Your Virginia driver's license number appears in three places on the physical card

The driver's license number on a Virginia license is printed in the upper right corner of the front of the card, below your photograph. It is an eight-digit number. The same number also appears on the back of the card, printed in smaller text. If you have the card in your wallet, that upper right location on the front is the fastest place to look.

Virginia stopped issuing the old format licenses in 2009, so if your license is current, you will see the number in this standard position. The number itself does not change when you renew — Virginia keeps the same license number throughout your driving life unless you request a new one for a specific reason.

If your physical card is lost or damaged and you need the number before you can replace it, you have other options to retrieve it without visiting a DMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Virginia driver's license number is an eight-digit code printed in the upper right corner of the front of your card, just below your photo.
  • The same number appears on the back of the card in smaller print and remains the same for your entire driving life.
  • If your card is lost or damaged, you can retrieve your number through your DMV online account, by phone, or by visiting a DMV office in person.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and other personal information to verify your identity when retrieving your number by phone or online.

Retrieving your number through the Virginia DMV website

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles operates an online portal where you can view your driver's license information, including your license number. Go to dmvnow.com and select "Login to Your Account" or "Create an Account" if you do not already have one. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your phone number to set up or access your account.

Once logged in, your dashboard will display your current license information, including the full eight-digit license number. This method works whether your card is lost, stolen, or straightforward at home. The website is available 24 hours a day, and retrieving your number takes less than five minutes once you are logged in.

Calling the Virginia DMV by phone

You can call the Virginia DMV customer service line at 1-866-DMV-VIRGINIA (1-866-368-8742) to have a representative look up your license number. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and full legal name ready when you call. The representative will verify your identity using these details and then provide your license number over the phone.

Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning calls, particularly on weekday mornings before 10 a.m., typically have shorter hold times. The phone line is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time.

Visiting a Virginia DMV office in person

If you prefer to retrieve your number face-to-face, you can visit any Virginia DMV customer service center. Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card will work. The staff member will look up your information in the system and provide your license number on the spot.

DMV offices are located throughout Virginia. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on dmvnow.com. Many offices now use an online appointment system, so you can reserve a time slot in advance rather than waiting in line. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Virginia driving privileges are suspended or revoked, your license number does not change. You can still retrieve it using any of the methods above — the online portal, phone line, or in-person visit. The DMV system will show your current status alongside your license information.

If you need to restore your driving privileges, the DMV website has a section explaining suspension and revocation reasons and the steps required to reinstate your license. Your license number will be the same once your privileges are restored.

Using your license number for common transactions

Your Virginia driver's license number is used to verify your identity for vehicle registration, insurance claims, traffic citations, and background checks. Insurance companies, law enforcement, and the DMV itself use this number to pull up your driving record and history. Keep your license number in a safe place separate from your physical card — if your wallet is stolen, having the number written down elsewhere can speed up the replacement process.

You should not share your license number with anyone who contacts you unsolicited by phone, email, or text. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will not ask for it this way. If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, hang up or close the message and contact the organization directly using a phone number or website you know is real.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Virginia license

If your card itself is lost or damaged, you will need to replace it. You can order a replacement online through dmvnow.com, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license. The new card will have the same eight-digit license number as your original card.

Processing time for a replacement ordered online or by mail is typically 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, you can visit a DMV office and request expedited service, though this may carry an additional fee. Your replacement card will arrive by mail at the address on file with the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my Virginia license number without logging into an online account?

Yes. Call the DMV at 1-866-368-8742 with your Social Security number and date of birth, or visit a DMV office in person with a valid ID. Both methods let you retrieve your number without creating an online account.

Does my license number change when I renew my Virginia license?

No. Your eight-digit license number stays the same for your entire driving life in Virginia. It does not change at renewal, unless you specifically request a new number for a documented reason.

What if I cannot remember my Social Security number to look up my license online?

Call the DMV phone line or visit an office in person. You will need to provide other identifying information — your date of birth, full legal name, and address on file — and the staff can look up your number using those details.

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

Yes. The terms refer to the same eight-digit number printed on your Virginia driver's license. It is your unique identifier in the Virginia DMV system.

Can I get my license number if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license number does not disappear from the DMV system. You can retrieve it through the online portal, by phone, or in person. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license — you will need to renew it to restore your driving privileges.