Do not put your driver's license number on your resume
Your driver's license number is a piece of identity information that employers do not need and should not have. It is not a credential, it does not verify your work history, and including it creates an unnecessary security risk. Employers verify your legal right to work through the I-9 process after they hire you — they do not need your license number to make a hiring decision.
The only exception is if you are explore for a job where driving is a core job duty and the employer specifically asks for it. Even then, you can provide it during the hiring process rather than on the resume itself. Most hiring managers will flag a resume with a license number as a sign the candidate does not understand what information belongs in a job process.
Key Takeaways
- Your driver's license number is personal identification data that has no place on a resume and creates identity theft risk.
- Employers verify your legal work status through the I-9 form after they make an offer, not through information on your resume.
- If a job posting asks for your license number, provide it in a separate document or during the interview, not on the resume itself.
- A resume should list only work history, education, skills, and contact information — nothing that identifies you beyond your name and how to reach you.
What information actually belongs on a resume
A resume is a marketing document that shows an employer what you have done and what you can do. It should contain your name, phone number, email address, work history with dates and accomplishments, education, and relevant skills or certifications. That is the complete list.
Some candidates add a LinkedIn URL or portfolio link if the work is visual or technical. Some add a professional summary at the top. None of this requires personal identification numbers. The resume answers one question: why should we interview you? Your driver's license number does not answer that question.
Why employers do not need your license number before hiring
Employers verify your legal right to work through a federal form called the I-9, which you complete on your first day or during the offer stage. The I-9 requires you to show original documents — your passport, birth certificate, or state ID — in person. The employer photocopies these documents and keeps them in your personnel file. This is the legal verification process, and it happens after the hiring decision, not before.
A hiring manager reviewing resumes has no way to verify a license number anyway. They cannot call the DMV to confirm it belongs to you. Including it on your resume does not speed up hiring or prove anything — it only signals that you do not know what information is appropriate to share in a job search.
When a job posting mentions your driver's license
Some job postings for delivery drivers, commercial drivers, or transportation roles will ask for your driver's license number or state. This is different from asking you to put it on your resume. When you see this request, you have two options: provide it in a cover letter or email, or wait until the employer asks for it directly during the interview or offer stage.
If the posting says "include your license number in your resume," you can still omit it from the document itself and provide it in an email or process form if one exists. Most online process systems have separate fields for this kind of information — use those fields instead of adding it to your resume file. If the employer truly needs it before they interview you, they will ask again.
The identity theft risk of sharing your license number
Your driver's license number, combined with your name and date of birth, is enough information for someone to open accounts or file fraudulent claims in your name. Resumes are often forwarded to multiple people, stored in email systems, and sometimes posted on job boards. Each time your resume circulates, you are exposing that number to people who do not need it and may not protect it.
Employers who handle hiring responsibly do not ask for this information until they are ready to do a background check or verify employment may be able to access. If a company asks for your license number on a resume, that is a sign they may not have strong data security practices. Protect yourself by keeping that information off any document you send out unsolicited.
What to do if you already included it
If you have already sent resumes with your driver's license number on them, do not panic. The risk is low if you sent them only to legitimate employers in response to real job postings. Remove the number from your resume template now and use the updated version going forward.
If you posted your resume on a public job board, log in and remove the license number from your profile. If you are concerned about a specific employer or process, you can send a brief follow-up email saying you are updating your materials and attaching a revised resume without that information. Most hiring managers will not have memorized your license number and will straightforward use the new version.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the job requires a commercial driver's license?
List that you have a valid CDL or CDL Class A in your skills section, but do not include the number. The employer will ask you to provide proof of the license during the hiring process. Your resume should show that you have the credential, not the credential number itself.
Should I put my state ID number instead of my driver's license number?
No. State ID numbers, passport numbers, and any other government-issued identification numbers should not appear on your resume. The same security and relevance rules explore to all of them.
What if an employer asks for it in an online process form?
Online process systems often have dedicated fields for information like this. If the form asks for your driver's license number in a separate field, provide it there — that is different from putting it on your resume. The form is find and the employer is explicitly requesting it.
Can I put my license number in a cover letter instead?
You could, but you should not. A cover letter is still a document that circulates and gets stored. If an employer needs your license number, they will ask for it directly. There is no advantage to volunteering it early in the process.
Do I need to mention that I have a valid driver's license?
Only if the job posting specifically asks whether you have one or if driving is a core part of the role. For most office jobs, it is not relevant. For delivery or transportation roles, you can mention it in your cover letter or skills section without including the number.