Your issue number is a three-digit code printed on your UK driving licence card, usually in the top right corner or bottom left depending on your licence format

The issue number appears as a three-digit figure on your photocard licence — most commonly positioned in the top right area of the card, though older or renewed licences may show it elsewhere. It is not the same as your licence number (which is longer and based on your name and date of birth) and it is not your driving record or points total. The issue number straightforward tracks how many times that particular licence card has been issued or renewed to you.

You will need this number when you renew your licence, report it lost or stolen, or when an insurance company or employer asks for proof of your current driving status. It changes each time you get a new photocard — whether because yours expired, you changed your name, you updated your address, or you requested a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • The issue number is a three-digit code on your photocard licence that shows how many times you have been issued that particular card.
  • It appears in different locations depending on your licence format, but is always a short number separate from your full licence number.
  • You need it when renewing, reporting loss or theft, or providing proof of your current licence to insurers or employers.
  • The issue number changes every time you receive a new photocard, even if you have held a licence for decades.
  • It is different from your DVLA reference number, which stays the same throughout your driving life.

Where exactly to look on your photocard

On most current UK photocards issued after 2015, the issue number sits in the top right corner of the card, printed in small text. On older licences or those renewed before the current design, it may appear in the bottom left corner instead. The number will always be just three digits — for example, 01, 05, or 12.

If you are holding a paper counterpart (the old paper licence that came with photocards before 2015), the issue number also appears there, but you should focus on your photocard as the main document. The paper counterpart is no longer needed for most purposes and many people have already disposed of theirs.

If you cannot find a three-digit number in either location, check whether your card is actually a photocard licence or an older format. Provisional licences and some older full licences have different layouts. You can also contact the DVLA directly if you are unsure — they can confirm your issue number by post or phone if you provide your name, date of birth, and postcode.

Why your issue number changes when you renew

Every time the DVLA issues you a new photocard, the issue number increments by one. This happens when your licence expires (every 10 years for most drivers), when you change your name or address, when you update your photograph, or when you request a replacement because your card is damaged or lost.

The issue number is not a record of penalties or points — it straightforward shows how many physical cards have been issued to you. A driver with issue number 05 has received five separate photocards over their driving life, but that does not mean they have had five offences or five address changes. It could be a mix of renewals, name changes, and replacements.

How to use your issue number when you need it

When you renew your licence online through the DVLA website, you will be asked to enter your issue number along with your licence number and postcode. This confirms your identity and pulls up your current record. If you are renewing by post, you will send your photocard itself, so you do not need to write the number separately — the DVLA will read it from the card.

If you report your licence lost or stolen, you will give the issue number to the DVLA so they can cancel that specific card and issue a replacement with a new issue number. Insurance companies sometimes ask for it as part of their verification process, particularly if you are switching providers or updating your policy. Employers or organisations that need to check your driving status may also ask for it as part of their record-keeping.

You do not need your issue number for everyday driving — you only need to carry your photocard itself. The number is useful for administrative purposes when you are dealing with the DVLA or proving your current licence status to a third party.

The difference between issue number, licence number, and DVLA reference

These three numbers appear on your licence and can cause confusion. Your licence number is a 16-character code based on your surname, date of birth, and initials — it stays the same for life unless you change your name. Your issue number is the three-digit code that changes each time you get a new card. Your DVLA reference number is a separate identifier the DVLA uses internally and may ask for in correspondence; it is usually printed on letters from the DVLA but not on the licence card itself.

When you are asked for your "licence number", you are almost always being asked for the 16-character code, not the issue number. However, some online forms ask for both, so it is worth knowing where each one is. Your photocard clearly labels which is which, so you can check the card itself if you are unsure which number a form is requesting.

What to do if you cannot find your issue number

If your photocard is damaged, faded, or the number is illegible, you can request a replacement from the DVLA. You will need to fill in form DL44 (for a full licence) or DL57 (for a provisional), pay the replacement fee, and provide a new photograph. The replacement card will have a new issue number — one digit higher than your current card.

If you have lost your card entirely, report it to the DVLA as soon as possible using form DL44. You do not need to know your issue number to report it lost — the DVLA will look up your record using your name, date of birth, and postcode. They will then issue a replacement with a new issue number.

If you straightforward need to know your issue number for a form or verification and cannot locate your card, you can contact the DVLA by phone or post and provide your personal details. They will confirm your current issue number and can post you a replacement card if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my issue number show how many points or offences I have?

No. Your issue number only shows how many times you have been issued a new photocard. It has nothing to do with your driving record, penalty points, or offences. Your driving record is held separately by the DVLA and is not visible on your licence card itself.

What if my issue number is 00?

Issue number 00 is unusual but can appear on very old or newly issued licences in certain circumstances. If you see 00 on your card, your licence is still valid. Contact the DVLA if you are concerned, but this is not an error that affects your ability to drive.

Do I need to memorise my issue number?

No. You only need it when filling out forms, renewing your licence, or reporting your card lost. You can always check your photocard when you need it. Most people do not memorise it and do not need to.

Will my issue number change if I get penalty points?

No. Penalty points do not trigger a new issue number. Your issue number only changes when you receive a new physical photocard from the DVLA, which happens during renewal, replacement, or when you update your details.

Can I check my issue number online without my card?

The DVLA does not have a public online tool to look up your issue number without your card. You can contact them by phone or post with your personal details, and they will confirm it. Alternatively, you can request a replacement card if you have lost yours.