The issue number is printed on the front of your licence card, usually in the upper right corner or along the top edge
The issue number is a two-digit code that tells you which version of your licence you hold. Every time you renew, replace, or update your licence, you get a new issue number. It appears as a small number — often "01", "02", or "03" — printed directly on the plastic card itself, not in the barcode or magnetic strip.
You need this number when you renew your licence, report it lost or stolen, or provide proof of your driving record to an insurance company or employer. It takes 10 seconds to find, but many people search their entire wallet before realizing where to look.
Key Takeaways
- The issue number is a two-digit code printed on the front of your physical licence card, separate from your licence number.
- Location varies slightly by state, but it is almost always in the upper right area or top edge of the card.
- You need the issue number when renewing your licence, reporting it lost, or providing your driving record to third parties.
- The issue number increases by one each time you renew or replace your licence; it does not reset.
Where it appears on UK and European licences
On a UK photocard licence, the issue number sits in the top right corner of the front of the card, printed in small black text. It is a two-digit number that corresponds to how many times that licence has been issued or renewed. The number appears above or near your photograph.
On European licences (which follow a similar format), the issue number is also on the front, typically in the upper right quadrant. The exact position can vary slightly between countries, but it is always on the face of the card, never on the back.
Where it appears on US state licences
US state licences do not use the term "issue number" in the same way as UK and European licences. Instead, they use a version number or document control number that serves the same purpose. This number appears in different locations depending on your state.
In most US states, this number is printed along the top edge, bottom edge, or in one of the corners of the front of the card. Some states print it in very small text; others make it more prominent. If you cannot find it on the front, check the back of the card — a few states place it there. Your state's DMV website will show you a sample licence with the number highlighted if you search for "[your state] licence layout" or "[your state] document control number".
How the issue number changes when you renew
Every time you renew your licence — whether it is a standard renewal, a replacement for a lost or damaged card, or an update due to a name change — you receive a new physical card with a new issue number. The number increases by one. If your current licence shows "02", your replacement will show "03".
The issue number does not reset when you move to a new state or when your licence expires. It is tied to that specific card, not to your driving record. Once you destroy the old card or stop using it, that issue number is no longer valid for your identity.
Why you need the issue number
Insurance companies and employers often ask for your licence number and issue number together. This combination confirms that they have your current, valid licence on file. If you renew and do not update your information with them, they may be working from an outdated version.
When you report your licence lost or stolen, the DMV uses the issue number to cancel that specific card and issue a replacement with a new number. This prevents someone else from using your old card if they find it. You will also need the issue number if you are requesting an official copy of your driving record or if you need to prove your licence status to a court or government agency.
Common places people look but should not
The issue number is not your licence number. Your licence number is much longer and appears prominently in the center or left side of the card. The issue number is separate and much shorter — just two digits.
It is also not in the barcode, the magnetic strip, or any of the security features on the back of the card. Do not try to scan or swipe your licence to find it. straightforward look at the printed text on the front of the card, and you will find it within a few seconds.
What to do if you cannot find the issue number on your card
If your licence is very old, faded, or damaged, the issue number may be hard to read. In that case, contact your local DMV office or visit their website. You can provide your licence number and date of birth, and they will tell you the issue number on file. Many states also allow you to look this up online through your DMV account if you have registered one.
If your licence is so worn that the number is illegible, this is also a sign that you may want to renew it soon anyway. Worn or faded licences can be rejected by businesses, banks, and government offices, even if they are still technically valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the issue number the same as the licence number?
No. Your licence number is a long alphanumeric code that identifies you as a driver. The issue number is a two-digit code that identifies which version of your licence card you hold. You need both when dealing with insurance or government agencies.
What happens to the issue number if I move to a new state?
When you get a licence in a new state, you receive a completely new licence with a new licence number and a new issue number starting at "01". Your old issue number from your previous state is no longer used.
Can I find the issue number online without looking at my card?
Some states allow you to view your licence details through your DMV online account, which may display the issue number. Contact your state DMV to see if this option is available. Otherwise, you will need to look at the physical card or call your local DMV office.
Do I need to memorize my issue number?
No. Write it down or take a photo of your licence when you need to provide it to someone. You do not need to memorize it, but you should know where to find it on your card so you can locate it quickly when asked.