The control number is a unique identifier printed on your driver's license that helps verify your identity
Your control number is a short code — usually four to eight characters — printed on your driver's license that serves as a verification tool. It is not the same as your license number. The control number appears in a specific location on the front or back of your license, depending on your state, and is used by law enforcement, government agencies, and sometimes private businesses to confirm that your license is genuine and that the information on it has not been altered.
Every state formats and positions this number differently. Some states call it a "control number," while others label it a "security code," "check digit," or "validation code." The purpose is the same across all states: to add a layer of security that makes it harder to forge or tamper with a license.
Key Takeaways
- The control number is a short code on your driver's license that differs from your main license number and serves as a security feature.
- Each state places the control number in a different location and may use a different name for it, so check your specific state's license format.
- You will need to locate your control number when verifying your identity online, at banks, or with government agencies that require extra confirmation.
- The control number is printed directly on your physical license and cannot be obtained by phone or mail — you must look at the card itself.
Where the control number appears on your license
The location varies by state. On some licenses, the control number is printed near the bottom of the front side, often below your photograph or next to your signature. On others, it appears on the back of the card. A few states print it in the top corner or along the edge. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website usually shows a sample license image that marks where the control number sits.
If you cannot find it by looking at your license, visit your state DMV's official website and search for "driver's license security features" or "control number location." The site will show you exactly where to look on a current license. If your license is older, the position or format may differ from newer cards, so comparing your license to the current sample is the fastest way to locate it.
How the control number differs from your license number
Your license number is the main identifier — the number you give when you renew your license or provide proof of identity. It is unique to you and stays the same throughout your life in most states. The control number, by contrast, is a short security code that changes when you renew your license. It is designed to work with the other security features on the card to prevent counterfeiting.
Think of it this way: your license number is like your Social Security number (a permanent identifier), while the control number is like a password on a specific document (it changes each time the document is reissued). Both appear on your license, but they serve different purposes.
When you will need to provide your control number
You may be asked for your control number when you are verifying your identity online, particularly for banking, government services, or age-restricted purchases. Some websites that check driver's licenses for fraud prevention ask for the control number along with your license number and date of birth. This combination helps confirm that you actually hold the license you claim to have.
Law enforcement and government agencies also use the control number when they scan or verify your license during traffic stops, license checks, or official transactions. If you are opening a bank account, explore for a loan, or completing an identity verification process that involves your driver's license, you may see a field asking for this code. Having it readily available speeds up the process.
What to do if you cannot locate your control number
If your license is worn, faded, or damaged and the control number is no longer legible, you will need to renew your license to get a new card with a clear, readable number. You cannot obtain the control number by phone, email, or mail — it must be read directly from the physical card. Contact your state DMV to start the renewal process.
If you have a digital or mobile version of your driver's license (available in some states through apps), the control number should also appear there. Check your state's official DMV app or digital wallet to see if the number is displayed. If you are still unable to find it, your state DMV's customer service line can walk you through where to look on your specific license design.
Security and privacy considerations
The control number is a public-facing security feature — it is printed on your license for a reason and is meant to be shared when you present your license for verification. However, you should only provide it to legitimate organizations: government agencies, banks, law enforcement, and established businesses that have a clear reason to verify your identity.
Be cautious if someone calls or emails asking for your control number without you initiating contact. Legitimate organizations rarely ask for sensitive information via unsolicited phone calls or emails. If you are unsure whether a request is genuine, hang up and call the organization directly using a phone number from their official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the control number the same as the license number?
No. Your license number is your main identifier and stays the same for life in most states. The control number is a short security code that appears separately on your card and changes each time you renew your license.
Can I find my control number online without looking at my physical license?
No. The control number is printed only on the physical card and is not stored in any online database you can access. You must look at your actual driver's license to read it.
What if my control number is smudged or unreadable?
You will need to renew your license to receive a new card with a clear, legible control number. Contact your state DMV to begin the renewal process.
Do all states use the same name for this security feature?
No. Some states call it a "control number," while others use "security code," "check digit," or "validation code." The function is the same, but the label and location vary by state.
Why do websites ask for my control number when I verify my identity?
The control number, combined with your license number and date of birth, helps confirm that you actually hold the license you claim to have. It is a fraud-prevention measure that makes it harder for someone to use a fake or altered license.