Where to look for your old driver's license number

Your past driver's license numbers are on file with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and you can retrieve them by contacting that agency directly. Most states will provide your full driving history, including every license number you've held, if you request it in person, by mail, or through an online portal. The fastest method is usually your state's DMV website, which often lets you look up your own record without visiting an office.

Before you contact the DMV, gather what they'll ask for: your full legal name, date of birth, and current address. Some states also want your Social Security number. If you've moved between states or changed your name, have that information ready too — it affects which records the DMV can find.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV keeps a record of every driver's license number you've ever held and can provide that history when you request it.
  • Most states offer online portals where you can look up your own driving record without visiting an office or paying a fee.
  • If you've moved states or changed your name, tell the DMV that when you search — it may affect which records show up.
  • In-person visits to a DMV office are usually fastest if you need the information the same day, though online requests typically take three to ten business days.

Checking your state's DMV website

Start with your state's official DMV website. Most states have a "Check Your Driving Record" or "View Your Record" section where you can log in or create an account. You'll typically need your driver's license number (if you still have it), date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license and often a history of previous ones.

If you don't remember your current license number, some state portals let you search by name and date of birth alone. A few states charge a small fee for online record checks — usually between $5 and $15 — while others offer them free. The record usually appears on screen when ready or arrives by email within a few minutes.

Requesting your record by mail or phone

If your state doesn't have an online portal or you prefer not to use it, you can request your driving record by mail. Contact your state DMV and ask for a "driving record request" or "history of licenses" form. You'll fill it out with your name, date of birth, and current address, then mail it back with a check or money order if there's a fee.

Processing time for mail requests varies by state but typically takes five to ten business days. Some states also let you call the DMV directly and request the information over the phone, though this method is less common. When you call, have your identification information ready and ask specifically for a list of all license numbers you've held, not just your current one.

Visiting a DMV office in person

If you need the information the same day, visit your local DMV office. Bring a photo ID and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works). Tell the staff member you need a copy of your driving record or a history of your license numbers. They can print it on the spot, usually for a small fee or free depending on your state.

Arrive early or check your state's DMV website for wait times — many offices post real-time information online. Some states let you reserve an appointment slot through their website, which can cut your wait time significantly. If you've moved out of state, you may need to visit the DMV in the state where you last held a license.

What to do if you've moved between states

If you've held licenses in multiple states, each state's DMV keeps its own record. Your old license number from a previous state won't show up in your new state's system. You'll need to contact the DMV in each state where you held a license to get those numbers.

Start with the state where you currently live, then work backward through any states where you've had a license. Some states' DMV websites let you request records from other states, but most require you to contact each state directly. If you're looking for a license number from many years ago, the older state's DMV may have archived the record — call ahead to ask whether they still have it on file.

If your name has changed

Name changes — whether from marriage, divorce, or legal petition — can make your record harder to find. When you search, use the name that was on the license you're looking for. If you're searching for a license from before your name changed, search under your old name first.

If the DMV system doesn't find your record under your current name, tell the staff member or include a note with your mail request explaining the name change and the date it happened. Bring documentation of the change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) if you're visiting in person. This helps the DMV connect your old and new records.

Understanding what information you'll receive

When you get your driving record, it will show your current license number and usually a list of previous license numbers with the dates you held each one. The record may also include your license class (like Class D for regular passenger vehicles), any restrictions or endorsements, and your driving history if you've had violations or accidents.

Some states provide a straightforward list of numbers and dates, while others give a more detailed report. If you need only the numbers themselves and the report includes other information, you can ignore the rest. If the record doesn't show all the numbers you expected, call the DMV and ask — they may have additional records in a separate system or archived file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get someone else's driver's license number?

No. DMV records are confidential, and the agency will only release your own record to you. If you need someone else's information, they must request it themselves or provide written permission for you to request it on their behalf. Some states require notarized consent.

How far back do DMV records go?

Most states keep records for at least ten years, and many keep them indefinitely. If you're looking for a license number from decades ago, contact your state DMV to ask how far back their records extend. Older records may be archived and take longer to retrieve.

What if the DMV says they don't have a record of me?

This can happen if you've never held a license in that state, if your record was purged after a long period of inactivity, or if there's a spelling error in your name. Visit a DMV office in person with your ID and ask them to search manually. If you definitely held a license there, ask whether the record has been archived.

Is there a fee to get my driving record?

Fees vary by state and method. Online requests are often free or cost $5 to $15. Mail and in-person requests may have different fees. Check your state's DMV website for the current fee, or ask when you call. Some states waive fees for certain situations, like if you need the record for a legal matter.

Can I get my record if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. Your driving record exists independently of your license status. You can request it at any time, whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired. The record will show your current status and the reason for any suspension or revocation.