Your provisional license has a driver number printed on it — it's the unique identifier the DVLA uses to track your record

Your driver number is an 16-character code on your provisional license that identifies you in the DVLA system. It appears on the front of the photocard, printed in the bottom right corner. This number stays the same throughout your driving life, even after you pass your test and move to a full license.

You need this number whenever you contact the DVLA, report a change of address, renew your license, or provide proof of your driving status to an employer or insurance company. It's different from your registration plate or any other vehicle identifier — it's personal to you as a driver.

Key Takeaways

  • Your driver number is a 16-character code printed in the bottom right corner of your provisional photocard.
  • The number format is always five letters, then six digits, then two letters, then two digits (for example: SMITH610153SM9IJ).
  • You'll need this number to contact the DVLA, change your address, or provide proof of your driving status to employers or insurers.
  • The driver number remains the same when you pass your test and receive a full license.

How the driver number is formatted

The 16-character code follows a specific pattern that the DVLA uses to encode your personal information. The first five characters are letters taken from your surname, and the next six digits represent your date of birth in the format YYMMDD (year, month, day). The following two letters are derived from your first name and middle name.

The final four characters are a check digit and two random letters added by the DVLA to prevent fraud. This means you can't guess someone else's driver number — even if you know their name and date of birth, the last four characters are unique to their record.

Where exactly to look on your photocard

Open your provisional license photocard and look at the front. The driver number is printed in small text in the bottom right corner, just above the expiry date. It runs horizontally across one line and is usually in a sans-serif font that's slightly smaller than the text showing your name or address.

If your photocard is worn or the text is hard to read, you can also find your driver number on any correspondence from the DVLA — renewal reminders, address change confirmations, or penalty notices all display it. You can also contact the DVLA directly and provide your name and date of birth, and they will tell you your number over the phone.

When you'll need to provide your driver number

The DVLA asks for your driver number whenever you contact them by phone, post, or online. If you're changing your address, reporting a medical condition, or renewing your license, have the number ready before you call or start an online form — it speeds up the process and reduces the chance of the DVLA looking up the wrong record.

Employers and insurance companies also ask for your driver number when you need to prove your driving status. Some insurers require it before they'll quote you, and employers doing background checks may ask for it to verify you hold a valid provisional or full license. Having it written down somewhere safe means you won't have to dig out your photocard every time.

What to do if you can't find your driver number

If your photocard is damaged, lost, or the text is illegible, contact the DVLA and request a replacement. You'll need to fill in form D1 (process for a Driving License) and send it with a new photograph and the fee. The replacement photocard will have the same driver number printed on it — the number itself never changes.

If you've straightforward mislaid the number but have your photocard, write it down and keep it somewhere safe — in your phone, a document folder, or with your insurance papers. If you need it urgently and can't access your photocard, the DVLA can confirm it over the phone if you provide your name, date of birth, and postcode.

How your driver number connects to your medical record

The DVLA uses your driver number to link your driving record to any medical information you've reported. If you've notified them of a health condition, medication change, or vision problem, that information is stored against your driver number in their system. When you renew your license or the DVLA reviews your case, they pull up your complete record using this number.

This is why it's important to keep your address up to date with the DVLA — they use your driver number to send you renewal notices and any letters about medical reviews. If they can't reach you because your address is wrong, your license could expire without warning, even though you were may have access to to renew it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my driver number the same as my National Insurance number?

No. Your driver number is unique to your driving record and is issued by the DVLA. Your National Insurance number is a separate identifier issued by HMRC for tax and benefits purposes. They are not linked and serve different functions.

Can I change my driver number?

No. Your driver number is permanent and cannot be changed. It remains the same throughout your driving life, even after you pass your test, move house, or change your name. If you change your name, you must notify the DVLA, but your driver number stays the same.

What if someone asks for my driver number and I'm not sure it's safe to give it?

The DVLA, your insurance company, and your employer may legitimately ask for your driver number. Be cautious if someone contacts you unexpectedly asking for it — scammers sometimes pose as the DVLA. If in doubt, hang up and call the DVLA directly on 0300 790 6801 to confirm whether they contacted you.

Will my driver number appear on my full license after I pass my test?

Yes. When you pass your practical test and receive your full photocard license, the same 16-character driver number will be printed on it. The number never changes — only the license category and any conditions or restrictions will be updated.