Your audit number is a unique identifier on your driver license that helps the DMV track and verify your record

The audit number (sometimes called an audit code or control number) is a short alphanumeric string printed on your driver license. It serves as an internal reference number that the Department of Motor Vehicles uses to match your license to your complete driving record in their system. When you renew your license, change your address, or the DMV needs to pull up your file, they use this number to make sure they have the right person and the right record.

The audit number is not the same as your license number. Your license number is what identifies you as a licensed driver; your audit number is what the DMV uses internally to organize and retrieve your information. You will not need to memorize it or use it in everyday situations, but it appears on your license so that you, law enforcement, or the DMV itself can reference it if there is ever a question about which record belongs to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Your audit number is a unique code printed on your driver license that the DMV uses to track your driving record in their system.
  • It is different from your license number and is primarily for internal DMV use, not for you to provide in routine situations.
  • You may need to reference your audit number if you are correcting errors on your record or if the DMV asks you to verify your identity.
  • The audit number changes each time you renew your license, so the one on an expired license will not match your current one.

Where to find your audit number on your license

The audit number is printed on the front or back of your physical driver license, depending on your state. On most modern licenses, it appears as a small code near the bottom of the card or in a corner section. The exact placement and format vary by state — some states print it prominently, while others place it in a less obvious spot.

If you cannot locate it on your card, check your state's DMV website or contact your local DMV office. They can tell you exactly where it appears on licenses issued in your state. You can also call the DMV directly and provide your license number; they will look up your audit number in their system and read it to you over the phone.

When you might need to reference your audit number

Most of the time, you will not need your audit number. However, there are specific situations where the DMV or another agency may ask for it. If you are correcting an error on your driving record — such as a wrong address, misspelled name, or a ticket that was incorrectly attributed to you — the DMV may ask for your audit number to pull up the exact version of your record they need to fix.

Law enforcement or a court may also request it if there is a question about which driving record belongs to you, particularly if you share a similar name with another driver. Insurance companies occasionally ask for it when verifying your driving history. In these cases, having your audit number handy speeds up the process because it eliminates any ambiguity about which record the other party is looking at.

How your audit number changes over time

Your audit number is not permanent. Each time you renew your driver license, the DMV assigns you a new audit number. This is part of how they organize their records — the old number is archived with your previous license record, and the new number becomes active with your renewed license.

This means that if you need to reference your audit number, you should always use the one from your current, valid license. If you are looking back at an old driving record or trying to match information from an expired license, you will need the audit number that was on that license at the time, not the current one. The DMV can retrieve this information if you ask, but it is simpler to use your current license number and audit number whenever possible.

Audit number versus other identifiers on your license

Your driver license contains several numbers, and it is straightforward to confuse them. Your license number is your primary identifier as a licensed driver — this is what you provide when you are pulled over, when you rent a car, or when you need to prove you hold a valid license. Your audit number is an internal tracking code used by the DMV. Your date of birth and state ID number (if your state issues one) are separate identifiers altogether.

If someone asks for your "driver license number," they want your license number, not your audit number. If a government agency or the DMV specifically asks for your audit number, they will usually say so explicitly. When in doubt, ask which number they need — providing the wrong one can slow down the process or cause confusion.

What to do if your audit number does not match your record

If you notice that the audit number on your physical license does not match what the DMV tells you is on file, or if you suspect there is an error, contact your local DMV office. Bring your license with you or have it available when you call. The DMV can investigate whether there is a data entry error, a printing error on your card, or a mismatch in their system.

This is rare, but it can happen if your license was damaged and replaced, if there was a clerical error during renewal, or if your record was merged with another person's by mistake. The DMV will correct it, and you may be issued a replacement license with the correct audit number if needed. There is usually no charge for this correction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to provide my audit number when I renew my license online?

Most online renewal systems use your license number and date of birth to identify you, not your audit number. Check your state's DMV website for the specific information they request. If they ask for an audit number, it will be clearly labeled on the renewal form.

Can someone use my audit number to commit fraud?

Your audit number alone is not sensitive information — it is printed on a document you carry in public. However, combined with other personal details like your name, address, and date of birth, it could be part of identity theft. Protect your license the same way you would protect any ID card, and do not share photos of your license online.

What if I lost my license and do not remember my audit number?

You do not need to remember it. When you replace a lost license, the DMV will issue you a new one with a new audit number. You only need to provide your name, date of birth, and address to get a replacement. The DMV will look up your record and assign a new audit number automatically.

Is the audit number the same across all states?

No. Each state's DMV maintains its own system and assigns audit numbers according to its own format and rules. If you move to a new state and get a new license, your new audit number will be different from your old one. The two states' systems do not share this information.