Your Virginia driver's license number is printed in the upper right corner of the front of your card, below your photograph

The number appears as eight digits. It is not your Social Security number, your date of birth, or any other identifier — it is a unique number assigned to you by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when your license was first issued. You will need this number to renew your license, update your address, check your driving record, or handle most DMV business by phone or online.

If you cannot locate your physical card, you have several ways to find the number without visiting a DMV office. The number is also printed on your renewal notice if you have received one, on your driving record, and in your online DMV account if you have set one up.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Virginia driver's license number is eight digits printed in the upper right corner of the front of your card, below your photo.
  • If you have lost your card, check your renewal notice, your driving record, or your online DMV account — all three contain your license number.
  • You can view your driving record and license number through the Virginia DMV website without logging in, using your name and date of birth.
  • The DMV customer service line can provide your license number over the phone if you have your Social Security number and date of birth ready.

Finding Your Number on Your Physical License Card

Open your wallet and look at the front of your Virginia driver's license. The eight-digit number appears in the upper right area of the card, positioned directly below your photograph. The number is printed in black text on a white background and is straightforward to spot once you know where to look.

The format is always eight digits with no letters or hyphens. Do not confuse it with other numbers on the card — your date of birth appears elsewhere, and your Social Security number does not appear on the card at all.

Checking Your Driving Record Online

You can view your Virginia driving record through the DMV website at dmvnow.com without creating an account. Your driving record includes your license number at the top.

Go to the DMV website, select "Driving Record Inquiry," and choose the option to view your record without logging in. You will need to enter your full name and date of birth. The system will display your current record, which shows your license number, the issue date of your current license, and the expiration date. This method works even if your physical card is lost or damaged.

Using Your Online DMV Account

If you have already created a Virginia DMV online account, you can log in at any time to view your license information, including your license number. The account also shows your license status, expiration date, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license.

To create an account if you do not have one, visit dmvnow.com and select "Create Account." You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to set up the account. Once created, you can log in whenever you need to check your license number or handle other DMV business online.

Calling the DMV Customer Service Line

The Virginia DMV customer service line can provide your license number over the phone. Call 804-367-0538 during business hours. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call — the representative will use these to verify your identity and provide your license number.

Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Calling early in the morning or mid-week typically results in shorter waits. The line is closed on Sundays and state holidays.

What to Do If Your License Is Lost or Damaged

If your physical card is lost, stolen, or damaged and you need your license number before you can replace it, use one of the methods above — your driving record or online account — to locate the number. You do not need the physical card to find out what your number is.

Once you have your license number, you can proceed with a replacement. Virginia allows you to replace a lost or damaged license online through dmvnow.com, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The replacement process is faster online and typically takes one to two weeks for the new card to arrive by mail.

Understanding What Your License Number Means

Your Virginia driver's license number is assigned sequentially by the DMV and does not encode information about you — it is not based on your name, Social Security number, or date of birth. The number stays the same throughout your life in Virginia, even if you renew your license multiple times.

If you move to another state, your new state will assign you a different license number. If you return to Virginia later, you may receive a new number rather than your original one, depending on how long you have been away and whether your old record is still active in the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my driver's license number the same as my Social Security number?

No. Your Virginia driver's license number is eight digits assigned by the DMV. Your Social Security number does not appear on your driver's license at all. The DMV uses your Social Security number internally to verify your identity, but it is not printed on the card.

Can I change my driver's license number?

No. Your license number is permanent and cannot be changed. It remains the same even when you renew your license, update your address, or correct your name. The only way to receive a new number is to move to another state and obtain a license there.

What if I cannot remember my Social Security number to look up my license number online?

Visit a DMV office in person with a valid form of identification, such as a passport or state ID. A DMV representative can look up your license number using only your name and date of birth. You do not need your Social Security number for an in-person lookup.

Does my renewal notice show my license number?

Yes. If you have received a renewal notice from the Virginia DMV, your current license number is printed on that notice. Check the notice before calling or visiting the DMV if you have one available.

Can I find my license number if my account is locked?

Yes. If you cannot access your online DMV account, use the driving record inquiry method instead — it does not require you to log in. You can also call the DMV customer service line or visit an office in person.