The document number on your driver's license is the number printed on the front of the card itself — usually a series of letters and numbers unique to that specific license.

When you fill out an I-9 form (the Employment may be able to access Verification form that employers use), you will need to provide a document number from your driver's license. This is not a hidden code or a special field. It is straightforward the license number printed visibly on the front of your card, below or near your photograph.

The exact placement and format of this number varies by state. Some states print it in the upper right corner, others along the bottom edge. Some use only numbers, others mix letters and numbers. Regardless of your state's format, this is the number you enter on the I-9 form in the section labeled "Document Number" or "ID Number."

Key Takeaways

  • The document number is printed directly on the front of your driver's license and is visible without any special tools or decoding.
  • Each state formats this number differently, so the length and character type will depend on where your license was issued.
  • On the I-9 form, you enter this number in the "Document Number" field under the section where you list your identity document.
  • You will also need to provide your state of issuance and the expiration date of your license on the same I-9 section.

Where to find it on your card

Look at the front of your driver's license. The document number is printed as a separate line of text, distinct from your name, address, and photograph. In most states, it appears in one of three locations: the upper right area of the card, the lower right area, or along the bottom edge. Some states place it horizontally across the middle section.

If you are having trouble locating it, check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website. Many state DMV sites include a sample image of the current license design with labels pointing to each field, including the document number. This can help you identify exactly where to look on your specific card.

How it differs from other numbers on your license

Your driver's license contains several different numbers, and it is important not to confuse them. The document number is separate from your date of birth, your license class code, and any restriction codes. It is also different from your Social Security number, which does not appear on your license at all.

The document number is the primary identifier for that specific license card. If you renew your license, you will receive a new document number. If you replace a lost or damaged license, you will also get a new document number. This is why the I-9 form asks for it — it confirms which specific card you presented as proof of identity.

What to do if your license is expired

An expired driver's license can still be used as an I-9 document, though your employer may have questions about why you are using an expired card. The document number itself does not change when your license expires — it remains the same number that was printed on the card when it was issued.

If your license has been expired for a long time, your employer may ask you to renew it and provide a current card instead. This is not a legal requirement for the I-9, but employers sometimes prefer current identification. Check with your employer or HR department about their specific policy before your first day of work.

Entering it correctly on the I-9 form

On the I-9 form, Section 1 (Employee Information) does not ask for a document number. Instead, you provide the document number in Section 2 (Employer Review and Verification), where you list the documents you are presenting. The form has a line labeled "Document Number" next to the field where you write the document name (for example, "Driver's License").

Copy the number exactly as it appears on your card, including any letters. Do not add spaces, dashes, or other punctuation unless they are already part of the printed number. If you make a mistake, cross it out neatly and write the correct number next to it, then initial and date the correction. Do not use white-out or correction tape on an I-9 form.

If you cannot locate your document number

If your license is damaged, faded, or difficult to read, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You can usually call their main number or visit a local DMV office in person. Bring your license with you and ask them to help you identify the document number. They can also tell you if your license is still valid for I-9 purposes.

If you have lost your license entirely, you will need to explore for a replacement before you can use it on an I-9 form. The DMV can issue a replacement card, which will have a new document number. The replacement process usually takes one to two weeks, though some states offer expedited service for an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the document number the same as my driver's license number?

Yes. The document number and the driver's license number are the same thing. Different states use different terminology, but they refer to the same identifier printed on your card.

What if my driver's license is from another country?

A foreign driver's license can be used on an I-9 form, but only if it is accompanied by a valid passport or other approved document. The document number you would enter is the number from the foreign license itself. Your employer may have additional questions about foreign documents, so bring your passport as well.

Can I use a state ID card instead of a driver's license on the I-9?

Yes. A state-issued ID card has a document number just like a driver's license, and it is an acceptable I-9 document. The number appears in the same location on the card as it would on a license. The process for entering it on the form is identical.

Do I need to write down my document number before my first day of work?

It is helpful to have it ready, but not required. You will bring your actual license to work on your first day, and your employer will copy the document number directly from the card while you are present. Writing it down beforehand can speed up the process, but the employer will verify it against the physical card.