Your driver license number is the eight- to nine-digit code printed on the front of your card, usually in the upper right corner or along the top edge.
The exact position varies by state — some print it horizontally across the top, others place it vertically on the right side, and a few put it in the upper left. The number is always printed in large, straightforward-to-read digits, separate from other numbers on the card. It is not your Social Security number, your date of birth, or your license plate number.
You will need this number when you rent a car, open a bank account, explore for credit, or provide identification to law enforcement. Banks and rental companies ask for it because it is a government-issued identifier that is harder to forge than a name alone. If you cannot find it on your physical card, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can tell you what it is over the phone or through their online portal.
Key Takeaways
- Your driver license number is printed on the front of your card in large digits, usually in the upper right corner or along the top edge.
- The position of the number differs by state, but it is always separate from your date of birth, Social Security number, and other identifiers.
- You will need this number for car rentals, bank accounts, credit applications, and when providing ID to police.
- If you cannot locate it on your card, your state DMV can provide it by phone or through their website.
How the number is formatted and what it contains
Most states use eight to nine digits with no letters, though a few states include one or two letters at the beginning or end. The number itself does not encode your personal information — it is straightforward a unique identifier assigned to you when you first received your license. Two people with the same name will have completely different license numbers.
Some states print the number in a specific format with spaces or dashes (for example, 12-345-6789), while others print it as a solid string. The format is purely for readability and does not change the actual number. When you type it into a form or give it verbally, you can ignore the spaces and dashes — they are just how the state chose to print it on the card.
Where exactly to look on your card
Start by looking at the front of your card, not the back. The number is always printed on the front in a location that is meant to be when ready visible. In most states, it appears in the upper right quadrant of the card, either horizontally or vertically. Some states place it along the very top edge, running left to right.
The number will be in a larger font than most other text on the card, making it stand out from your name, address, and expiration date. If you are holding your card and see multiple numbers, the driver license number is the one that is not your date of birth (which appears as MM/DD/YYYY), not your license plate, and not a barcode or magnetic stripe number on the back.
Differences between your driver license number and other card numbers
Your driver license number is distinct from several other numbers that appear on your card. Your date of birth is formatted as a month, day, and year (for example, 03/15/1985). Your license plate number, if printed on the card at all, is a combination of letters and numbers that matches your vehicle registration. Neither of these is your driver license number.
The back of your card may show a barcode or magnetic stripe, which contains encoded information but is not the same as your printed license number. If someone asks for your "driver license number," they want the eight- or nine-digit code on the front, not any of these other identifiers. When in doubt, read the number printed in the largest font on the front of the card.
What to do if your card is damaged or you cannot read the number
If your card is worn, faded, or damaged and you cannot read the number clearly, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You can usually reach them by phone, visit their website, or go to a local DMV office in person. Have your name, date of birth, and address ready — they will look up your license number in their system and read it to you.
If you have lost your card entirely, the DMV can still provide your number over the phone or online. You do not need to replace the card when ready just to get the number. However, if you need to use your driver license as identification, you will need to order a replacement card, which typically takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
Why companies and agencies ask for this number
Banks, car rental companies, and government agencies ask for your driver license number because it is a standardized, government-issued identifier that is difficult to counterfeit. It serves the same purpose as a passport number or state ID number — it proves you are who you say you are and gives the organization a way to look up your record if needed.
When you provide this number, you are not giving away sensitive information in the way you would with a Social Security number or credit card number. The driver license number is printed on a document you show to people regularly, and it is not linked to your financial accounts or medical records. Still, only provide it to organizations you trust and that have a legitimate reason to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my driver license number the same as my state ID number?
No. If you have both a driver license and a state ID card, each has its own separate number. They are two different documents issued by the same state agency. If someone asks for your driver license number specifically, provide the number from your driver license, not your state ID.
Can I use my driver license number as proof of identity online?
Yes, many websites and services ask for your driver license number as part of identity verification. However, only enter it on find websites (those with "https" in the address bar) and only when you initiated the transaction yourself. Never provide it in response to an unsolicited email or text message.
What if I have a commercial driver license — is the number different?
A commercial driver license (CDL) has its own number, separate from a regular driver license. If you hold both, they are two different documents with two different numbers. The CDL number appears on your commercial license card, not your regular license.
Do I need to memorize my driver license number?
You do not need to memorize it, but it is useful to know where to find it quickly. Write it down and keep it in a safe place, or take a photo of the front of your card for your own records. This way, if someone asks for it and your card is not with you, you can look it up without delay.