Your credential number is a unique identifier printed on your Kansas driver's license that distinguishes your license record from every other one in the state system
The credential number on a Kansas driver's license is a separate code from your driver's license number. It appears on the physical card itself and in the Kansas Department of Revenue's records. This number is used internally by the state to track and verify your specific license document — not just your driving record, but the actual card you hold.
Kansas uses the credential number to manage license issuance, renewal, replacement, and verification. When you renew your license, get a duplicate, or update your address, the state references this number to pull up your exact license record. It is also used when third parties — employers, insurance companies, law enforcement — verify that your license is valid and current.
Key Takeaways
- Your credential number is printed on the front of your Kansas driver's license and is different from your driver's license number.
- The credential number identifies your specific license document in the state system, not your driving record or personal identity.
- You will need your credential number when renewing your license, requesting a duplicate, or when the state asks you to verify your license status.
- The credential number changes each time you receive a new physical license card, so an old license will have a different credential number than your current one.
Where the credential number appears on your license
On a Kansas driver's license, the credential number is printed on the front of the card. It is typically a numeric code located in the upper right area of the license, though the exact placement can vary depending on when your license was issued. The number is printed in a smaller font than your driver's license number and is straightforward to overlook if you are not looking for it specifically.
If you cannot locate it on your physical card, you can also find your credential number by logging into your account on the Kansas Department of Revenue website or by contacting a local driver's license office. The staff there can pull up your record and provide the number over the phone or in person.
How the credential number differs from your driver's license number
Your driver's license number is your primary identifier for driving purposes. It stays the same throughout your life in Kansas (unless you request a change for privacy reasons). Your driver's license number is what appears on traffic citations, insurance documents, and your driving record.
Your credential number, by contrast, is tied to the physical card you hold right now. When you renew your license and receive a new card, you get a new credential number. The old credential number is no longer active. This system allows Kansas to track which specific card is current and which ones have been replaced or are expired.
Think of it this way: your driver's license number is you as a driver. Your credential number is the card itself. If you lose your license and get a duplicate, your driver's license number stays the same, but your new card will have a different credential number.
When you will need your credential number
You may be asked for your credential number in several situations. If you are renewing your license online or by mail, the state may ask for it to verify that you are the person requesting the renewal. If you are requesting a duplicate license because yours was lost or damaged, the credential number helps the state confirm which card needs to be replaced.
Some third-party verification systems also request the credential number along with your driver's license number and date of birth to confirm that your license is valid and current. This is common in employment verification, background check processes, and certain financial transactions. Law enforcement may also reference it when they run your license during a traffic stop.
What happens to your credential number when you renew
When your Kansas driver's license expires and you renew it, you will receive a new physical card with a new credential number. The old credential number becomes inactive in the state system. Your driver's license number remains the same, but the credential number changes because you now hold a different card.
If you renew online or by mail and do not receive a new physical card (some renewal types allow this), your credential number may not change. However, if you receive a new card — whether through a standard renewal, a replacement due to damage, or an address change that requires a new card — you will have a new credential number to go with it.
How to find your credential number if you have lost it
If you need your credential number and cannot find it on your license, you have several options. You can visit any Kansas driver's license office in person with your ID, and staff will look up your record and provide the number. You can also call the Kansas Department of Revenue's driver's license section during business hours and provide your name, date of birth, and driver's license number, and they will give you your credential number over the phone.
If you have an online account with the Kansas Department of Revenue, you may be able to log in and view your credential number directly. The state's website has instructions for creating an account if you do not already have one. This is often the fastest option if you need the number outside of office hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my credential number the same as my driver's license number?
No. Your driver's license number stays the same for life. Your credential number is tied to your physical card and changes each time you receive a new card through renewal, replacement, or address change.
Do I need my credential number to renew my license?
Not always. If you renew in person at a driver's license office, you typically do not need it — they will look up your record using your name and date of birth. If you renew online or by mail, the system may ask for it to verify your identity, but it is not always required.
What if I have an old Kansas license and a new one — do they have different credential numbers?
Yes. Each physical card has its own credential number. Your old license and your new license will have different credential numbers. Only your current license's credential number is active in the state system.
Can I look up my credential number online?
If you have created an account on the Kansas Department of Revenue website, you may be able to view your credential number by logging in. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your driver's license number and other identifying information.
Why does Kansas use a credential number instead of just my driver's license number?
The credential number allows the state to track the specific physical card you hold and verify that it is current and valid. This is useful for renewal tracking, duplicate requests, and third-party verification systems that need to confirm your license has not expired or been replaced.