What an interim driver license number is and where to find it

A California interim driver license number is a temporary identification number issued to you while the DMV processes your full driver license process. It appears on a paper receipt or temporary document you receive at the DMV office on the day you explore, not on a plastic card. This number is valid for driving when ready after you receive it, even though your permanent plastic license has not yet arrived in the mail.

The interim number is printed on the process for California Driver License or Identification Card receipt (Form DL 43) that the DMV gives you before you leave the office. If you received this receipt, your interim number is on that document. The number format is the same as a standard California driver license number — typically eight digits followed by a letter.

You will need this interim number if you are asked to show proof of a valid license before your plastic card arrives, or if you need to reference your license number for insurance, vehicle registration, or employment purposes during the waiting period.

Key Takeaways

  • Your interim driver license number appears on the paper receipt the DMV gives you on the day you explore, not on a plastic card.
  • The receipt is Form DL 43, and you should keep it in a safe place because you may need to show it as proof of a valid license.
  • The interim number is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail.
  • Your permanent license will have the same number as your interim receipt, so you do not need to update records when the plastic card arrives.

Where the interim number appears on your DMV receipt

The interim number is located near the top of the Form DL 43 receipt, in a field labeled "Driver License Number" or "DL Number." The receipt is a single sheet of paper printed at the DMV counter after your process is processed. Look for an eight-digit number followed by a single letter — this is your interim driver license number.

The receipt also shows your name, date of birth, address, and the date the DMV issued the interim license. Keep this receipt in your wallet or a safe place at home, because you may need to show it as proof of a valid license while waiting for the plastic card to arrive. The plastic card typically arrives within two to three weeks, though processing times vary.

How long your interim number remains valid

Your interim driver license number is valid for driving from the moment you receive the receipt until your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail. Once the plastic card arrives, the interim receipt is no longer needed for driving purposes, but you may keep it for your records.

If your plastic license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV to check the status of your process. You can call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or visit the DMV website to look up your process status using your interim number and date of birth.

What to do if you lost your interim receipt

If you lost the paper receipt with your interim number, you have two options. First, you can contact the DMV by phone at 1-800-777-0133 and provide your name and date of birth so they can look up your interim number in their system. The DMV staff can read the number to you over the phone, and you can write it down for your records.

Second, you can visit a DMV office in person and ask for a replacement receipt. Bring a form of identification such as a passport or state ID card. The DMV will print a new copy of your interim receipt at no charge. If you need the number before you can visit an office, the phone option is faster.

Using your interim number for insurance and registration

You can provide your interim driver license number to your insurance company, employer, or vehicle registration office while you wait for the plastic card. The interim number is the same number that will appear on your permanent license, so you do not need to update these records once the plastic card arrives.

If an insurance company or registration office asks for your "driver license number," give them the interim number from your receipt. If they ask for a "license number on file," you can tell them you have an interim license and provide the number. Most organizations understand that interim licenses are standard during the processing period.

Difference between interim and permanent California driver licenses

The interim driver license is a paper receipt valid for driving, while the permanent driver license is a plastic card with a magnetic stripe and security features. Both have the same number, the same expiration date, and the same driving privileges. The only difference is the format — one is paper and one is plastic.

You do not need to do anything to convert your interim license to a permanent one. The DMV automatically mails the plastic card to the address you provided on your process. Once it arrives, you can use the plastic card instead of the paper receipt. You may discard the paper receipt at that point, though keeping it for your records does no harm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with just the interim receipt before the plastic card arrives?

Yes. The interim receipt is a valid driver license for driving purposes from the moment you receive it. You do not need to wait for the plastic card. If stopped by law enforcement, show the paper receipt as proof of your valid license.

What if the DMV gave me a number but no paper receipt?

This is unusual. Return to the DMV office where you applied and ask for a replacement receipt. Bring identification. If you applied online or by mail, contact the DMV by phone at 1-800-777-0133 to confirm your interim number and request a receipt be mailed to you.

Is my interim number the same as my permanent license number?

Yes. The interim number on your receipt is the same number that will appear on your plastic card. You do not need to update insurance, registration, or employment records when the plastic card arrives.

How long does it take to receive the plastic card after I get the interim receipt?

The plastic card typically arrives within two to three weeks, though processing times vary depending on DMV workload. You can check the status of your card using your interim number and date of birth on the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133.

Can I use my interim number to register my vehicle?

Yes. You can provide your interim driver license number to the DMV or your local vehicle registration office. The number is valid and will not change when your plastic card arrives, so you do not need to update your vehicle registration later.