Key Takeaways
- Your Virginia driver's license number is an eight-digit code printed in the upper right corner of your physical license card.
- You can retrieve your license number online through the Virginia DMV website without visiting an office, though you will need to verify your identity first.
- The Virginia DMV customer service line can provide your license number over the phone if you can answer security questions about your identity.
- A replacement license card costs money, so checking your records online or calling first is faster and cheaper than ordering a new card just to see the number.
Finding Your Number on Your Physical License
If you have your Virginia driver's license card, look at the front of the card in the upper right area. The eight-digit number printed there is your driver's license number. This number stays the same throughout your driving life in Virginia, even if you renew your license or move to a different address. It is separate from your Social Security number and is used only for driving records and vehicle registration.
Write this number down or take a photo of it for your records. Many people keep a copy in a safe place at home so they can reference it without carrying their physical card. This is especially useful if you need to provide the number to an insurance company, a rental car agency, or a court.
Checking Your License Number Online
The Virginia DMV allows you to look up your own driver's license information through their website without visiting an office. Go to the Virginia DMV homepage and look for the section labeled "Online Services" or "Check Your Driving Record." You will be asked to enter personal information such as your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Once you have verified your identity, the system will display your current license number along with other information like your license expiration date and any restrictions on your license. This process takes a few minutes and works from any computer or phone with internet access. If the system cannot verify your identity using the information you provide, you will need to contact the DMV by phone or visit an office in person.
Calling the Virginia DMV
You can reach the Virginia DMV customer service line at 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463). When you call, have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. The representative will ask you security questions to confirm you are the license holder, then provide your eight-digit license number over the phone.
Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning calls, particularly on weekdays, typically have shorter hold times than afternoon or evening calls. If you reach a busy signal, you can call back later or use the online method instead.
Visiting a Virginia DMV Office
If you prefer to speak with someone in person, you can visit any Virginia DMV office. Bring a form of identification such as a passport, state ID, or birth certificate. The staff member will look up your information in the system and provide your license number. This method does not require an appointment at most locations, though some offices accept appointments through the DMV website.
DMV offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Bring your Social Security number or other identifying documents to speed up the process. If you are looking up the number for someone else, you will need written permission from that person or proof that you are their legal guardian.
What to Do If Your License Is Lost or Expired
If you have lost your physical license card or it has expired, you still have a valid license number on file with the Virginia DMV. The number does not change when your card expires or is lost. You can retrieve it using any of the methods above — online, by phone, or in person — without ordering a replacement card.
If you need to drive legally, you will eventually need to replace your lost or expired card. A replacement license costs a fee that varies depending on whether you are renewing early or replacing a lost card. However, you can find your license number first using the free methods above, then decide whether to order a replacement based on when you actually need to drive.
Using Your License Number for Insurance and Registration
Insurance companies and vehicle registration offices will ask for your Virginia driver's license number when you set up a policy or register a vehicle. Have your eight-digit number ready when you contact them. Some companies allow you to provide it over the phone, while others may ask you to enter it on their website during the registration process.
Keep your license number separate from your physical card in case the card is lost or stolen. Scammers can use a driver's license number to attempt identity theft, so do not share it with people you do not trust. If you suspect your license number has been compromised, contact the Virginia DMV when ready to report it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Virginia driver's license number the same as my Social Security number?
No. Your Virginia driver's license number is an eight-digit code unique to your driving record. Your Social Security number is a separate nine-digit number. The DMV uses your Social Security number to verify your identity when you look up your license number, but the two numbers are not the same.
Can I look up someone else's driver's license number?
No. The Virginia DMV will only release a driver's license number to the person who holds the license or to a legal guardian with written permission. If you need someone else's license number for a legitimate reason, ask them directly or request written authorization from them before contacting the DMV.
What if I cannot remember my Social Security number to verify my identity online?
Call the Virginia DMV at 1-866-368-5463 instead. The representative can verify your identity using other information such as your date of birth, address, and answers to security questions. You can also visit a DMV office in person with a photo ID.
Does my license number change if I renew my license?
No. Your eight-digit driver's license number remains the same for your entire driving life in Virginia, even when you renew your license, move to a new address, or update your name. The number is tied to your identity in the DMV system, not to the physical card.
What should I do if I think my license number has been stolen?
Contact the Virginia DMV when ready at 1-866-368-5463 to report the suspected theft. You may also want to monitor your credit report and contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your account. If someone has used your license number to commit fraud, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.