Your temporary driver license has your license number printed on it

Your temporary driver license — the paper document you receive when you pass your test or renew — displays your driver license number in the same location as a permanent card would. The number appears in the upper right corner of most temporary licenses, though the exact placement varies slightly by state.

The temporary license is a valid form of identification while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail. You can use the number from your temporary for any purpose that requires your driver license number: insurance, vehicle registration, employment forms, or opening a bank account.

Key Takeaways

  • Your driver license number is printed on your temporary license in the upper right area, though placement varies by state.
  • The temporary license is valid identification, and the number on it is your official driver license number — not a temporary one.
  • You can use this number when ready for insurance, registration, employment, and other documents that require it.
  • Keep your temporary license in a safe place until your permanent card arrives, since you will need it to prove your identity.

Why the number on your temporary is your permanent number

Many people assume the number on a temporary license is temporary and will change when the permanent card arrives. This is not the case. The number printed on your temporary document is your actual driver license number — the one you will keep for the life of your license (unless you request a change, which is rare and requires a separate process).

The only thing that changes when your permanent card arrives is the physical card itself. The number stays the same. This means you can start using it right away for any form, process, or situation that asks for your driver license number.

What information appears on a temporary license

A temporary driver license includes the same core information as a permanent card: your full name, date of birth, address, driver license number, and the date the license expires. Some states also print a photo or a barcode. The layout and design differ from the permanent card, but all the essential identifying information is there.

The expiration date on your temporary is usually the same as the expiration date that will appear on your permanent card. This date is typically four to eight years in the future, depending on your state and whether you renewed or obtained a new license.

When you might need to reference your temporary license number

You may need your driver license number before your permanent card arrives. Common situations include registering a vehicle, obtaining auto insurance, completing a job process, or opening a financial account. In all of these cases, the number from your temporary license is the correct one to use.

If a form or website asks for your driver license number and you have only your temporary, that number is valid. There is no separate "temporary number" — what you have is your actual license number.

How to protect your temporary license

Your temporary license is a paper document and more fragile than a plastic card. Keep it in a wallet or folder where it will not get bent, wet, or torn. If it becomes damaged and unreadable, you may have trouble proving your identity or using the number if it is unclear.

If your temporary license is lost or destroyed before your permanent card arrives, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency). They can issue a replacement temporary or, in some cases, expedite your permanent card. The process and fees vary by state.

What happens when your permanent card arrives

When your permanent driver license arrives in the mail, it will have the same number that appears on your temporary. You can then discard the temporary license or keep it as a backup. From that point forward, use your permanent card as your primary form of identification.

The permanent card is more durable and widely recognized, so most people prefer to carry it. However, the number itself — and your legal status as a licensed driver — remains unchanged from the moment your temporary was issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the number on my temporary license different from my permanent license number?

No. The number on your temporary is your permanent driver license number. It will not change when your permanent card arrives. You can use it when ready for any purpose that requires your driver license number.

Can I use my temporary license number online or over the phone?

Yes. The number on your temporary is your official driver license number and is valid for any situation — online forms, phone applications, insurance quotes, or vehicle registration. There is no separate temporary number.

What if I cannot read the number on my temporary license?

If the number is faded or unclear, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. They can look up your license number using your name and date of birth. You can also wait for your permanent card to arrive, which will have a clearer, more durable printing of the same number.

Do I need to carry my temporary license after I get my permanent card?

No, you do not need to carry your temporary once your permanent arrives. The permanent card is more durable and widely recognized. You can discard the temporary or keep it as a backup, but it is not necessary to carry both.