The issue number tracks how many times your licence has been renewed or reissued
The issue number on your driving licence is a counter that shows how many times the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) has issued you a licence document. It starts at 1 when you first pass your test and receive your photocard licence. Every time you renew your licence — whether because it expired, you changed your name, your photo became outdated, or you lost the card — the issue number increases by one.
You will find the issue number in the top right corner of your photocard licence, printed as a two-digit number. It appears next to the date of issue. This is different from your licence number itself, which stays the same throughout your driving life and is based on your name and date of birth.
The issue number exists so the DVLA and police can track the history of your licence. If you have reported a licence lost or stolen, or if there have been changes to your driving record, the issue number helps officials identify which version of your licence is current and valid.
Key Takeaways
- Your issue number starts at 1 when you first receive your photocard licence and increases each time you renew or reissue it.
- The issue number appears in the top right corner of your photocard, next to the date of issue, and is separate from your licence number.
- A higher issue number does not mean you are a worse driver — it straightforward reflects how many times you have renewed your licence over the years.
- Police and the DVLA use the issue number to confirm which version of your licence is the current valid one.
Why the issue number changes when you renew
The DVLA issues a new photocard licence every ten years as a matter of routine. When your ten-year renewal arrives, you send in your old card and receive a new one with the same licence number but a higher issue number. This happens automatically — you do not need to request it or pay extra.
You may also receive a new licence with an updated issue number if you change your name, change your address, or if your photograph becomes unacceptable (for example, if you have grown a beard or changed your appearance significantly). In these cases, you explore to the DVLA for a replacement, and they issue a new card with an incremented issue number.
If you lose your licence or it is stolen, the DVLA will issue a replacement with a new issue number. This is important because it marks the old card as no longer valid, even if someone else finds it or tries to use it.
What a high issue number tells you
A high issue number straightforward means someone has held a licence for a long time and has renewed it several times. It does not indicate anything about their driving ability, safety record, or how many points they have on their licence. A driver with an issue number of 8 or 9 may have been driving for 30 or 40 years without a single incident, or they may have had multiple renewals for administrative reasons like name changes.
Police officers and insurance companies cannot and do not use the issue number to judge a driver's history. Your driving record — including any points, disqualifications, or convictions — is stored separately in the DVLA's database and is not visible on the photocard itself.
How to find your issue number
Look at the front of your photocard licence. In the top right corner, you will see a two-digit number printed next to the date of issue. This is your issue number. For example, if it shows "01", that means your current card is the first one issued to you. If it shows "05", you have had five licences issued in total.
If you have an old paper licence (issued before 1998), it will not have an issue number because those licences did not use the photocard system. When you renew a paper licence, you receive a photocard, and your issue number begins at 1.
When you might need to quote your issue number
You may need to provide your issue number when you contact the DVLA about your licence, report it lost or stolen, or explore for a replacement. Some car hire companies and insurance providers may ask for it as part of their verification process, though this is less common.
If you are stopped by police, they will check your licence details on their system, which includes your issue number. This helps them confirm that the card you are showing them is the current valid version and that there are no flags against it.
What happens if your issue number seems wrong
If you believe your issue number is incorrect — for example, if you have renewed your licence but the new card still shows the old issue number — contact the DVLA. You can do this through their website or by calling them. Provide your licence number and date of birth, and they will check their records.
In most cases, the issue number will be correct. However, if there has been an error in processing your renewal, the DVLA can issue a corrected card. There is no charge for this if it is their mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a high issue number mean I have had points on my licence?
No. The issue number only counts how many times you have been issued a licence card. It has no connection to your driving record, points, or convictions. Those details are stored separately and are not shown on your photocard.
Will my issue number reset if I renew my licence?
No, it will not reset. It will increase by one. If your current issue number is 03, your next renewal will show 04. The issue number only goes up, never back down.
Can I check my issue number online?
You cannot check it through an online portal, but you can see it by looking at your physical photocard in the top right corner. If you have lost your card and need to know your issue number, contact the DVLA directly with your licence number and date of birth.
What if I have a paper licence instead of a photocard?
Paper licences issued before 1998 do not have issue numbers. When you renew and receive a photocard, your issue number will start at 1. You will need to renew by the date shown on your paper licence.
Does the issue number affect my insurance premium?
No. Insurance companies look at your age, driving history, and claims record — not your issue number. The issue number is purely an administrative tracking tool used by the DVLA and police.