Your driver's license number appears in three places on your physical card
Your Colorado driver's license number is printed in the upper right corner of the front of your card, below your photo. It is also printed on the back of the card in the lower left section. If you need to find it quickly without your card in hand, you can log into your Colorado Department of Revenue account online and view your license information there.
The number itself is eight digits long and unique to you. Colorado issues this number when you first receive your license, and it stays the same even if you renew your license multiple times. You will need this number for many purposes: registering a vehicle, explore for jobs, updating insurance, or providing proof of identity.
Key Takeaways
- Your Colorado driver's license number is printed in the upper right corner of the front of your card, just below your photograph.
- The same number also appears on the back of your card in the lower left area for straightforward reference.
- You can view your license number online by logging into your Colorado Department of Revenue account if you do not have your physical card available.
- Your license number remains the same throughout your driving life, even when you renew your license or update your address.
Finding your number on the front of your card
The front of your Colorado driver's license displays your number prominently in the upper right section, positioned directly below your photograph. The number is printed in black text and is straightforward to spot once you know where to look. This placement makes it straightforward to read your number without having to flip the card over.
When you first receive your license in the mail from the Colorado Department of Revenue, take a moment to locate this number and remember where it is. You may need to reference it quickly in situations like a traffic stop, a job interview, or when filling out forms online.
Finding your number on the back of your card
The back of your Colorado driver's license also displays your number in the lower left corner. This second location serves as a backup reference point and is useful if the front of your card becomes worn or difficult to read over time.
Both the front and back numbers are identical — they are the same eight-digit code. Having the number in two locations means you can always find it regardless of which side of the card you are looking at.
Accessing your number online through your Colorado account
If you do not have your physical card available, you can view your license number by visiting the Colorado Department of Revenue website and logging into your account. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and other identifying information to access your account.
This online option is helpful if your card is lost, stolen, or still in the mail. You can retrieve your number from any computer or mobile device with internet access, which is faster than waiting for a replacement card to arrive.
What to do if you cannot locate your number
If you have your physical card but cannot find the number in either location, the card may be damaged or the printing may have faded. In this case, the online account method is your best option. Log into your Colorado Department of Revenue account to view the number clearly.
If you have lost your card entirely and cannot access your online account, you can contact the Colorado Department of Revenue directly. They can provide your license number over the phone or by mail, though you will need to verify your identity first. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call.
Why you need your license number and when to use it
Your Colorado driver's license number is a form of identification that many organizations request. You will need it when registering a vehicle at the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, explore for insurance, opening a bank account, or completing job applications. Some employers ask for it during the hiring process as part of a background check.
You may also need your license number when renewing your registration online, updating your address with the state, or providing proof of identity to law enforcement during a traffic stop. Keeping your number memorized or easily accessible saves time in these situations.
Understanding the format of your Colorado license number
Colorado driver's license numbers are eight digits long and follow a specific format assigned by the state. The number does not change when you renew your license, even if you receive a new physical card. This consistency makes it easier to maintain records across different organizations and government agencies.
The number is unique to you and is not shared with any other Colorado driver. It serves as your permanent identifier within the state's motor vehicle system, similar to how a Social Security number works at the federal level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my license number change when I renew my Colorado driver's license?
No. Your Colorado driver's license number stays the same for your entire driving life. Even when you renew your license every five or ten years, the state assigns you the same number. You only receive a new number if you move to a different state and obtain a license there.
Can I look up someone else's license number online?
No. The Colorado Department of Revenue online system only allows you to view your own license information. You cannot search for or view another person's license number through the state website. Only that person can access their own information through their account.
What if my license number is printed wrong on my card?
Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue when ready if you believe your license number is incorrect. Bring your card and a form of identification to your local DMV office, or call them to report the error. They can verify the correct number in their system and issue a corrected card if needed.
Is my license number the same as my driver's license number on my insurance card?
Yes. The number on your Colorado driver's license is the same number your insurance company uses to identify you. When you provide your license number to an insurance agent, they are using the eight-digit number from your physical card.
Can I request my license number by mail if I lost my card?
Yes. If you cannot access your online account and need your license number, you can contact the Colorado Department of Revenue by mail or phone. They will ask you to verify your identity before providing the number. Calling is faster than waiting for a mailed response.