Where to find your audit number
Your audit number on a Texas driver license is a six-digit code printed on the back of the card, in the lower right corner. It appears below the barcode and to the right of your signature line. The number is small but clearly visible against the white background of the back side.
The audit number is not the same as your driver license number, which appears on the front of the card. It's also separate from the control number, which is a different code used by the Texas Department of Public Safety for internal tracking. If you're looking at the front of your license and don't see a six-digit code in that location, you're looking at the wrong side.
Key Takeaways
- The audit number is a six-digit code located on the back of your Texas driver license in the lower right corner, below the barcode.
- This number is different from your driver license number, which appears on the front of the card.
- The audit number is used by the Texas Department of Public Safety to verify the authenticity and integrity of the license document.
- You may need to provide this number when verifying your identity with certain government agencies or organizations.
Why Texas driver licenses have an audit number
The audit number serves as a security feature and verification tool for the Texas Department of Public Safety. It allows officials to confirm that a license is genuine and has not been altered or counterfeited. When you present your license to verify your identity, the organization checking it can use the audit number to cross-reference records and confirm the license's validity.
This number is particularly useful for government agencies, financial institutions, and other organizations that need to confirm your identity is legitimate. The audit number is part of a larger system of security features built into modern Texas driver licenses, including holograms, microprinting, and color-shifting elements.
When you might need to provide your audit number
Most everyday situations do not require you to share your audit number. When you show your driver license at a store, restaurant, or to a police officer, they typically only look at the front of the card. However, certain organizations may ask for this number when conducting more thorough identity verification.
Government agencies, banks, and employers sometimes request the audit number as part of a background check or identity confirmation process. If an organization asks you for this number, it's a sign they are performing a more detailed verification than a straightforward visual check of your license. You can always ask why they need it before providing it.
Reading your audit number clearly
The audit number is printed in a smaller font than your driver license number, so you may need good lighting or reading glasses to see it clearly. If your license is worn, faded, or damaged, the audit number may be harder to read. Holding the card at an angle under bright light often makes the number more visible.
If you cannot read your audit number because your license is damaged or faded, you can request a replacement license from the Texas Department of Public Safety. A new license will have a clear, legible audit number printed on the back.
Protecting your audit number
Your audit number is not as sensitive as your Social Security number or financial account information, but it is still part of your identity document. You should not share it with people you don't trust or organizations that seem suspicious. Legitimate government agencies and financial institutions will have clear reasons for requesting it and will explain why they need it.
If someone asks for your audit number in an unexpected context or over the phone without a clear reason, it's reasonable to ask questions or decline to provide it. Scammers occasionally try to collect pieces of personal information this way, even though the audit number alone is not enough to commit identity theft.
Differences between Texas license numbers and audit numbers
Your driver license number is the primary identifier printed prominently on the front of your card. It's the number you use when renewing your license, updating your address, or providing proof of identity in most situations. The audit number, by contrast, is a secondary security code used mainly by government agencies and organizations conducting detailed verification.
The driver license number stays with you for the life of your license and is tied to your driving record. The audit number changes each time you renew your license or receive a replacement card. This is one reason why the audit number is useful for verification — it confirms not only who you are but also that your license is current and legitimate.
What to do if you can't locate your audit number
If you've looked at the back of your license in the lower right corner and still cannot find a six-digit code, check that you're looking at the correct side of the card. The back of a Texas driver license is the side without your photo. If you have an older Texas license issued before 2009, the format and location of security features may differ slightly from newer licenses.
If your license is very old, damaged, or if you believe there is an error with your card, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety or visit a local driver license office. They can verify the information on your license and issue a replacement if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the audit number the same as my driver license number?
No. Your driver license number is on the front of the card and is your primary identifier. The audit number is a separate six-digit code on the back, used for security verification purposes.
Can someone use my audit number to commit fraud?
The audit number alone is not enough to commit identity theft or fraud. It's a verification tool, not a financial account number or Social Security number. However, you should still avoid sharing it with people or organizations you don't trust.
Do all Texas driver licenses have an audit number?
Modern Texas driver licenses issued in recent years have audit numbers. Older licenses issued before 2009 may not have this feature, as security standards have changed over time. If you have a very old license, the format may be different.
What should I do if my audit number is faded or unreadable?
If your license is damaged or worn to the point that the audit number is illegible, you can request a replacement from the Texas Department of Public Safety. A new license will have a clear, readable audit number printed on the back.
Why would an organization ask for my audit number?
Organizations may request your audit number when conducting detailed identity verification or background checks. It allows them to confirm your license is genuine and current. If you're unsure why someone needs it, you can ask them to explain before providing the information.