How to find endorsements on your driving license
Endorsements appear on the back of your physical driving license card, listed under the section labeled "Endorsements" or sometimes "Restrictions." They are printed as codes — usually two or three letters followed by numbers — alongside a description of what each code means. The most straightforward way to check them is to look at your card directly, but you can also view them online through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website by logging into your driver record.
If you have lost your license or want to verify what the state has on file before you need it, most states let you order a copy of your driving record online or by mail. This record will list every endorsement and restriction tied to your license. The process and fee vary by state — some charge $5 to $15 for a record copy — but the information is the same as what appears on your card.
Your license may also show endorsements you earned (like a commercial driver license endorsement) or restrictions placed on your license (like corrective lenses required, or no night driving). Both types appear in the same section and use the same code system.
Key Takeaways
- Endorsements are two- or three-letter codes printed on the back of your license that describe restrictions or special permissions tied to your driving privileges.
- Common restriction codes include "B" for corrective lenses, "D" for automatic transmission only, and "E" for no highway driving, though codes vary by state.
- You can check your endorsements by looking at your physical license, logging into your state DMV's online portal, or ordering an official driving record.
- Violating a restriction (such as driving without required glasses when code "B" is on your license) can result in a ticket, points on your record, or license suspension.
Common endorsement and restriction codes across states
While each state maintains its own code system, some endorsements and restrictions appear in nearly every state with similar meanings. A corrective lens requirement is one of the most common — it typically appears as "B" or "01" depending on your state — and means you must wear glasses or contacts whenever you drive. Failure to do so is a moving violation in most states.
Automatic transmission only (often coded "D" or "10") means you are restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission and cannot legally drive a manual transmission car. This restriction is usually placed after a driving test in an automatic vehicle or after a medical evaluation. Driving a manual when this restriction is on your license can result in a ticket.
No highway driving (often "E" or "11") restricts you to local roads and is sometimes placed on new drivers, older drivers, or those with medical conditions. Daylight driving only (often "L" or "12") means you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. These restrictions are less common than corrective lens requirements but are used when a driver's abilities are limited in specific ways.
Some states also use endorsement codes for permissions rather than restrictions — for example, a motorcycle endorsement or a commercial driver license (CDL) endorsement. These appear in the same section but indicate what you are allowed to drive, not what you cannot do.
Why endorsements are placed on your license
Endorsements and restrictions are added to your license based on information from your driving test, medical records, or court orders. When you take your driving test, the examiner notes any physical limitations they observe — difficulty with certain vehicle controls, for instance — and the DMV may add a restriction based on that observation. If you wear glasses and the examiner notes this, a corrective lens requirement will be added automatically.
Medical evaluations can also trigger endorsements. If your doctor reports a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as a seizure disorder, severe hearing loss, or limited mobility — your state's DMV may place restrictions on your license or require you to renew more frequently. Some states allow you to request a medical evaluation if you believe a restriction is no longer necessary.
Court orders and traffic convictions can also result in endorsements. A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) in some states triggers an "IID" (Ignition Interlock Device) code, meaning you must have a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle. Reckless driving convictions or multiple speeding tickets can sometimes result in restrictions on young drivers.
How to remove or modify an endorsement
The process for removing an endorsement depends on why it was placed on your license. If the restriction was based on a medical condition and that condition has improved or resolved, you can request a medical evaluation through your state DMV. Bring documentation from your doctor showing that the condition no longer affects your driving ability. The DMV will review the documentation and may remove the restriction if it approves the medical evidence.
If the endorsement is based on your driving test performance — such as automatic transmission only — you can request a new driving test in a manual transmission vehicle. If you pass, the restriction can be removed. Some states allow you to take this test at any time; others require you to wait a certain period or pay a fee to retake the test.
Restrictions placed by court order (such as an ignition interlock requirement) can only be removed by the court that ordered them or by completing the terms of the order. If you have an IID requirement, you must have the device installed and maintain it for the period specified by the court. Once that period ends and you provide proof of compliance to the DMV, the restriction is removed.
If you believe an endorsement was added in error, contact your state DMV's customer service line with your license number and a description of the error. They can review your file and correct it if a mistake was made, though this process typically takes several weeks.
What happens if you drive in violation of an endorsement
Driving in violation of a restriction on your license — such as driving without required corrective lenses or driving a manual transmission vehicle when automatic-only is required — is a separate traffic violation from any other offense you might commit. In most states, it is classified as a moving violation and can result in a ticket, fines, and points added to your driving record.
The consequences vary by state and by the specific violation. A corrective lens violation might result in a $50 to $200 fine and one or two points on your record. More serious violations, such as driving during restricted hours when daylight-only is required, can result in higher fines and more points. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension or revocation.
If you are stopped by police and found to be driving in violation of an endorsement, the officer will likely issue a citation. You can contest the citation in traffic court if you believe it was issued in error or if you have evidence that the restriction should no longer explore. Having documentation from your doctor or a new passing driving test can help your case.
Checking your endorsements before renewing your license
Before you renew your driving license, review the endorsements on your current license to understand what restrictions or permissions will carry over to your new card. Most states automatically renew all endorsements unless you have completed the steps to remove them. If you want to remove a restriction before renewal, start that process several weeks in advance — medical evaluations, driving tests, and court procedures all take time.
When you renew your license online or in person, the DMV will show you the endorsements currently on file. You can request changes at that time if you have documentation supporting the change, such as a new medical evaluation or proof that you have completed an ignition interlock requirement. However, if you do not address the endorsement during renewal, it will appear on your new license with the same terms.
Some states allow you to check your endorsements and restrictions through their online DMV portal without renewing your license. This is useful if you want to verify what is on file before your renewal date arrives or if you are planning to challenge a restriction.
State-by-state differences in endorsement codes
Each state uses its own system for coding endorsements and restrictions, so a code that means one thing in one state may mean something different in another. For example, some states use letter codes (A, B, C, D) while others use number codes (01, 02, 03, 04). A few states use a combination of both. This means you cannot assume you know what an endorsement means without checking your state's specific guide.
Your state DMV website publishes a complete list of all endorsement codes and their meanings. You can find this list by searching "[your state] DMV endorsement codes" or by visiting your state's DMV website directly and looking for a section on license restrictions or endorsements. Keeping a copy of this guide on your phone or in your car can be helpful if you are ever stopped by police and need to explain what an endorsement on your license means.
If you move to a new state, your old license's endorsements do not automatically transfer. When you explore for a license in your new state, the DMV will review your driving record and may place new endorsements based on your history and any new medical or testing requirements. Some restrictions (such as a corrective lens requirement) will likely transfer, but others may not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if I ignore an endorsement on my license?
No. Driving in violation of an endorsement is a traffic violation. If you are stopped, you can receive a ticket, fines, and points on your record. Repeated violations can lead to license suspension or revocation. If an endorsement prevents you from driving safely or legally, work with your DMV to remove it rather than ignoring it.
What does it mean if my license has no endorsements listed?
It means you have no restrictions or special permissions on your license. You can drive any vehicle you are licensed to drive (such as a standard passenger car) at any time of day, without corrective lenses or other requirements. This is the most common situation for drivers with no medical conditions or traffic violations.
How long does it take to remove an endorsement?
The timeline depends on the reason for the endorsement. A medical evaluation can take two to eight weeks if your doctor must submit paperwork to the DMV. A retake driving test can be scheduled within days or weeks depending on availability. Court-ordered restrictions (like ignition interlock) can only be removed after you complete the terms, which may take months or years.
Will an endorsement show up on my driving record if someone checks it?
Yes. Endorsements are part of your official driving record and appear whenever an employer, insurance company, or law enforcement officer pulls your record. Insurance companies may charge higher premiums if your record shows certain restrictions, and some employers may not hire you for driving positions if your record shows medical restrictions.
Can I get a license without endorsements if I have a medical condition?
Not necessarily. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, your state DMV will likely place restrictions on your license to keep you and others safe. You can work with your doctor and the DMV to determine what restrictions are necessary, but you cannot straightforward choose to ignore a medical condition during the licensing process.