Where the audit number appears on your card
The audit number on a Texas driver's license is a six-digit code printed in the bottom right corner of the front of your card. It sits below your signature line and to the right of your photograph. The number appears in small print and is sometimes called the "control number" or "audit control number" by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
If you are looking at your license and cannot find a six-digit number in that location, check whether your card is current. Older Texas licenses issued before 2015 may not display an audit number in the same position, and some very old cards do not have one at all. The format and placement changed when Texas moved to the current Real ID-compliant design.
Key Takeaways
- The audit number is a six-digit code located in the bottom right corner of the front of your Texas driver's license, below your signature.
- This number is used by the Texas Department of Public Safety to track and verify license records internally.
- You will need this number if you are requesting a duplicate license, reporting a lost or stolen card, or contacting DPS about your record.
- Older Texas licenses issued before 2015 may have a different format or no audit number at all.
Why DPS uses an audit number
The audit number serves as an internal tracking code for the Texas Department of Public Safety. When you contact DPS about your license—whether to report it lost, request a duplicate, or ask about your record—having this number on hand speeds up the process because it links directly to your file in their system.
The number is not the same as your driver's license number (which appears on the left side of your card) and is not used for identification in the way your license number is. It is strictly an administrative tool for DPS staff to locate and verify your specific card and record.
When you need to provide your audit number
You may be asked for your audit number when you contact the Texas Department of Public Safety directly by phone or through their website. Common situations include reporting a lost or stolen license, requesting a duplicate card, asking about the status of a renewal, or disputing information on your record.
Not every interaction with DPS will require this number. Many routine transactions, such as renewing your license online, can be completed using just your driver's license number and date of birth. However, having the audit number available when you call or visit in person can reduce the time it takes for staff to pull up your file.
Reading the number clearly
The audit number is printed in a smaller font than most other information on your license, which can make it difficult to read under poor lighting. If you are having trouble locating or reading it, hold your card under bright light and look at the bottom right corner of the front side. The number will be six digits long with no letters.
If your license is worn, faded, or damaged and you cannot read the audit number, you do not need to worry. You can still contact DPS using your driver's license number instead. The audit number is a convenience, not a requirement for getting help with your account.
What to do if you cannot find the number
If you have a current Texas driver's license and genuinely cannot locate a six-digit code in the bottom right corner, your card may be from an older batch or design. Texas has updated its license format multiple times, and not all versions include the audit number in the same spot or at all.
Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety directly if you need to confirm whether your specific license has an audit number. You can reach them by phone at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a local DPS office in person. Staff can look up your record using your license number and provide the audit number if it exists on your card.
Keeping your license information safe
While the audit number itself is not sensitive information—it is printed on the front of your card where anyone can see it—you should still protect your full driver's license details. Do not photograph or share images of your license online, and do not provide your license number to unfamiliar websites or callers claiming to represent DPS.
The Texas Department of Public Safety will never ask you to verify your license number or audit number through email or unsolicited phone calls. If someone contacts you claiming to be from DPS and asking for this information, hang up and call the official DPS number yourself to report the contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the audit number the same as my driver's license number?
No. Your driver's license number appears on the left side of your card and is used for identification. The audit number is a six-digit code in the bottom right corner used only by the Texas Department of Public Safety for internal record-keeping.
Do I need my audit number to renew my license online?
No. Online renewal through the Texas DPS website uses your driver's license number and date of birth. You only need the audit number if you are calling DPS directly or visiting an office in person to discuss your specific record.
What if my audit number is smudged or unreadable?
You can still contact DPS using your driver's license number instead. The audit number is a convenience for faster service, but staff can locate your file without it. If you need a new card because yours is damaged, you can request a duplicate.
Why is the audit number so small and hard to read?
The audit number is printed small because it is meant for DPS staff reference, not for everyday use by the public. It is included on your card for situations where you contact the department directly and want to speed up the process of locating your file.
Can someone use my audit number to commit fraud?
The audit number alone cannot be used to commit fraud because it is not a secret code and does not grant access to your account. However, combined with other information from your license, it could be part of identity theft. Protect your full license details the same way you would protect any personal document.