Pete Davidson's driver's license tattoo is a real tattoo of his actual New York State driver's license
In 2015, Pete Davidson got a tattoo of his New York State driver's license on his body. The tattoo is an exact replica of his license at that time, complete with his photo, license number, and other identifying information visible in the design. Davidson has said in interviews that he got the tattoo as a joke and because he thought it was funny — a deliberately absurd choice that fit his sense of humor.
The tattoo became notable because it's unusual to permanently ink government identification onto your body, and because Davidson's public profile made the choice visible and talked about. It's the kind of decision that works as a conversation piece or a statement about not taking yourself too seriously, but it also raises practical questions about why someone would do this and what the actual consequences might be.
Key Takeaways
- Davidson's driver's license tattoo is a full replica of his actual New York State license, including his photo and license number, done as a deliberate joke.
- Getting a tattoo of your real driver's license is legal, but it means your identifying information is permanently visible on your body in public.
- A driver's license tattoo does not replace an actual license — you still need the physical card to drive, prove your age, or use it for identification purposes.
- If your license expires or is renewed, a tattoo of the old license becomes outdated and no longer matches your current legal identification.
Why someone would tattoo their driver's license
The appeal of a driver's license tattoo is almost entirely novelty and humor. It's a deliberately impractical choice that signals you're willing to do something absurd for a laugh or to make a statement about not conforming to normal expectations. For someone like Davidson, who built part of his public persona around irreverent comedy and unconventional choices, the tattoo fit that image.
Some people get identification tattoos for practical reasons — medical alert information, blood type, emergency contact details — but a driver's license is not one of those. A driver's license tattoo serves no functional purpose. It's purely aesthetic or comedic, which is why it remains notable years later: it's the kind of choice that makes people ask "why would you do that?" and that's often the entire point.
The legal and practical problems with a driver's license tattoo
Getting a tattoo of your driver's license is not illegal. There's no law against tattooing your own identification information on your body. However, there are real downsides that become apparent over time.
The first problem is that your driver's license expires and gets renewed. When you renew your license, you receive a new card with a new number, new expiration date, and often a new photo. If you have a tattoo of your old license, it's now permanently displaying outdated information. You can't update a tattoo the way you update a license — you'd need a new tattoo or a cover-up, which defeats the original purpose.
The second problem is privacy. Your driver's license number is sensitive information. Tattooing it on your body means anyone who sees you — in photos, in person, on social media — can see your license number. This creates a permanent record of that information in a way that's difficult to control or revoke. For most people, this is a security concern worth avoiding.
The third problem is that a tattoo does not function as a legal ID. You still need your actual physical driver's license to drive, to prove your age at a bar or store, to board a plane, or to use it for any official purpose. The tattoo is decoration only.
What happens if you get pulled over with only a driver's license tattoo
If a police officer pulls you over while driving and you cannot produce your physical driver's license, you can be cited for driving without a license, even if you have a valid license and a tattoo of it. The law requires you to carry and present your actual license card — a tattoo does not satisfy that requirement.
You would likely receive a ticket, and you'd have to show your physical license later (at the police station, in court, or when you renew your registration) to clear it up. The tattoo would not help your case. In some states, driving without your license on you is a separate violation from not having a valid license, and it can result in fines.
How driver's license tattoos compare to other identification tattoos
Some people get tattoos of information that actually serves a purpose — medical alert tattoos showing blood type, allergies, or emergency contact information. These are designed to help first responders in a crisis. A driver's license tattoo doesn't serve that function. It's not medical information, and it's not something a paramedic or emergency room doctor needs to know.
Other people get tattoos of their social security number, passport information, or other identifying details. These carry the same privacy and security risks as a driver's license tattoo, plus the added problem that these numbers are even more sensitive and should be kept private. Security experts generally advise against tattooing any government identification number on your body for this reason.
The difference between a novelty tattoo and a practical one
Davidson's driver's license tattoo works as a novelty because he's a public figure with a comedic brand, and the absurdity of the choice is the point. For most people, the downsides outweigh any humor value. You'd have outdated information permanently on your body, you'd be displaying your license number publicly, and you'd still need to carry your actual license anyway.
If you're considering a tattoo of personal information, the practical question to ask is: does this tattoo serve a real purpose, or am I doing it purely for novelty? For a driver's license, the answer is almost always novelty. If you want a tattoo that actually helps in an emergency, medical alert information is a better choice. If you want a funny tattoo, there are options that don't involve permanently displaying your government ID number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to tattoo your driver's license number on your body?
No, it's not illegal. There's no law against tattooing your own identification information. However, it's not recommended because it displays sensitive information permanently and publicly, and it doesn't serve any legal or practical function.
Would a driver's license tattoo work as proof of identity?
No. A tattoo is not a legal form of identification. You must carry your actual physical driver's license to drive, prove your age, or use it for official purposes. A tattoo cannot replace it.
What should I do if I got a driver's license tattoo and my license expired?
Your tattoo now shows outdated information. You can't update a tattoo the way you update a license. You could get a new tattoo of your current license, cover it up, or leave it as is. Your actual physical license is what matters legally.
Are there better reasons to get an identification tattoo?
Medical alert tattoos — showing blood type, allergies, or emergency contacts — serve a real purpose in emergencies. A driver's license tattoo is purely novelty. If you want a tattoo with practical value, medical information is a better choice.