The audit number is in the bottom right corner of your Texas driver's license, below the expiration date
The audit number on a Texas driver's license is a two-digit code printed in the lower right section of the card, positioned directly underneath the expiration date. It appears as a small number, typically in the format of two digits (for example, "01" or "15"). This number is part of the security features Texas uses to verify the authenticity of the license and track which batch or production run your card came from.
The audit number serves an internal function for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). It helps identify when your license was manufactured and which facility produced it. While you may not need this number for everyday use, it can be useful if you're verifying your license's legitimacy or if a business or government agency asks for specific details about your card's production information.
Key Takeaways
- The audit number is a two-digit code located in the bottom right corner of your Texas driver's license, just below the expiration date.
- This number identifies the production batch and manufacturing facility of your license card.
- The audit number is one of several security features on modern Texas licenses designed to prevent counterfeiting.
- You may need to reference this number if verifying your license's authenticity or providing detailed card information to an official agency.
How the audit number differs from other identification numbers on your license
Your Texas driver's license contains several different numbers, and it's straightforward to confuse them. The driver's license number (your main ID number) is much larger and more prominent, typically displayed in the center-left area of the card. The audit number is smaller and appears only in that bottom right corner. Your license also contains a document number, which is a separate code used by DPS to track the specific physical card you hold.
The audit number is distinct because it does not identify you personally—it identifies the card itself and when it was made. Law enforcement or government offices may ask for your driver's license number or document number, but the audit number is rarely requested in routine transactions. It's primarily an internal tracking tool for DPS.
Why Texas includes an audit number on driver's licenses
The audit number is part of Texas's security and quality control system. When DPS manufactures driver's licenses in batches, each batch receives its own audit code. This allows the department to track production runs, identify any manufacturing defects, and respond quickly if a particular batch of cards has a problem. If a security feature fails or if counterfeit cards appear to come from a specific production run, the audit number helps DPS pinpoint the issue.
The audit number also serves as a deterrent to counterfeiting. Because counterfeiters may not have access to the exact production codes Texas uses, the presence of an audit number—and its correct format—is one way businesses and officials can verify that a license is genuine. Modern Texas licenses include multiple security features beyond the audit number, including a hologram, microprinting, and color-shifting elements.
What to do if you cannot locate the audit number on your license
If your license is worn, faded, or damaged, the audit number may be difficult to read. In that case, you have two options. First, try viewing your license under bright light or at different angles—the number should be visible even on older cards. If the number is genuinely illegible due to wear, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety directly or visit a local DPS office to request information about your specific license.
If you need a replacement license because yours is damaged or unreadable, you can renew or replace your Texas driver's license through the DPS website or by visiting a driver's license office in person. A replacement card will have a new audit number corresponding to its production batch. Keep in mind that replacement licenses have a fee, which varies depending on whether you're renewing early or replacing a damaged card.
When you might need to reference your audit number
In most everyday situations, you will never need to provide your audit number. However, there are specific circumstances where it may be requested. If you're reporting your license as lost or stolen, DPS may ask for the audit number as part of verifying your identity and the card's details. If you're involved in a dispute about whether a license is authentic, law enforcement or a government agency might ask you to provide it.
Some businesses that deal with high-security transactions—such as banks opening accounts or government offices issuing official documents—may ask for detailed information about your license, including the audit number, as part of their verification process. In these cases, having the number readily available can speed up the process. However, most routine transactions (buying age-restricted items, voting, or standard identification checks) do not require it.
How to read your Texas driver's license layout
Understanding where everything sits on your Texas driver's license makes it easier to locate the audit number and other important information. The front of the card displays your photo, name, date of birth, address, and driver's license number prominently. Your signature appears near the bottom left. The expiration date is printed in the lower right area, and directly below it is where you'll find the audit number.
The back of your license contains additional security information and a barcode that stores your data. The audit number appears only on the front of the card. If you're looking at the back of your license, you won't find it there. Familiarizing yourself with the front layout helps you quickly locate any piece of information DPS or another agency might ask for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the audit number the same as my driver's license number?
No. Your driver's license number is your main identification number and is much larger and more prominent on the card. The audit number is a small two-digit code in the bottom right corner that identifies the production batch, not you personally.
Can I look up my audit number online through the Texas DPS website?
The Texas DPS website does not provide a public tool to look up your audit number. You can view it directly on your physical license card, or you can contact a DPS office if you need official confirmation of your license details.
What if my audit number looks different from what I expected?
Audit numbers are straightforward two-digit codes assigned during manufacturing. There is no "correct" number—yours will depend on when and where your license was produced. If you suspect your license is counterfeit, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety directly rather than relying on the audit number alone.
Do I need to memorize my audit number?
No. You only need to reference it if a government agency or official business specifically asks for it. Keep your physical license in a safe place, and you can look up the number whenever it's needed.