The audit number is a six-digit code printed on the back of your Texas driver license, usually in the lower right corner near the expiration date.

The audit number is not the same as your driver license number. It's a separate identifier that the Texas Department of Public Safety uses to verify the authenticity of your license and track when it was issued. If you're holding a physical Texas license, flip it over to the back side. Look for a series of six numbers positioned below or near the expiration date — that's your audit number.

The exact placement can vary slightly depending on when your license was issued, but it will always be on the back of the card. If you have a digital version of your license through the Texas mobile driver license app, the audit number may not be visible in the same way, since digital licenses display different information than the physical card.

Key Takeaways

  • The audit number is a six-digit code on the back of your Texas driver license, separate from your license number.
  • You'll find it in the lower right area of the back side, near the expiration date.
  • The audit number helps verify your license is authentic and tracks when it was issued.
  • Digital versions of your Texas license may not display the audit number in the same location as the physical card.

Why Texas Driver Licenses Have an Audit Number

The audit number serves as a security feature and a record-keeping tool for the Texas Department of Public Safety. When your license is scanned or verified by law enforcement, a business, or another official entity, the audit number helps confirm that the license is genuine and was issued by the state.

Each time a new license is issued — whether it's your first license, a renewal, or a replacement after suspension or loss — a new audit number is generated. This means your audit number changes every time you get a new physical card. The number itself doesn't contain personal information; it's straightforward a tracking code tied to that specific card and issuance date.

How the Audit Number Differs From Your License Number

Your driver license number is a permanent identifier assigned to you when you first receive a Texas license. It stays the same throughout your life, even if you renew your license multiple times. Your audit number, by contrast, is specific to each individual card you hold.

Think of it this way: your license number is like your Social Security number (it identifies you), while your audit number is like a serial number on a specific piece of currency (it identifies that particular card). If you lose your license and get a replacement, your license number remains the same, but your audit number will be different on the new card.

When You Might Need to Provide Your Audit Number

Most everyday situations don't require your audit number. You'll typically only need it if you're dealing with official verification of your license's authenticity, such as during a background check, a dispute about your license status, or when the Texas Department of Public Safety needs to confirm details about a specific card you held.

If you're working with law enforcement, a government agency, or a business that suspects your license might be fraudulent or needs to verify the exact date it was issued, they may ask for the audit number. You might also need it if you're reporting a lost or stolen license and need to prove which card you're referring to.

Reading Your License if the Audit Number Is Hard to See

The audit number is printed in small text on the back of your license, and depending on the lighting and the age of your card, it can be difficult to read. If you're having trouble locating it, try holding your license under bright light or using your phone's flashlight to illuminate the back side.

If your license is worn, faded, or damaged and you genuinely cannot read the audit number, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety directly. They can look up your license information using your license number and date of birth, and they can tell you what the audit number is for your current card. You can reach them through their website or by visiting a local driver license office.

What to Do if Your License Information Doesn't Match Your Records

If you notice that the audit number or any other information on your physical license doesn't match what you expect, or if you suspect your license has been altered or counterfeited, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety when ready. You can report concerns online through their website or visit a driver license office in person.

Bring your license with you and be ready to explain what seems wrong. The department can verify whether your card is authentic and was issued correctly. If there's a problem, they can issue you a replacement license with a new audit number at no additional cost in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the audit number change when I renew my license?

Yes. Every time you renew your license or get a replacement card, you receive a new audit number. Your driver license number stays the same, but the audit number on the back of the card is different each time.

Can I look up my audit number online?

The Texas Department of Public Safety does not provide a public online tool to look up your audit number. You can find it by looking at the back of your physical license, or you can contact the department directly if you need them to confirm it for you.

What if I can't find the audit number on my license?

If your license is very old, damaged, or faded, the audit number may be difficult to read. Try using a flashlight or bright light. If you still can't see it, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety with your license number and date of birth, and they can provide the information.

Is the audit number the same as the barcode on my license?

No. The barcode on your license encodes your license number and other key information. The audit number is a separate six-digit code printed in text form on the back of your card, distinct from the barcode.

Do I need to memorize my audit number?

No. You only need your audit number if an official agency or the Texas Department of Public Safety specifically asks for it. For most purposes, your driver license number is what's needed.