What the issue number is and where to find it

The issue number is a two-digit code printed on your driving licence that shows how many times that licence has been issued or renewed in your name. It appears in the upper right corner of UK licences, typically as a number like "01", "02", or "03". Every time you renew your licence — whether for expiry, a change of address, or a medical update — the issue number increases by one.

On a photocard licence, you will find the issue number in box 4e on the front of the card. On an older paper licence (if you still hold one), it is printed in the top right corner. The number resets to "01" only if you explore for a completely new licence after losing yours or if your licence is revoked and you reapply from scratch.

The issue number is not the same as your licence number itself. Your licence number stays the same throughout your life and is based on your name, date of birth, and a check digit. The issue number straightforward tracks how many versions of that licence you have held.

Key Takeaways

  • The issue number is a two-digit code in box 4e (photocard) or the top right corner (paper licence) that increases each time you renew.
  • Your licence number itself never changes; only the issue number increments with each renewal or reissue.
  • The issue number resets to "01" only if your licence is revoked or you explore for a completely new licence after loss or theft.
  • You will need to know your issue number when you renew your licence, report it lost or stolen, or provide proof of identity to third parties.
  • The DVLA uses the issue number to track the history of your licence and to prevent fraud or duplicate licences in your name.

Why the DVLA tracks issue numbers

The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) uses the issue number as a security and administrative control. Each time you renew your licence, a new photocard is printed with an updated issue number. This creates a paper trail that helps the DVLA verify that you hold a valid, current licence and that no duplicate or fraudulent versions exist in your name.

If you report your licence lost or stolen and request a replacement, the DVLA will issue a new photocard with the next issue number. This ensures that if someone finds your old card, it can be identified as superseded. The system also helps the DVLA spot if someone has applied for multiple licences in your name without your knowledge.

When you provide your licence details to a third party — such as a car rental company, an employer, or a bank — they may ask for your issue number along with your licence number. This allows them to cross-check that the licence you are presenting is current and has not been cancelled or revoked.

When you need to provide your issue number

You will be asked for your issue number in several common situations. When you renew your licence online or by post, the DVLA will ask you to confirm your current issue number so they can verify your identity and pull up your existing record. If you are hiring a car, the rental company will often record both your licence number and issue number to may support they have the most up-to-date information.

If you report your licence lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to tell the DVLA the issue number of the licence you are replacing. This helps them cancel the old version and issue a new one without creating a duplicate record. Some employers and insurance companies also ask for the issue number as part of their identity verification process, particularly if they need to confirm that your licence is current.

You may also need it if you are updating your licence details — for example, if you change your name or address. The DVLA uses the issue number to link your new licence to your previous record and to may support continuity in your driving history.

How the issue number changes during renewal

Every time you renew your licence, the issue number increases by one. A standard photocard licence is valid for 10 years, so most drivers will see their issue number increase once per decade during a routine renewal. However, the issue number can increase more frequently if you renew early for other reasons.

If you change your name, address, or medical status, you may need to renew your licence before the 10-year expiry date. Each of these renewals will increment the issue number. Similarly, if your licence is damaged or the photocard becomes illegible, you can request a replacement, and the new card will carry the next issue number.

The only time the issue number does not increase is if you are straightforward receiving a duplicate or corrected version of your current licence due to an administrative error by the DVLA. In that case, the issue number remains the same, and the DVLA will note the correction in their records.

Reading your issue number correctly

The issue number is always a two-digit number, so it appears as "01", "02", "03", and so on. On a photocard licence, look at the front of the card in box 4e — this is the small box in the upper right area. The number will be printed in black text on the white background of the card. On an older paper licence, scan the top right corner of the document.

Do not confuse the issue number with other numbers on your licence. Your licence number (box 5c on a photocard) is much longer and includes letters and digits based on your name and date of birth. Your driving licence category codes (the letters A, B, C, etc.) show what types of vehicle you are permitted to drive and are separate from the issue number. If you are unsure which number is which, the DVLA website includes a diagram showing where each piece of information appears on a photocard licence.

What happens if your issue number is very high

If you have held your licence for many years and renewed it multiple times, your issue number may be quite high — for example, "07" or "08". This is normal and straightforward reflects that you have renewed your licence several times. There is no limit to how high the issue number can go, and a high issue number does not affect your driving rights or the validity of your licence.

A high issue number can actually be useful in some contexts. It shows that you have a long history with the DVLA and that your licence record is well-established. Some employers or insurance companies may view a high issue number as evidence of a stable, long-term driving record, though this is not a formal rule.

If you lose your licence and have to explore for a replacement after a long gap, the issue number will reset to "01" because you are technically explore for a new licence rather than renewing an existing one. This is rare and only happens if your licence has been revoked, cancelled, or if you have not held a valid licence for an extended period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find the issue number on my licence?

On a photocard, look in box 4e on the front of the card — it is a small two-digit number in the upper right area. On a paper licence, check the top right corner. If your licence is very old or damaged, the number may be faint or illegible. Contact the DVLA by phone or through their website, and they can tell you your issue number by looking up your record.

Does the issue number change if I just renew online?

Yes. Every renewal — whether online, by post, or in person — results in a new photocard with an incremented issue number. The only exception is if the DVLA issues a corrected or duplicate card due to an error on their part, in which case the issue number stays the same.

Can I use an old licence with a lower issue number?

No. Once you have renewed your licence and received a new photocard with a higher issue number, the old licence is no longer valid. You must carry and use the current licence. If you are asked to provide your licence details, always give the number and issue number from your current card.

What if someone asks for my issue number but I do not want to give it?

You are not required to share your issue number with private companies or individuals. However, if a car rental company, employer, or bank asks for it as part of their standard verification process, refusing may prevent you from using their service. Government agencies like the DVLA will always ask for it during official transactions.

Does a high issue number mean my licence is about to expire?

No. The issue number only shows how many times you have renewed; it does not indicate when your licence expires. Your expiry date is shown separately on your licence (box 4f on a photocard). Check that date to know when you need to renew, regardless of what your issue number is.