Your driver's license number appears in three places on your physical card

Your Washington driver's license number is printed on the front of your card, in the upper right corner below your photograph. It is a seven-digit number that starts with your birth year. The same number also appears on the back of your license, printed in smaller text near the bottom. If you have your card in hand, that is the fastest way to locate it.

The number is unique to you and remains the same throughout your life in Washington, even if you renew your license multiple times. It is different from your Social Security number and serves as your identifier within the Department of Licensing system.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Washington driver's license number is a seven-digit code printed on the front of your card in the upper right corner, below your photo.
  • The same number appears on the back of your license in smaller print near the bottom edge.
  • If you cannot locate your physical card, you can retrieve your number through the Department of Licensing website or by calling their customer service line.
  • Your license number stays the same even after renewal, so an old card or renewal notice will show the correct number.

How to find your number if you do not have your card

If your license is lost, stolen, or not currently in your possession, the Washington Department of Licensing maintains a record of your number. You can contact them directly at 1-360-902-3900 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time). Have your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready when you call.

The Department of Licensing also operates an online portal at dol.wa.gov where you can log in with your driver's license number and date of birth to view your record. If you have already set up an account, you can retrieve your number from your profile. If you have not created an account yet, you will need your license number to set one up, so this route works best if you have access to an old renewal notice or document that lists your number.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your physical card is missing, you should report it to the Department of Licensing as soon as possible. You can file a report online through the dol.wa.gov website or by calling 1-360-902-3900. Reporting it prevents someone else from using your number for fraudulent purposes and starts the replacement process.

Once you report the loss, you can order a replacement card through the same online portal or by mail. The replacement card will have the same seven-digit number as your original license. The Department of Licensing will mail your new card to the address on file, which typically takes one to two weeks after your order is processed.

Finding your number on documents and correspondence

If you have received any mail from the Washington Department of Licensing — such as a renewal notice, a ticket, or a registration document — your driver's license number is usually printed on that paperwork. Renewal notices in particular display your number prominently near the top of the letter. These documents are useful to keep on file for this reason.

Insurance documents and vehicle registration paperwork may also reference your license number, though not always. Check any official correspondence from the state or from your insurance company first, as these are the most reliable sources outside of your physical card.

Understanding the format of your Washington license number

Washington driver's license numbers follow a specific format that can help you recognize yours. The number is always seven digits long. The first two digits represent your birth year (for example, 65 for someone born in 1965, or 95 for someone born in 1995). The remaining five digits are assigned sequentially by the Department of Licensing.

This format means your number will always start with the same two digits if you were born in the same year as others. However, the full seven-digit combination is unique to you. Knowing this structure can help you verify that a number you find is actually your license number and not a different identifier.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your driver's license number is a seven-digit code that identifies you as a driver. Your license plate number is a separate code that identifies your vehicle. They are not connected and serve different purposes within the state system.

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

Yes. You can request your driving record from the Washington Department of Licensing using your license number. You can order it online through dol.wa.gov or by mail. There is a fee for this service, which varies depending on whether you want a certified or uncertified copy.

What should I do if I think someone else is using my license number?

Contact the Washington Department of Licensing when ready at 1-360-902-3900 to report suspected fraud. They can place a flag on your record and help you determine whether unauthorized activity has occurred. You may also want to contact local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission if you believe your identity has been compromised.

Does my license number change if I renew my license?

No. Your seven-digit license number remains the same for your entire life in Washington, even if you renew your license multiple times. The renewal process updates your photograph and address but does not change your identifying number.