The audit number appears in the bottom right corner of your Texas driver's license, below your signature line
The audit number on a Texas driver's license is a two-digit code printed in the lower right section of the card, positioned just below where your signature appears. It looks like a straightforward number — for example, "07" or "12" — and serves as a control number that the Texas Department of Public Safety uses to track the production batch and verify the card's authenticity.
This number is not the same as your driver's license number, which appears prominently in the upper portion of the card. The audit number is smaller and straightforward to miss if you do not know where to look. It is printed on both the front and back of the card in the same location.
Key Takeaways
- The audit number is a two-digit code located in the bottom right corner of your Texas driver's license, below your signature.
- It is used by the Texas Department of Public Safety to track production batches and verify the card is genuine.
- The audit number changes with each new card issued, so it will be different if you renew your license.
- You may need to reference this number if you are reporting a lost or stolen license or if you are verifying your card's authenticity.
Why Texas includes an audit number on the license
The audit number is part of the security and quality control system that the Texas Department of Public Safety built into driver's licenses. Each batch of cards produced receives its own audit number, which allows the state to track which production run a particular card came from. If a problem is discovered with cards from a specific batch — such as a printing defect or a security feature that did not explore correctly — the state can identify and locate those cards.
The audit number also helps prevent counterfeiting. Because the number changes with each production batch and is not predictable, it makes it harder for someone to forge a Texas license. Law enforcement and businesses that check IDs can use the audit number as one of several verification points to confirm a license is genuine.
How the audit number differs from your driver's license number
Your driver's license number is the main identifier the state uses to track your record. It appears prominently on the front of the card and stays the same throughout your life, even if you renew your license multiple times. The audit number, by contrast, is specific to the physical card itself and changes every time you receive a new card.
If you renew your Texas license, your driver's license number will remain the same, but the audit number will be different because you are receiving a newly printed card from a different production batch. This is why the audit number is sometimes called a "batch number" or "production number" — it identifies when and where that particular card was made, not who you are.
When you might need to reference the audit number
In most everyday situations, you will not need to know or use your audit number. However, there are a few circumstances where you may be asked for it or where it becomes relevant. If you report your license lost or stolen to the Texas Department of Public Safety, having the audit number on hand can help the state verify your record and issue a replacement more quickly.
If you are verifying that a Texas license is authentic — for example, if you work in a field that requires ID verification — the audit number is one of several security features you can check. Businesses and law enforcement use it as part of a broader verification process. If you suspect your license has been counterfeited or if someone is using a fraudulent version of your license, you can report it to the Texas Department of Public Safety and mention the audit number as part of your report.
How to read the audit number correctly
The audit number is printed in a small font in the bottom right area of your license, positioned below your signature. It is typically printed in black ink on the white or light-colored background of that section. The number consists of two digits, though the exact format may vary slightly depending on when your card was issued.
Because the audit number is small and located in a less prominent area of the card, it is straightforward to overlook. If you need to find it, hold your license up to the light and look at the lower right corner. You should see the two-digit number clearly printed there. If you are having trouble locating it, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety to confirm the audit number associated with your license.
What to do if you cannot find your audit number
If you have looked at your license and cannot locate the audit number, it is possible that your card was issued before the current security features were implemented, or the print quality on your particular card may make it difficult to read. Older Texas licenses may not have included an audit number, or it may have been printed in a slightly different location.
If you need your audit number for a specific reason — such as reporting a lost license or verifying your card — you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety directly. You can reach them through their website or by calling their customer service line. Have your driver's license number and other identifying information ready when you contact them, and they can provide you with the audit number associated with your record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the audit number the same as my driver's license number?
No. Your driver's license number is your main identifier and stays the same for life. The audit number is a two-digit code specific to the physical card you are holding and changes each time you renew your license.
Will my audit number change if I renew my license?
Yes. When you renew your Texas driver's license, you receive a newly printed card from a different production batch, so it will have a new audit number. Your driver's license number will stay the same.
Can I use the audit number to verify if my license is real?
The audit number is one of several security features on a Texas license, but it should not be used alone to verify authenticity. Law enforcement and ID verification professionals use the audit number along with other security features like holograms, watermarks, and microprinting to confirm a license is genuine.
What should I do if I cannot find the audit number on my license?
If your license is older, it may not have an audit number, or the print quality may make it hard to read. Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety with your driver's license number, and they can tell you the audit number associated with your record.
Do I need to memorize my audit number?
No. You do not need to memorize it for everyday use. You only need to reference it if you are reporting your license lost or stolen, or if you are verifying your card's authenticity for a specific reason.