Your credential number is a unique identifier printed on your driver's license that some institutions use to verify your identity
The credential number on your driver's license is a separate code from your license number itself. It appears on the physical card and in the digital record your state's Department of Motor Vehicles maintains. Not all states print it visibly on the front or back of the card — some only include it in their internal database — so you may need to contact your DMV to find it.
Banks, financial services companies, and government agencies sometimes request this number during identity verification. They use it to cross-check information against state records, which is more difficult to forge than a license number alone. The credential number is not the same as your driver's license number, your Social Security number, or any other identifier you might already know.
Understanding what this number is and when institutions ask for it helps you decide whether a request is legitimate and what to do if you cannot locate yours.
Key Takeaways
- The credential number is a separate code from your license number, printed on your physical license or available through your state's DMV database.
- Financial institutions and government agencies use credential numbers to verify your identity against state records during account setup or document requests.
- Not all states display the credential number on the front of the card, so you may need to check the back or contact your DMV directly.
- If you cannot find your credential number, your state's DMV website or customer service line can provide it using your license number and personal information.
Where to find your credential number on your license
The location of the credential number varies by state. Some states print it on the back of the card, often near the barcode or magnetic stripe. Others include it only in their digital records, not on the physical card at all. A few states print it on the front, usually in a corner or along an edge.
Your best first step is to look at the back of your license. If you do not see a number labeled "credential number" or "credential," check the front again, paying attention to small text near the edges or corners. If your state does not print it on the card, you will need to contact your DMV directly.
The DMV can retrieve your credential number using your license number, date of birth, and other identifying information. Most states allow you to request this over the phone or through their online portal. Some DMVs include it in the confirmation letter they send when you renew your license.
Why banks and financial institutions request it
Banks and credit card companies ask for your credential number as part of their identity verification process. When you open an account or dispute a transaction, they send your credential number to your state's DMV to confirm that the license number, name, and date of birth you provided all match the state's records.
This step is harder to bypass than checking a license number alone, because someone would need access to both your license and the ability to forge a matching state record. Financial institutions use it especially when you are opening an account remotely, without showing a physical ID in person.
The credential number is also used during fraud investigations. If someone claims to have lost their card or suspects identity theft, the institution can verify the real credential number on file and compare it to what the person is claiming.
Government agencies and credential number requests
State and federal agencies sometimes request your credential number when you are explore for benefits, licenses, or permits. The Social Security Administration, state unemployment offices, and housing authorities may ask for it to cross-verify your identity against DMV records.
These requests are usually legitimate, but you should confirm the agency's contact information independently before providing any personal details. Look up the agency's phone number or website yourself rather than using contact information from an unsolicited email or letter. Legitimate government offices do not mind if you verify their identity before sharing sensitive information.
If an agency requests your credential number and you cannot find it, ask them whether they can look it up using your license number instead, or whether they can wait while you contact your DMV.
What to do if you cannot locate your credential number
Start by contacting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly. Most states have a customer service phone line and an online portal where you can request your credential number. You will need to provide your license number, full name, date of birth, and sometimes your address.
If you are calling, have your license in front of you so you can read the number quickly. If you are using an online portal, the DMV will usually send the credential number to the email address or mailing address on file with your license. This process typically takes a few minutes to a few days, depending on the state.
Some states include the credential number in the renewal notice they mail to you before your license expires. If you have kept old renewal notices, check those first — the number does not change unless you renew your license in some states, though this varies.
Protecting your credential number from misuse
Your credential number is not as sensitive as your Social Security number, but it should still be treated as private information. Do not share it in emails, text messages, or over the phone unless you initiated the contact and confirmed you are speaking with a legitimate institution.
If a bank or government agency contacts you asking for your credential number, hang up and call them back using the phone number on their official website or your account statement. This prevents you from accidentally giving the number to a scammer posing as the institution.
If you suspect someone has used your credential number fraudulently, contact your state's DMV and the institution that requested it. Ask them to flag your account and monitor for suspicious activity. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — which makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.
Credential number versus other license identifiers
Your driver's license contains several numbers, and it is straightforward to confuse them. Your license number is the main identifier printed prominently on the front of the card. Your credential number is a separate code used for verification purposes. Your state may also print a document number, which identifies the specific card you are holding (useful if you have had multiple licenses issued).
When an institution asks for your "credential number," they are not asking for your license number. If you give them the wrong number, they may not be able to verify your identity, and the process will stall. If you are unsure which number they want, ask them to clarify or to explain where on the license they expect to find it.
Some institutions use different terminology. A bank might ask for your "DMV credential number" or "state credential number." A government office might call it your "credential identifier." These all refer to the same thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my credential number the same as my driver's license number?
No. Your license number is the main identifier on the front of your card. Your credential number is a separate code used for verification. They are different numbers, and institutions that ask for one will not accept the other.
Do all states print the credential number on the physical card?
No. Some states print it on the back, some on the front, and some only include it in their DMV database. If you cannot find it on your card, contact your state's DMV to retrieve it.
Can I refuse to give my credential number to a bank or agency?
You can ask whether they can verify your identity using other information instead. However, most financial institutions require it for account opening or fraud investigations. If you refuse, they may not be able to complete the process. Government agencies may have similar requirements depending on the program.
What should I do if I think someone used my credential number fraudulently?
Contact your state's DMV and the institution that reported the suspicious activity. Ask them to monitor your account and flag it for fraud. You can also place a fraud alert with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name.
How long does it take to get my credential number from the DMV?
If you call or visit in person, you may get it when ready. If you request it online or by mail, it typically arrives within a few days to a week, depending on your state. Some states include it in renewal notices, which you can check if you have kept old paperwork.