Where to Find Your Texas Driver's License Audit Number

Your audit number is printed on your Texas driver's license itself, usually in the lower right corner or on the back

The audit number on a Texas driver's license is a unique identifier that the Department of Public Safety uses to track and verify license records. It appears as a series of numbers, typically four to six digits, and is separate from your license number. If you have your physical license in hand, the fastest way to find it is to look at the lower right area of the front side or check the back of the card — the exact placement has shifted slightly across different license designs over the years.

If you cannot locate your license or need to find the number without the card present, you have other options. The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains your audit number in their records and can provide it to you through their online portal or by phone, though you will need to verify your identity first.

Key Takeaways

Your audit number is printed on your Texas driver's license, usually in the lower right corner or on the back of the card.
The Texas Department of Public Safety online portal lets you view your license information, including the audit number, if you log in with your license number and date of birth.
You can call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6789 to ask for your audit number over the phone, though you will need to answer security questions to confirm your identity.
If you have lost your license or the number is unclear, requesting a replacement or duplicate license from DPS will provide you with a new audit number on the card.

Checking the Texas DPS Online Portal

The Texas Department of Public Safety operates an online system where you can view details about your driver's license without visiting an office. Go to the DPS website and look for the Driver License section. You will need your license number and date of birth to log in. Once you are in your account, your license information should display, including the audit number.

This method works best if your license is current and you remember your license number. If you do not have your license number handy, you can sometimes retrieve it by entering your name and date of birth, though the system may ask additional security questions. The online portal is available 24 hours a day, so you can check at any time without waiting for office hours.

Calling the DPS Driver License Division

If you prefer to speak with someone directly, the Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Division answers calls at 1-888-589-6789. Have your license number ready, or be prepared to provide your full name, date of birth, and address so the representative can locate your record. They will ask security questions to verify your identity before sharing your audit number.

Call times vary by season, but the division typically handles calls during business hours, Monday through Friday. Wait times can be long during peak periods, so calling early in the morning or mid-week may be faster. Have a pen and paper ready to write down your audit number when the representative provides it.

Visiting a DPS Driver License Office in Person

You can walk into any Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License office and ask a staff member to look up your audit number. Bring a form of identification — your driver's license, passport, or state ID card — and be ready to wait, as offices often have lines, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon.

The advantage of visiting in person is that you can ask follow-up questions about your license record and get when ready answers. If you need a replacement license or have other license-related issues, you can often handle multiple tasks in one visit. Find your nearest office location on the DPS website by entering your zip code.

Understanding Why You Need Your Audit Number

The audit number serves as a verification tool for law enforcement, government agencies, and sometimes private businesses that need to confirm your license is valid and has not been suspended or revoked. It is not the same as your license number, and it is not used for everyday identification purposes like showing your license to a police officer during a traffic stop.

You might need your audit number when renewing your license online, when explore for certain government services, or when disputing a license-related issue with the DPS. Some insurance companies or employers may also ask for it as part of a background check process. Keeping a record of your audit number in a safe place can save you time if you need it later.

If Your License Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

If you cannot find your audit number because your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you can request a duplicate or replacement license from the Texas Department of Public Safety. When you receive the new card, it will have a new audit number printed on it. You can order a duplicate online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office.

The replacement process usually takes one to two weeks if you order by mail, or you may receive it the same day if you explore in person at an office that offers on-site printing. There is a fee for a duplicate license, which varies but is typically under $20. Once you have the new card, your old audit number is no longer active in the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my audit number the same as my driver's license number?

No. Your license number is the main identifier on your card and is used for everyday purposes. Your audit number is a separate code that the Department of Public Safety uses internally to track and verify your record. Both appear on your license, but they serve different functions.

Can I find my audit number on my Texas ID card instead of my driver's license?

Yes. Texas ID cards issued by the Department of Public Safety also carry an audit number in the same location as driver's licenses. The format and placement are similar across both types of cards.

What if I cannot read the audit number on my license because the print is faded or smudged?

Call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6789 or visit the online portal to retrieve it. You can also visit a Driver License office in person and ask a staff member to look it up for you. If the card is too damaged to use, you can request a replacement.

Do I need my audit number to renew my driver's license online?

Not always. The online renewal system typically asks for your license number and date of birth. However, some transactions or disputes with the DPS may require your audit number, so it is helpful to have it available before you start the process.

Will my audit number change if I renew my license?

Your audit number may change when you renew your license, depending on the DPS system update at the time of renewal. If you need to reference your audit number for a specific transaction, use the number from your current card or check the DPS records for the most up-to-date information.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.