What you can and cannot do with a driver license number
You cannot search a public database by driver license number to find someone's name, address, or phone number. Driver license records are not open to the public — they are held by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and released only to law enforcement, courts, and in limited cases to insurance companies and employers who have a legal reason to request them.
If you have a driver license number but need to identify or locate the person, your options depend on why you need the information and what you already know about them. The routes available to you are different from what you might see in movies or television.
Key Takeaways
- Driver license records are not searchable by the public and are protected by state privacy law.
- If you were in a car accident, your insurance company or police report will have the other driver's information without you needing to search.
- If you know the person's name but need to verify their license status, you can contact your state DMV directly with their name and date of birth.
- Private search services can locate people using other information like name, phone number, or address, but not by license number alone.
- If you need records for a legal case, an attorney or court can request them through proper channels.
When you have a license number from an accident or incident
If you were involved in a car accident or other incident and have the other person's driver license number, you do not need to search for them — the information is already being collected. A police report (if one was filed) will contain the driver's name, address, phone number, and insurance information. You can request a copy of the accident report from the police department that responded, usually for a small fee of $5 to $20.
If no police report was filed, your own insurance company will handle the claim and will request the other driver's information directly. You should provide them with the license number you have, and they will contact the other party's insurance to move the claim forward. You do not need to locate the person yourself.
Verifying someone's license status when you know their name
If you already know the person's name and want to check whether their driver license is valid, suspended, or revoked, you can contact your state's DMV directly. Most states allow you to call or visit the DMV website and request a license status check using the person's name and date of birth. Some states charge a small fee for this service; others provide it free.
This is different from a full record search. You will learn only whether the license is active or has a problem — not the person's address or other details. To do this, call your state DMV's main number or visit their website and look for "license status check" or "driver record inquiry." You will need the person's full name and date of birth.
Using private search services to locate someone
Private background check and people search companies (such as BeenVerified, Spokeo, or TruthFinder) can locate people using a name, phone number, address, or email — but they do not search by driver license number. These services pull information from public records like property deeds, court documents, and business registrations, not from DMV databases.
If you have a driver license number but no other information about the person, a private search service will not help you. If you have their name or any other identifying detail, you can enter that into a people search tool to see what public information is available. These services typically charge $10 to $30 for a single report or offer monthly subscriptions.
Getting records through a court or attorney
If you need driver license information for a legal case — such as a lawsuit, custody matter, or debt collection — an attorney or the court can request the records from the DMV through official channels. This requires filing a formal request with the court or having an attorney submit it on your behalf. The DMV will release records only to parties with a documented legal reason.
You cannot make this request yourself as a private person. If you are involved in a legal matter and need the information, speak with your attorney about whether it is necessary and how to obtain it properly. The process usually takes two to four weeks.
What to do if you only have a license number and nothing else
If someone gave you only a driver license number with no name, address, or other details, you have very limited options. The number alone cannot be traced through any public or private database. You would need additional information — a name, phone number, email, or address — to search for the person through other means.
If the license number came from a business transaction, accident, or official interaction, ask the organization involved (the business, insurance company, or police) for the person's other details. They have access to the full record and can provide you with what you need. If the number came from an informal source and you have no other way to contact the person, you may not be able to locate them without more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look up someone's address using their driver license number?
No. Driver license records are private and not searchable by the public. Only law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies can access DMV records. If you need someone's address, you would need to use their name or phone number with a people search service instead.
What if I was in a car accident and need the other driver's information?
Request a copy of the police accident report from the police department that responded. The report will have the other driver's name, address, phone number, and insurance details. If no report was filed, provide your insurance company with the license number you have, and they will contact the other driver's insurance directly.
Can I check if a driver license is fake or valid?
You can call your state DMV and ask them to verify whether a license is valid using the person's name and date of birth. Some states do this free; others charge a small fee. You cannot verify a license using only the number — you need the person's name.
Are there websites that search by driver license number?
No legitimate public or private database searches by driver license number. Any website claiming to do so is either misleading or attempting to collect payment for information it cannot actually provide. Legitimate people search services use name, phone, address, or email instead.
What if I need this information for a job or background check?
If you are an employer or organization that needs to verify driver license information, you can use a licensed background check company that has proper authorization to request records from the DMV. These companies have legal agreements with state agencies. Contact a background check service that serves your industry for details on how to order a report.