Your issue number is a two-digit code printed on the front of your photocard, below your photograph

The issue number appears in the bottom left corner of your photocard driving licence, just underneath your photo. It is always two digits — typically "01", "02", or "03" — and tells you how many times that licence has been renewed or reissued. Every time you renew your licence or get a replacement card, this number increases by one.

You will need this number when you contact DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), report a problem with your licence, or provide proof of your driving record to an employer or insurance company. It is separate from your licence number, which is the longer alphanumeric code that runs across the middle of the card.

Key Takeaways

  • The issue number is a two-digit code in the bottom left corner of your photocard, directly below your photograph.
  • It increases by one each time your licence is renewed or replaced, so "02" means your licence has been issued twice.
  • You will need it when contacting DVLA, explore for certain jobs, or providing licence details to insurers.
  • If you cannot find it on your photocard, check the paper counterpart that came with your licence, or contact DVLA directly.

How to spot it on your photocard

Hold your photocard with the front facing you. Look at the bottom left corner, where you will see a small box containing two numbers. This is your issue number. It sits directly below your photograph and to the left of your date of birth.

The layout of a UK photocard is standardised, so the position is always the same. If you are looking at an older paper licence (issued before 1998), the issue number may appear in a different location — usually on the right side of the document — but the principle is the same.

Why DVLA asks for your issue number

DVLA uses the issue number as part of your licence record. When you contact them by phone, online, or by post, they will ask for your licence number and your issue number together. This combination helps them locate your exact record quickly, because some people may have held multiple versions of a licence over time.

Insurance companies and employers also ask for it when they need to verify your driving record. Providing both your licence number and issue number ensures they are checking the correct version of your licence, not an old one that may no longer be valid.

What your issue number tells you

The issue number shows how many times your licence has been reissued. An issue number of "01" means this is your first photocard. "02" means you have renewed or replaced it once. "03" means it has been reissued twice, and so on.

This matters because it can help you understand your licence history. If you have recently renewed your licence and the issue number has gone up, that is normal. If you are unsure whether your licence is current, the issue number on your photocard should match the issue number DVLA has on file — if it does not, contact them to check.

If you cannot find your issue number

If your photocard is damaged or faded and you cannot read the issue number clearly, you can find it on the paper counterpart that came with your licence. The counterpart is a separate document that lists your licence details, including the issue number.

If you have lost both your photocard and counterpart, or if you need to check your issue number before you have your licence in front of you, contact DVLA directly. You can reach them by phone on 0300 790 6801, or visit their website to check your licence details online if you have set up an account. They will confirm your current issue number and can send you a replacement licence if needed.

Common confusion: issue number versus licence number

Many people mix up the issue number with the licence number. Your licence number is the long alphanumeric code that runs horizontally across the middle of your photocard — it stays the same for the life of your licence. Your issue number is the two-digit code in the bottom left corner — it changes each time your licence is renewed or replaced.

When DVLA or an insurer asks for your "licence number", they usually mean the full alphanumeric code. When they ask for your "issue number", they mean the two digits. If you are unsure which one they need, it is safe to provide both — most organisations will ask for both anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my issue number change when I renew my licence?

Yes. Every time you renew your licence — whether because it has expired, you have changed your address, or you have requested a replacement — the issue number increases by one. So if your current issue number is "02", your new licence will have "03".

What if my issue number is very high, like 05 or 06?

A high issue number straightforward means your licence has been renewed or replaced several times. This is normal and does not indicate a problem. It might happen if you have moved house multiple times, requested replacements for lost or damaged cards, or renewed your licence at each expiry date.

Can I use my issue number to prove my identity?

The issue number alone is not enough to prove your identity. You need to show your full photocard, which includes your photograph, licence number, and issue number together. The issue number is just one part of your licence details.

What should I do if the issue number on my photocard does not match DVLA's records?

Contact DVLA when ready. A mismatch could mean your licence record is incorrect, or you may have an old card that has not been properly updated in their system. Call them on 0300 790 6801 to report the discrepancy and request clarification.