Your audit number is a six-digit code printed on your Texas driver's license that helps the Department of Public Safety track and verify your license record
The audit number appears in the bottom right corner of your license, below your license number. It is not the same as your driver's license number, your ID number, or your date of birth — it is a separate identifier that the state uses internally to match your physical card to your record in their system. You will see it printed as a small number on both the front and back of your card.
This number matters when you need to verify your identity with the state or when DPS staff are checking whether your license record matches the card in front of them. It is also used when you renew your license or update your address, because it helps the system confirm that the new information belongs to the same person and the same license.
Key Takeaways
- Your audit number is a six-digit code printed in the bottom right corner of your Texas driver's license.
- The audit number is different from your driver's license number and is used by the state to verify your record matches your physical card.
- You may need to provide your audit number when renewing your license, updating your address, or resolving a discrepancy with DPS.
- If you cannot read the audit number on your card, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety to confirm it.
Where the audit number appears on your license
On a standard Texas driver's license, the audit number is printed in small text in the lower right corner of the card. On the front side, it sits below your license number. On the back side, it appears in the same general area. The number is always six digits long and printed in black ink.
If your license is worn, faded, or damaged, the audit number may be hard to read. In that case, you can request a replacement card from DPS, or you can contact your local DPS office by phone to have them read the number from your record. They can confirm the audit number associated with your name and date of birth without requiring you to visit in person.
When you need to provide your audit number
Most routine interactions with DPS do not require your audit number. When you renew your license online or by mail, the system uses your license number and date of birth. However, if there is a discrepancy between your physical card and your DPS record — for example, if your name or address does not match — DPS staff may ask for your audit number to resolve the issue.
You may also need it if you are correcting information on your license, if you are replacing a lost or stolen card, or if you are working with DPS to clear up a hold or suspension on your record. In these cases, having the audit number on hand can speed up the process because it eliminates any confusion about which record belongs to you.
How to find your audit number if you cannot read it
If the audit number on your card is illegible, you have two main options. The first is to visit a DPS office in person with your license and a form of identification. Staff can read the number directly from your card and provide it to you. The second is to call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6900 and provide your name, date of birth, and license number. They can look up your record and tell you what the audit number is.
You can also request a replacement license if your current card is too damaged to read. A replacement card costs the same as a renewal and takes about two to three weeks to arrive by mail. If you choose this route, your new card will have a new audit number printed on it.
Why DPS uses audit numbers
The audit number is part of how the Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the integrity of the driver's license system. Because millions of licenses are issued, renewed, and updated every year, the state needs a way to link each physical card to exactly one record in their database. The audit number serves as that link.
When you renew your license or update your information, DPS staff scan your old card and use the audit number to pull up your existing record. This prevents duplicate records, ensures that your new card is tied to the correct history, and helps catch fraud or identity mix-ups. It also allows DPS to track whether a particular card has been reported lost or stolen.
What to do if your audit number does not match your record
In rare cases, a person may notice that the audit number printed on their physical license does not match the number DPS has in their system. This usually happens because of a data entry error during license issuance or renewal, or because a card was damaged and replaced. If you discover a mismatch, contact your local DPS office or call the Driver License Division to report it.
DPS can correct the discrepancy in their system, but they cannot change the number printed on your physical card. If the mismatch is causing problems — for example, if you cannot renew your license online because the system cannot match your card to your record — you may need to request a replacement card so that the printed number matches the system record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my audit number the same as my driver's license number?
No. Your driver's license number is the main identifier on your card and is used for most transactions. Your audit number is a separate six-digit code used internally by DPS to verify that your physical card matches your record in their system.
Can I use my audit number to renew my license online?
No. To renew your license online through the DPS website, you will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The audit number is not part of the online renewal process.
What if I lost my license and do not know my audit number?
You do not need your audit number to report a lost license or to request a replacement. Contact DPS with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number, and they can process a replacement card. Your new card will have a new audit number printed on it.
Does the audit number change when I renew my license?
No. Your audit number stays the same throughout the life of your license. It only changes if you request a replacement card due to damage, loss, or theft.
Where can I call if I have questions about my audit number?
You can reach the Texas DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6900. They can confirm your audit number, explain any discrepancies, or help you resolve issues with your license record.