Your audit number is a six-digit code printed on the front of your Texas driver's license, usually in the upper right corner below your photo

The audit number is a unique identifier that Texas uses to track your license record. It appears as a six-digit number and serves as a quick reference code for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) when you need to look up or verify your license information. You'll see it printed directly on the physical card itself, not in a separate document.

This number is different from your driver's license number, which is longer and appears in a different location on the card. The audit number is smaller and easier to spot once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • The audit number is a six-digit code located on the front of your Texas driver's license, typically in the upper right area below your photograph.
  • It is printed directly on the physical card and serves as a reference code for the Department of Public Safety.
  • The audit number is separate from your driver's license number and is much shorter.
  • You may need this number when contacting DPS about your license or when verifying your identity for certain transactions.

How to locate the audit number on your card

Hold your Texas driver's license with the front facing you. Look toward the upper right portion of the card, just below your photograph. The audit number will be printed there in a smaller font than your name or license number. It consists of exactly six digits with no letters.

If your license is worn or faded, the number may be harder to read, but it should still be visible. If you cannot locate it on an older license, the number may have been formatted differently on licenses issued several years ago, though the current format has been standard for many years.

When you might need your audit number

The Department of Public Safety uses the audit number as a shorthand reference when you call or visit in person to ask about your license status, request records, or report a problem with your account. Having this number ready can speed up the process because it helps DPS staff locate your file quickly without having to enter your full license number.

You may also encounter requests for this number from third parties who are verifying your identity or checking your driving record, though this is less common than requests for your full license number or Social Security number.

Differences between audit number and license number

Your driver's license number is an eight-digit code that uniquely identifies you within the Texas system. It appears in a larger, more prominent location on your card. The audit number, by contrast, is a six-digit reference code that DPS uses internally to track and organize records.

When you need to provide your license information to an employer, insurance company, or government agency, they will almost always ask for your full license number, not your audit number. The audit number is primarily useful when you are communicating directly with DPS.

What to do if you cannot find your audit number

If your license is damaged, faded, or very old, you may have trouble reading the audit number. In this case, you can contact the Department of Public Safety directly at 1-888-589-6789 (the DPS Customer Service line) and provide your name, date of birth, and license number. They can tell you what your audit number is without requiring you to see it on the card.

You can also visit a local DPS office in person and ask a staff member to help you locate it on your card. If your license is too worn to read safely, you may want to consider renewing it anyway, since a new card will have a clearly printed audit number.

Audit numbers on replacement or renewed licenses

When you renew your Texas driver's license, you will receive a new card with a new audit number printed on it. The old audit number is no longer active. If you have recently renewed your license and are looking at an old card, make sure you are checking the current license you carry, not an expired one.

If you have ordered a replacement card due to loss or damage, the replacement will also have a new audit number. This is normal and expected—each physical card issued by DPS has its own audit number.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your driver's license number is eight digits and appears prominently on your card. Your audit number is six digits and appears in smaller print, usually in the upper right corner below your photo. They are two separate codes.

Do I need to memorize my audit number?

You do not need to memorize it. You only need it when contacting the Department of Public Safety directly. Having your physical license with you or knowing where to find the number on your card is sufficient.

What if my audit number is smudged or unreadable?

Call DPS Customer Service at 1-888-589-6789 with your name, date of birth, and license number, and they will provide your audit number over the phone. You can also visit a local DPS office in person for help.

Will my audit number change if I renew my license?

Yes. Each new physical card issued by DPS receives a new audit number. When you renew, your old audit number is no longer used.