The audit number is in the bottom right corner of your Texas driver's license, below your signature line

The audit number on a Texas driver's license is a small number printed in the bottom right area of the card, positioned below where you signed. It is typically a four-digit or five-digit number. This number is part of Texas's security features and helps verify that your license is genuine when scanned or checked by law enforcement or other officials.

The exact placement can vary slightly depending on when your license was issued, since Texas has updated the design of driver's licenses over time. If you are looking at a recently issued license, the audit number should be clearly visible in that lower right section. Older licenses may have the number in a slightly different spot, but it will still be in the bottom right quadrant of the card.

Key Takeaways

  • The audit number appears in the bottom right corner of your Texas driver's license, below your signature.
  • It is typically a four- or five-digit number used as a security feature to verify your license is authentic.
  • The exact position may vary slightly depending on when your license was issued, as Texas has updated license designs over time.
  • You will need this number if you are asked to verify your license information during a background check or official verification process.

Why Texas includes an audit number on driver's licenses

Texas includes the audit number as part of its security system to prevent fraud and counterfeiting. When someone scans your license—whether at a bank, a government office, or during a law enforcement stop—the audit number helps confirm that the card is a legitimate Texas-issued license and not a fake or altered document.

The audit number works alongside other security features on your license, such as the hologram, the ghost image of your photo, and the microprinting. Together, these features make it much harder for someone to create a fraudulent license that would pass inspection.

How to locate the audit number if you cannot find it

If you are having trouble spotting the audit number on your card, start by holding your license up to the light and looking at the bottom right corner. The number should be printed in a smaller font than your name or license number. It may be slightly faded or harder to read than other text on the card, depending on the age of your license and how much wear it has experienced.

If your license is very old or heavily worn, the audit number may be difficult to read. In that case, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver's License Division directly. They can confirm your audit number by looking up your license record in their system. You can reach them through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office.

When you might need to provide your audit number

You may be asked for your audit number in situations where someone needs to verify that your driver's license is authentic and belongs to you. This can happen during background checks, when opening a bank account, or when explore for certain government services. Some employers or landlords may also request it as part of their verification process.

In most everyday situations—like showing your ID at a store or during a traffic stop—you will not need to recite the audit number. It is mainly used when your license information is being scanned or verified through an official system.

Differences between the audit number and other numbers on your license

Your Texas driver's license contains several different numbers, and it is straightforward to confuse them. Your driver's license number is the main identifier and appears prominently on the front of the card. Your audit number is separate and smaller, located in the bottom right. You may also see a document number on some licenses, which is another security identifier.

The driver's license number is what you use when you need to provide your license information for official purposes. The audit number is specifically for verification that the physical card itself is genuine. If someone asks for your "license number," they almost always mean your driver's license number, not the audit number.

What to do if your audit number is damaged or unreadable

If the audit number on your license has faded, been damaged, or is no longer readable, you do not necessarily need to replace your entire license right away. However, if you are in a situation where someone needs to verify the audit number and cannot read it, you can contact the Texas DPS to have them look it up for you using your license number and other identifying information.

If your license is so worn or damaged that multiple security features are compromised, Texas DPS recommends renewing it. You can renew your driver's license online through the DPS website if you meet certain requirements, or you can visit a DPS office in person. A renewal is usually faster and less expensive than replacing a lost or stolen license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your driver's license number is the main identifier printed prominently on your card. The audit number is a separate, smaller number in the bottom right corner used specifically to verify that your physical license is authentic.

Do I need to memorize my audit number?

You do not need to memorize it. You only need to provide it if someone specifically asks for it during a verification process. In most situations, your driver's license number is what is requested instead.

What if I cannot read the audit number on my license?

Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety Driver's License Division. They can look up your audit number using your license number and other identifying information. You can reach them through the DPS website or by visiting a local DPS office.

Can I look up someone else's audit number?

No. Audit numbers are part of your personal license information and are not public. Only you and authorized officials can access this information about your license.