Your NC driver's license ID number is on the front, bottom left

The ID number on your North Carolina driver's license appears in the bottom left corner of the front side. It is an eight-digit number printed in black text. This number is unique to you and stays the same throughout your life, even if you renew your license multiple times.

The ID number is different from your driver's license number, which also appears on the card. Your driver's license number is typically longer and may change when you renew. The eight-digit ID number, however, remains constant and is sometimes called your "lifetime number" because it does not change.

If you are looking at an older NC license issued before 2010, the ID number may be positioned slightly differently or formatted differently than newer licenses. The best way to confirm you have found the right number is to look for an eight-digit sequence in the lower left area of the front of the card.

Key Takeaways

  • Your NC driver's license ID number is an eight-digit number located in the bottom left corner of the front side of the card.
  • This ID number stays the same for your entire life and does not change when you renew your license.
  • The ID number is separate from your driver's license number, which is longer and may change at renewal.
  • Older NC licenses issued before 2010 may have the ID number positioned slightly differently, but it is still on the front of the card.

Why you might need your NC ID number

Your NC ID number is used for various state records and transactions. You may need it when renewing your license, updating your address, or dealing with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. Some employers and background check services also request this number to verify your identity.

Banks and financial institutions sometimes ask for your ID number as part of identity verification. If you are registering a vehicle or handling insurance claims, the ID number may be requested alongside your driver's license number. Having both numbers readily available can speed up these processes.

Difference between ID number and driver's license number

Your NC driver's license number is the primary number on your card and is what most people refer to when they say "license number." This number is typically 12 digits long and appears in the upper right area of the front of the card. The driver's license number can change when you renew your license or if you move to a different county.

The eight-digit ID number, by contrast, is permanent. It was assigned to you the first time you obtained a North Carolina driver's license and will follow you through every renewal. Think of the ID number as your permanent state identifier and the driver's license number as the current license-specific number.

When you are asked for your "license number" in most everyday situations, you should provide the driver's license number, not the ID number. However, some state forms and official requests will specifically ask for the ID number, so it is worth knowing where both are located.

What to do if you cannot find your ID number

If your license is damaged, worn, or difficult to read, you may have trouble locating the ID number. In this case, you can contact the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles directly. They can look up your ID number using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

You can reach the DMV by phone at 1-919-715-7000 or visit a local DMV office in person. Have your identification ready when you call. The DMV staff can confirm your ID number and provide it over the phone or in writing if you need it for a specific purpose.

Reading your NC license in good lighting

The ID number is printed in relatively small text, so reading it can be difficult in dim lighting. Hold your license under a bright light or near a window to see the number clearly. The text should be black on the white or colored background of the card.

If your license is old or has been in a wallet for many years, the printing may have faded. In this case, the DMV can issue you a replacement card. A replacement license costs less than a full renewal and will have a clearly printed ID number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my ID number change if I renew my license?

No. Your eight-digit ID number never changes, even when you renew your license multiple times. It is assigned once and remains the same for your entire life. Your driver's license number may change at renewal, but your ID number does not.

Can I use my ID number instead of my driver's license number?

Not always. Most situations that ask for your "license number" are asking for your driver's license number, not your ID number. However, some official state forms specifically request the ID number. When in doubt, provide both numbers or ask which one is needed.

What if my license is expired but I still need my ID number?

An expired license still has a valid ID number. You can read it from the expired card just as you would from a current license. If your license is too damaged to read, the DMV can provide your ID number by phone or in person.

Is the ID number the same as my Social Security number?

No. Your ID number is a separate eight-digit number assigned by North Carolina and is not related to your Social Security number. The two are completely different identifiers.