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

The audit number looks like a string of numbers with no letters. It sits separate from your driver's license number (which appears on the front) and your license class. On newer licenses issued after 2015, it's positioned consistently in the upper right area of the back side, though the exact placement can vary slightly depending on when your license was issued.

This number exists so the Texas Department of Public Safety can track and verify licenses during internal audits and quality checks. You may need it if you're replacing a lost or damaged license, updating your address, or if DPS asks for it during a license verification process.

Key Takeaways

  • Your audit number is a six-digit code on the back of your Texas driver's license, usually in the upper right corner.
  • It is separate from your driver's license number and is used by the Texas Department of Public Safety for verification purposes.
  • If you cannot locate it on your physical license, you can contact DPS directly or check your license records online through the DPS website.
  • You may need this number when replacing a license, updating information, or responding to DPS requests.

Where exactly to look on the back of your license

Turn your license over to the back side. Look toward the upper right area — this is where DPS consistently places the audit number on most recent licenses. The number will be printed in small text, separate from other numbers on the card.

If your license was issued before 2015, the placement may differ slightly, and the number might be smaller or in a slightly different location. Older licenses sometimes have the audit number positioned lower on the back or in a less obvious spot. If you have an older license and cannot find a six-digit code in the upper right, scan the entire back surface carefully.

What to do if you cannot find it on your physical license

If the number is worn, faded, or you straightforward cannot locate it, you have two main options. First, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety directly at 1-888-589-6556. Have your driver's license number ready, and they can provide your audit number over the phone or direct you to where it appears on your specific license.

Second, you can check your license information online through the DPS website if you have an account set up. Some Texans can view their license details, including the audit number, through the online portal. This option works best if you already have a DPS account or are comfortable creating one.

Why DPS uses audit numbers

The audit number serves as an internal tracking tool for the Texas Department of Public Safety. It helps DPS staff verify that a license is authentic, track which batch or printing run a license came from, and maintain quality control across all licenses issued. Each license receives a unique audit number when it is printed.

This number is not the same as your driver's license number, which is what law enforcement and other agencies use to identify you. The audit number is primarily for DPS's own record-keeping and verification systems.

When you might need to provide your audit number

You may be asked for your audit number if you are replacing a lost or stolen license and DPS needs to verify your original license details. It can also come up if you are updating your address or other information on your license and DPS staff want to confirm your identity and current license record.

In rare cases, if there is a question about the authenticity of your license or if DPS is investigating a discrepancy in their records, they may request this number. You should never need to provide it to law enforcement during a traffic stop or routine identification check — your driver's license number is what they use.

Differences between your audit number and your driver's license number

Your driver's license number is the primary identifier printed on the front of your license. It is what law enforcement, employers, and other agencies use to look up your record. Your audit number, by contrast, is an internal DPS tracking code that appears only on the back.

The driver's license number stays the same throughout your life in Texas (unless you request a change for privacy or safety reasons). The audit number changes each time you renew your license or receive a replacement, because it is tied to that specific physical card and its printing batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your driver's license number is on the front and is your primary identifier. Your audit number is a separate six-digit code on the back used only by DPS for internal tracking and verification.

Do I need my audit number to renew my license online?

Not usually. Online renewal typically requires your driver's license number, date of birth, and other personal information. If DPS asks for an audit number during renewal, they will tell you where to find it.

What if my license is laminated and I cannot read the audit number?

Call the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-888-589-6556 with your driver's license number. They can look up your audit number in their system and provide it to you over the phone.

Does my audit number change when I renew my license?

Yes. Each time you receive a new physical license card — whether through renewal or replacement — it gets a new audit number. The audit number is specific to that individual card.

Can I use my audit number instead of my driver's license number for identification?

No. Your driver's license number is the official identifier. The audit number is for DPS internal use only and is not recognized as a form of identification by other agencies or businesses.