The audit number is a six-digit code printed on the back of your Texas driver's license, below the barcode
The audit number on a Texas driver's license is a six-digit identifier that appears on the back of the card, positioned directly underneath the barcode. It looks like a straightforward string of numbers with no letters. This number is used by law enforcement and licensing officials to verify the authenticity of your license and to pull up your driving record when needed.
You won't need this number for everyday driving, but it becomes important if you're involved in a traffic stop, an accident, or if you need to provide proof of your license details to an employer or government agency. Knowing where to find it quickly can save you time when someone asks for it.
Key Takeaways
- The audit number is a six-digit code located on the back of your Texas driver's license, directly below the barcode.
- Law enforcement and licensing officials use the audit number to verify your license is genuine and to access your driving record.
- The audit number is different from your driver's license number, which appears on the front of the card.
- You may be asked for this number during a traffic stop, when renewing your license, or by certain employers or agencies.
How the audit number differs from your license number
Your Texas driver's license has two separate identification numbers, and it's straightforward to confuse them. Your driver's license number is the main identifier printed on the front of the card, usually in the upper right area. This is the number you use when you renew your license, register a vehicle, or provide proof of identity.
The audit number, by contrast, is on the back and serves a different purpose. It's a security feature that helps verify the license itself is legitimate. When a police officer scans your license during a traffic stop, they're often reading the barcode on the back, which connects to the audit number in the state's system.
Where exactly to look on the back of your card
Hold your Texas driver's license with the back facing you. You'll see a barcode in the center-lower portion of the card. Directly underneath that barcode, you'll find a row of numbers. This is your audit number. It's printed in the same font and size as other text on the back, so it won't stand out as a special feature.
The exact position can vary slightly depending on when your license was issued, but the audit number always appears below the barcode. If you're having trouble locating it, make sure you're looking at the back of the card and not the front. The front contains your photo, name, address, and driver's license number — but not the audit number.
Why law enforcement and agencies ask for it
When a police officer pulls you over, they may ask to see your driver's license. If they run it through their system, they're using the audit number (often by scanning the barcode) to pull up your complete driving record, including any violations, suspensions, or restrictions. This helps them verify that your license is valid and active.
Some employers, particularly those in transportation, security, or positions requiring background checks, may also request your audit number as part of their verification process. Government agencies sometimes ask for it when you're renewing your license or updating your address. Having it readily available speeds up these interactions.
What to do if you can't find your audit number
If your license is worn, faded, or damaged, the audit number on the back may become hard to read. In this case, you can request a replacement license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). A new card will have a clearly printed audit number.
You can also contact the Texas DPS directly if you need to verify your audit number for any reason. They can look it up using your driver's license number and other identifying information. You don't need to memorize the audit number — it's there for officials to use when they need to verify your license.
Understanding the security features on your license
Texas driver's licenses include several security features designed to prevent fraud and counterfeiting. The audit number is one of these features. Others include a hologram, a ghost image of your photo, microprinting, and color-shifting elements. Together, these features make it difficult for someone to create a fake license.
The barcode and audit number work together as a system. When scanned, the barcode pulls the audit number from the state database, which then displays your driving record and license status. This two-part verification helps may support that the physical card in someone's hand matches the official record in the system.
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 main identifier. The audit number is a six-digit code on the back, below the barcode, and is used for verification and security purposes.
Do I need to memorize my audit number?
You don't need to memorize it. The audit number is primarily for officials and systems that scan or verify your license. You should know where to find it, but you won't use it in everyday situations.
What if my audit number is smudged or unreadable?
If the number is damaged or faded, you can request a replacement license from the Texas DPS. A new card will have a clearly printed audit number. You can also contact the DPS directly, and they can look up your audit number using your driver's license number.
Will a police officer always ask for my audit number?
No. During a traffic stop, an officer will ask for your license, and they may scan the barcode on the back, which automatically reads the audit number. You won't typically be asked to recite it aloud.
Can someone use my audit number to commit fraud?
The audit number alone is not enough to commit fraud, since it's paired with other security features and the state database. However, you should still protect your license like any other form of identification and report it when ready if it's lost or stolen.