Where to find your DPS audit number
Your DPS audit number is a six-digit code printed on the back of your Texas driver's license, in the lower right corner. It appears below the barcode and to the right of your signature line. The number is small but clearly printed in black text on the white background of the back side.
The audit number is not the same as your driver's license number (which appears on the front) or your license class code. It exists solely for the Department of Public Safety's internal record-keeping and verification purposes. You will need this number if you are requesting records from DPS, disputing information on your license, or providing proof of your license details to a third party who specifically asks for it.
If you cannot locate the number on your physical card, the back of your license may be worn or faded. In that case, you can contact the DPS directly by phone or visit a local driver's license office to have them read the number to you from their system.
Key Takeaways
- The DPS audit number is a six-digit code located on the back of your Texas driver's license in the lower right corner, below the barcode.
- This number is used by the Department of Public Safety for internal record verification and is different from your driver's license number.
- You may need this number when requesting official records from DPS or when a government agency asks you to verify your license information.
- If your license is too worn to read the audit number, you can call DPS or visit a driver's license office to have them provide it.
Why DPS uses an audit number
The audit number serves as an internal tracking code for the Department of Public Safety. Each license issued receives a unique audit number that helps DPS staff locate and verify your record in their system, especially when handling requests for copies of your license, investigating disputes, or processing renewals.
This number is separate from your driver's license number because it tracks the specific physical card and the transaction history associated with it. If you renew your license, you receive a new audit number on your new card. This allows DPS to maintain a clear record of which version of your license is current and which are expired or replaced.
When you need to provide your audit number
Most everyday situations do not require your audit number. You typically only need it when you are directly contacting the Department of Public Safety to request records, dispute information on your license, or verify details about a specific license card you hold.
Some government agencies or employers may ask for it as part of a background check or identity verification process. If someone asks for your audit number, confirm that they are a legitimate government office or authorized agency before providing it. Scammers rarely ask for this specific number, but it is still personal information tied to your identity.
Reading the back of your license correctly
The back of your Texas driver's license contains several pieces of information arranged in a specific layout. The audit number appears in the lower right section, printed in a smaller font than your signature. It is positioned below the barcode that runs horizontally across the lower portion of the card.
The barcode itself is not your audit number—it is a machine-readable version of your license data. The audit number is the printed text you can read with your eyes. Make sure you are looking at the correct corner and that you are reading all six digits accurately, as a single digit entered incorrectly will not match DPS records.
What to do if you cannot read your audit number
If your license is damaged, faded, or worn to the point that the audit number is illegible, you have two options. You can contact the Department of Public Safety by phone at 1-888-589-6556 (the general DPS customer service line) and provide your driver's license number and date of birth. A DPS representative can look up your audit number in their system and read it to you.
Alternatively, you can visit a local driver's license office in person with your physical license. Staff can scan or manually look up your information and provide the audit number. If your license is so damaged that you cannot use it for identification, you may want to consider renewing it at the same time, which will issue you a new card with a new audit number.
Audit number versus other license identifiers
Your Texas driver's license contains several different numbers, and it is straightforward to confuse them. Your driver's license number (also called your license number) is the main identifier and appears on the front of your card. This is the number you provide when you are asked to show your license for identification purposes.
Your audit number is the six-digit code on the back and is used only by DPS for internal tracking. Your license class code (A, B, C, etc.) indicates what type of vehicle you are permitted to drive and also appears on the front. If you are unsure which number someone is asking for, ask them to clarify—most requests are for your driver's license number, not your audit number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my audit number the same as my driver's license number?
No. Your driver's license number is on the front of your card and is your main identifier. Your audit number is a six-digit code on the back used only by DPS for internal record-keeping. They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.
Can someone use my audit number to commit fraud?
Your audit number alone is not enough to commit fraud, as it is tied to your physical license card and DPS records. However, it is still personal information and should not be shared with people you do not trust. If someone asks for it, verify they are a legitimate government agency or authorized organization.
Do I need my audit number to renew my license?
No. You do not need your audit number to renew your Texas driver's license. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using your driver's license number and other standard information. DPS will assign you a new audit number when your renewed license is issued.
What if my audit number is printed incorrectly on my license?
Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a local driver's license office to report the issue. DPS staff can verify what your audit number should be in their system. If there is a genuine error, they can advise you on whether you need to replace your card.
Will my audit number change if I renew my license?
Yes. Each time you renew your Texas driver's license, you receive a new physical card with a new audit number. The old audit number is no longer active, though DPS retains records of all your previous licenses for their files.