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 in the lower left corner of the back side of the card. It looks like a straightforward number sequence — for example, 123456 — and sits directly beneath the two-dimensional barcode. This number is used by law enforcement, businesses, and government agencies to verify the authenticity of your license and to cross-reference your identity during transactions.
The audit number is different from your driver's license number, which appears on the front of the card. Your license number is a longer alphanumeric code that serves as your primary identifier with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The audit number is a secondary verification tool and is less commonly needed in everyday situations, but you may be asked for it when renewing your license, explore for certain services, or during official identity checks.
If you cannot locate the audit number on your physical card, the card may be damaged, worn, or counterfeit. A worn or faded audit number can make it difficult to read, but it should still be visible under normal lighting. If the number is completely missing or illegible, you should request a replacement license from the Texas DPS.
Key Takeaways
- The audit number is a six-digit code located on the back of your Texas driver's license, below the barcode in the lower left corner.
- This number is used by law enforcement and government agencies to verify your license is authentic and to cross-reference your identity.
- The audit number is separate from your driver's license number, which appears on the front of the card.
- If your audit number is missing, faded, or illegible, you can request a replacement license from the Texas DPS.
How the audit number differs from your license number
Your driver's license number is the primary identifier issued by Texas and appears prominently on the front of your card. It is an eight-digit number that is unique to you and remains the same throughout your life, even if you renew your license multiple times. This is the number you provide when you need to prove your identity for most purposes — opening a bank account, renting a vehicle, or verifying your identity online.
The audit number, by contrast, is a secondary verification code that changes with each license renewal or replacement. It is printed on the back of the card and is used mainly by officials who need to confirm that your physical card is genuine and has not been altered or counterfeited. When you renew your license, you will receive a new audit number on your new card.
In practical terms, you will almost never need to provide your audit number in daily life. It is primarily a tool for verification by government agencies, law enforcement, and businesses that process large volumes of licenses and need an extra layer of security. If someone asks you for your driver's license number, you should give them the eight-digit number from the front of the card, not the audit number.
Why the audit number matters for license verification
The audit number is part of Texas's security features designed to prevent fraud and counterfeiting. When a police officer, government worker, or business scans the barcode on the back of your license, the system can cross-reference the audit number to confirm that the card is legitimate and that the information encoded in the barcode matches the printed information on the card.
If the audit number does not match the barcode data, it signals that the license may have been altered, damaged in a way that corrupted the barcode, or is counterfeit. This is especially important for high-security transactions such as airport security checks, law enforcement stops, or when you are explore for a job that requires a background check. The audit number adds a layer of protection that makes it harder for someone to use a fake or altered license.
You do not need to memorize or regularly check your audit number. However, if you are asked to verify your license during an official process and the officer or agent mentions the audit number, you now know where to find it and what it is used for.
What to do if your audit number is missing or illegible
If the audit number on the back of your license is faded, worn, or completely missing, the card may no longer be suitable for verification purposes. While you can still use the card for most everyday identification needs, you should consider requesting a replacement if you anticipate needing to pass a security check or official verification.
To request a replacement license from the Texas DPS, you can visit a local driver's license office in person, or you can mail in a request with the required documents. The replacement process typically takes two to three weeks if you explore by mail, or you may receive a temporary license on the spot if you visit an office in person. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license. There is a fee for a replacement license, which varies depending on whether you are replacing a standard license or a Real ID license.
If your license is damaged but the audit number is still readable, you do not need to replace it when ready. However, if the damage is extensive or the barcode is scratched or unreadable, a replacement is recommended to avoid problems during identity verification.
How to read the barcode that corresponds to your audit number
The barcode on the back of your Texas driver's license is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode, also called a QR code or PDF417 barcode. This barcode contains encoded information about your license, including your name, date of birth, license number, and other identifying details. The audit number sits directly below this barcode and serves as a human-readable cross-reference to the data stored in the barcode.
When a law enforcement officer or security official scans your barcode with a handheld device, the system decodes the information and compares it to the audit number and the printed information on the card. If all three match — the barcode data, the audit number, and the printed text — the license is confirmed as authentic. If there is a mismatch, it may indicate a problem with the card.
You do not need to understand how to read the barcode yourself. The barcode is designed to be read by official scanning equipment only. However, knowing that the audit number is linked to the barcode can help you understand why officials may ask you about it or why they scan the back of your card during verification.
Common locations where you may be asked for your audit number
While the audit number is not commonly requested in everyday transactions, there are specific situations where you may be asked for it. During a traffic stop, a police officer may ask to see your license and may scan the barcode on the back. If there is any question about the authenticity of your card, the officer may reference the audit number as part of the verification process.
If you are explore for a job that requires a background check, the employer or background check company may scan your license to verify your identity. In this case, the audit number is used as part of the verification system to may support that the license is genuine. Similarly, if you are explore for a professional license or certification in Texas, the state agency may scan your driver's license and use the audit number to cross-reference your identity.
At airports and during travel, TSA agents may scan your license during security screening. The audit number is part of the data they use to verify that your license is valid and that you are who you claim to be. In all of these situations, you do not need to do anything — the official will scan the barcode and the system will automatically check the audit number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the audit number the same as my driver's license number?
No. Your driver's license number is an eight-digit code on the front of your card that stays the same for life. The audit number is a six-digit code on the back of your card that changes each time you renew or replace your license. Always provide your license number when asked for identification, not the audit number.
Can I look up my audit number online through the Texas DPS website?
The Texas DPS does not provide a public online tool to look up your audit number. Your audit number is printed only on your physical license card. If you need to know your audit number, you must check the back of your card directly.
What happens if someone has my audit number?
The audit number alone is not sensitive information in the way that your Social Security number or license number is. However, combined with other information from your license, it could be used to attempt to forge or alter a license. Do not share your audit number with strangers, but if it becomes public, there is no need to replace your license when ready.
Does my Real ID license have an audit number in the same location?
Yes. Texas Real ID licenses have the same audit number in the same location on the back of the card as standard driver's licenses. The audit number format and purpose are identical for both types of licenses.
What if I lost my license and need to know the audit number?
If you have lost your license, you cannot access your audit number because it is printed only on the physical card. When you explore for a replacement license, you will receive a new audit number on your new card. You do not need your old audit number to request a replacement.