Your audit number is a six-digit code printed on the back of your Texas driver's license, usually in the upper right corner below the barcode.

The audit number appears as a small six-digit sequence on the reverse side of your card. It is not on the front. The Texas Department of Public Safety uses this number as an internal tracking code for the license itself — it helps identify which batch or production run your card came from, and it can be useful if you need to reference your specific license in correspondence with DPS or law enforcement.

The exact position can vary slightly depending on when your license was issued, but it is always on the back. If you are looking at the front of your card and cannot find it, flip the card over. The number will be printed in small text, separate from the barcode and your driver's license number.

Key Takeaways

  • The audit number is a six-digit code on the back of your Texas driver's license, not the front.
  • It typically appears in the upper right area of the back side, below or near the barcode.
  • This number is an internal DPS tracking code and is different from your driver's license number.
  • You may need this number if you are corresponding with the Texas Department of Public Safety about your specific license record.

Why DPS prints an audit number on your card

The audit number serves as a quality control and tracking tool for the Texas Department of Public Safety. When DPS produces driver's licenses in batches, each card receives a unique audit number that corresponds to that production run. This allows DPS staff to trace any issues with a specific license back to when and where it was made.

If you contact DPS about a problem with your license — such as a printing error, a damaged card, or a question about your record — providing the audit number can help them locate your file faster. It is also sometimes requested by law enforcement or government offices that need to verify details about your specific card rather than just your license number.

How to read the back of your Texas driver's license

The back of your Texas driver's license contains several pieces of information in addition to the audit number. Along the top edge, you will see a barcode and a magnetic stripe. Below that are various security features and printed text. The audit number is typically positioned in the upper right quadrant, printed in small font.

The exact layout depends on the version of your license. Texas has updated its driver's license design several times over the past decade, so the position may shift slightly if you have an older card. However, the audit number has been a standard feature on the back for many years, so you should find it regardless of when your license was issued.

What to do if you cannot locate your audit number

If your license is worn, faded, or damaged, the audit number may be difficult to read. Hold the card up to a light source and look carefully at the back in the upper right area. If the printing is too faint to make out, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety directly to request information about your license.

You can reach DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a local DPS office in person. When you call or visit, bring your driver's license and be ready to provide your name and date of birth. DPS staff can look up your license record and provide the audit number if you need it for official purposes.

When you might need to reference your audit number

Most people never need to use their audit number. However, there are a few situations where it becomes useful. If you are filing a complaint about a license printing error, if you are working with law enforcement on a matter involving your specific card, or if you are corresponding with DPS about a particular license record, having the audit number on hand can speed up the process.

You may also need it if you are replacing a lost or stolen license and DPS asks you to reference your previous card. Keeping a note of your audit number in a safe place — separate from your wallet — is not necessary for most people, but it can be helpful if you ever need to discuss your license with government offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your driver's license number is the main eight-digit number on the front of your card. The audit number is a separate six-digit code on the back that DPS uses internally for tracking and quality control. They serve different purposes.

Can I use my audit number to look up my driving record?

No. To look up your driving record in Texas, you need your driver's license number, not your audit number. You can request your record through the Texas Department of Public Safety website or by visiting a DPS office in person.

What if my audit number is printed incorrectly or is missing?

If your license has a printing defect, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a local DPS office. Bring your license and explain the issue. DPS can issue a replacement card if there is a manufacturing problem.

Do other states use audit numbers on their driver's licenses?

Most states have some form of internal tracking code on their licenses, though the name and format vary. Texas calls theirs an audit number. If you move to another state, that state's license will have its own tracking system.