You generally cannot find someone else's driver's license number without their permission

Driver's license numbers are not public information. States treat them as sensitive personal data, similar to Social Security numbers. Most people cannot legally obtain someone else's license number through public records, databases, or state motor vehicle departments.

The person whose license it is can share the number with you directly. If you need it for a legitimate reason — hiring them, verifying their identity, processing a transaction — ask them to provide it. That is the straightforward path. There are narrow situations where access exists, but they involve specific legal authority or the person's consent. Understanding what those are, and what does not work, saves you time and keeps you on the right side of privacy law.

Key Takeaways

  • Driver's license numbers are not public records in any state; you cannot find them through public databases or state records searches.
  • The person whose license it is can give you the number directly if you have a legitimate reason to ask.
  • Employers, insurers, and government agencies can request the number as part of their normal business, but they do so directly with the person, not by searching public records.
  • Attempting to obtain someone's license number without permission through deception or unauthorized access violates privacy laws and can result in criminal charges.

Why driver's license numbers are restricted

States classify driver's license numbers as non-public personal information. Unlike property records, court documents, or business licenses, they do not appear in searchable state databases open to the public. This restriction exists because a license number, combined with a name and date of birth, can be used to commit identity theft or fraud.

Federal law also limits what states can do with license data. The Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) restricts the sale and release of driver's license information. States can share it with law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies, but not with private individuals or companies without a legal reason and often not without the driver's consent.

When you can legally request a driver's license number

If you have a legitimate business or personal reason to know someone's license number, ask them directly. Most people will provide it if the request is reasonable. Common situations include hiring someone (employers routinely ask for a driver's license number as part of background checks and I-9 verification), obtaining insurance (insurers ask for your license number when you explore for auto or home insurance), signing rental agreements (car rental companies, apartment landlords, and equipment rental businesses often request it for identity verification), and financial transactions (banks and credit card companies may ask for it during account opening).

In legal proceedings, if you are involved in a lawsuit or custody case, your attorney may need to locate someone's license information through formal discovery or subpoena. In each of these cases, the person is asked directly or their attorney is notified through legal process. You do not search for the number independently.

What does not work: common dead ends

People often try several approaches that do not yield results. State DMV websites do not allow you to search for someone else's license number — you can renew your own license or check your own record, but you cannot look up another person. Public records databases like Spokeo and BeenVerified do not include driver's license numbers; they may show name, address, and phone number, but not license data.

Social media and personal networks will not have the information unless someone has posted it themselves, which is unwise. Calling the state motor vehicle department and claiming you need someone else's license number will not work either — state departments will not release another person's license number to a stranger, even if you claim a reason. They may release it to law enforcement with a warrant or to the person themselves.

If you need to verify someone's identity or driving record

If your actual goal is to confirm that someone has a valid license or check their driving history, there are legal paths that do not require the license number itself. Employers can use third-party background check companies (like HireRight, Checkr, or Sterling) that have legal agreements with states to access driving records. The person being checked must consent, usually by signing a release form. The background company then pulls the record and reports the results to the employer.

Insurance companies can check driving records directly when you explore for a policy. They have legal authority to do so as part of underwriting. You do not need to provide your license number; they use your name and date of birth to request the record from the state. If you are involved in a legal matter and need someone's license information, your attorney can subpoena it from the state or request it through formal discovery. The other party will be notified.

What happens if you try to obtain it illegally

Attempting to obtain someone's driver's license number without permission through deception, hacking, or unauthorized access can result in criminal charges. Depending on the method and your state, you could face charges for identity theft, computer fraud, or violating the Driver's Privacy Protection Act.

Even if your intent is not malicious — for example, you are trying to locate someone — using unauthorized methods to get their license number is illegal. The legal way to locate someone is through a licensed private investigator, attorney, or law enforcement, depending on the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find someone's driver's license number if I know their name and address?

No. Public records databases do not include driver's license numbers. You would need to ask the person directly or have legal authority, such as through a court order or subpoena, to obtain it from the state.

Do background check companies give you someone's driver's license number?

Background check companies report whether a person has a valid license and provide their driving record (accidents, violations), but they do not typically include the license number itself in the report they give to employers or landlords.

Can I get someone's license number from a police report?

Police reports may include license numbers if the person was involved in an accident or arrest, but those reports are not automatically public. You would need to file a formal public records request with the police department, and even then, some information may be redacted.

What if I lost touch with someone and need their license number to contact them?

A driver's license number is not a tool for locating someone. If you are trying to reconnect with a person, try social media, mutual friends, or a people search service that shows contact information. If you have a legal reason to locate them, hire a process server or attorney.

Is it legal to share someone's driver's license number if they gave it to me?

Yes, you can share information someone has given you directly. However, sharing it widely or posting it online puts that person at risk of identity theft. Treat it as sensitive personal information and share it only with people who have a legitimate need to know.