The exact placement can vary slightly depending on the design of your license—older licenses and newer licenses have slightly different layouts—but it is always in the upper right quadrant of the front side.
If you hold the license up to the light, you'll see the number clearly printed on the white background. It is not hidden or embedded in a barcode; it is printed text that you can read directly. Make sure you are looking at the front of the card, not the back, as the back contains different information such as your address and restrictions.
When you might need to provide your identification number
You may be asked for your identification number when contacting the Illinois Secretary of State's office directly, particularly if you are calling about a specific license issue or requesting records. Some vehicle-related transactions, such as title transfers or registration disputes, may also require this number to pull up your exact license record.
However, in most everyday situations—traffic stops, age verification, vehicle registration—you will use your driver's license number instead. The identification number is less commonly requested but is important to know about in case you need to reference your specific license document with a government office.
What to do if you cannot locate the number
If you are having trouble finding the identification number on your license, check that you are looking at the upper right area of the front side. The number is always printed in black text and is six digits long. If your license is very old or damaged, the number may be harder to read, but it should still be visible.
If you cannot read the number clearly or believe your license is too worn, you can contact the Illinois Secretary of State's office or visit a local Driver Services facility. Staff there can tell you what your identification number is and can issue a replacement license if needed. You can also check your license renewal paperwork or correspondence from the Secretary of State, which often includes this number.
Understanding your full license document
Your Illinois driver's license contains several pieces of information beyond just the identification number. The front includes your name, date of birth, address, driver's license number, identification number, expiration date, and a photograph. The back lists any restrictions or endorsements on your license, such as corrective lenses required or commercial driving privileges.
Knowing where each piece of information sits on your license helps you provide the correct details when asked. Different situations call for different numbers—your identification number for Secretary of State inquiries, your license number for law enforcement or registration, and your date of birth for age verification. Familiarizing yourself with the layout of your license makes it easier to respond quickly and accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the identification number the same as my driver's license number?
No. Your driver's license number stays with you throughout your driving life, while your identification number changes each time you renew your license. The identification number is a document-specific code, not a personal identifier.
What if I lost my license and got a replacement?
Your replacement license will have a new identification number but the same driver's license number. The identification number is tied to the physical card, so a new card means a new ID number.
Do I need my identification number to renew my license online?
Most online renewal processes use your driver's license number, not your identification number. Check the Illinois Secretary of State website for the specific information needed for your renewal type.
Can I find my identification number on my vehicle registration?
No. Your vehicle registration lists your driver's license number but not your identification number. The identification number appears only on the physical driver's license itself.
What should I do if the identification number on my license is unclear or damaged?
Contact a Driver Services facility or the Secretary of State's office. They can confirm your identification number and issue a replacement license if the current one is too damaged to read.