Your issue number is printed on the front of your photocard licence, below your photograph

The issue number is a two-digit code on your UK photocard driving licence. It appears on the front, in the bottom left corner, directly underneath your photo. It looks like "01" or "05" — just two numbers. This number tells you how many times that particular licence card has been issued or renewed.

If you have an older paper licence (the old-style counterpart document that came with photocard licences before 2015), the issue number also appears there, but the photocard is the main document you'll use. The photocard is the one you show when you need to prove your identity or driving status.

Finding your issue number takes seconds once you know where to look. It's always in the same place on every UK photocard, so if you've misplaced it before, you'll spot it when ready next time.

Key Takeaways

  • Your issue number is a two-digit code printed on the front of your photocard licence, below your photograph in the bottom left corner.
  • The number increases each time you renew or reissue your licence, so "01" means it's your first card and "05" means you've had four replacements.
  • You'll need this number when you contact the DVLA about your licence, report it lost or stolen, or explore for a replacement.
  • If you cannot find the number on your photocard, contact the DVLA directly — they can look it up using your name and date of birth.

Why the issue number matters

The DVLA uses your issue number to track your licence history. When you renew your licence, get a replacement card, or change your details, the issue number increases by one. This helps the DVLA keep records straight, especially if you've had multiple versions of your licence over the years.

You'll be asked for your issue number when you contact the DVLA about your licence, report it lost or stolen, or request a replacement. Having it ready speeds up the process because it helps them locate your exact record in their system. If you're requesting a replacement by post, you may need to provide it on the form.

What the number tells you

The issue number shows how many times your licence card has been reissued. If your issue number is "01", that's your first photocard. If it's "03", you've had two replacements or renewals before this one. The number doesn't indicate anything about your driving record or violations — it's purely administrative and tracks only the physical card itself.

Your licence is valid until the expiry date printed on the front, regardless of the issue number. A high issue number doesn't mean your licence is less valid or that you've had problems. It straightforward reflects how many times you've renewed or replaced the card over your driving lifetime.

Where else you might see this number

If you have an old paper counterpart licence (issued before 2015), the issue number appears there as well. However, paper counterparts are no longer issued, and the DVLA no longer recognises them as valid documents. Your photocard is now your only driving licence document.

If you're looking at your licence online through your DVLA account, the issue number will be displayed there too. You can check your licence details, including the issue number, by logging into your account on the DVLA website using your driving licence number, postcode, and National Insurance number.

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

If your photocard is damaged, faded, or the number is unclear, you don't need to worry. Contact the DVLA directly and they can tell you your issue number using your name and date of birth. You can reach them by phone at 0300 790 6801, by post, or through their online services.

If your licence is lost or stolen, report it to the police first, then contact the DVLA. They'll issue you a replacement card with a new issue number (one higher than your current one). You'll need to pay a fee for the replacement, and it usually takes around two weeks for the new card to arrive at your address.

How your issue number changes over time

Every time the DVLA issues you a new photocard, the issue number goes up by one. This happens when your licence expires and you renew it, when you change your address or name, when you request a replacement for a damaged card, or when you update your photograph. Each of these events triggers a new card with a higher issue number.

This system helps the DVLA track which version of your licence is current and valid. If you've been driving for many years and renewed your licence several times, your issue number might be quite high — this is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my issue number change when I renew my licence?

Yes. When you renew your licence — whether because it's expired, you've changed your address, or you've had a name change — the DVLA issues you a new photocard with an issue number that's one higher than before. So if your current issue number is "02", your renewed licence will be "03".

What if my issue number is very high, like 08 or 09?

A high issue number straightforward means you've renewed or replaced your licence many times over the years. This is normal and doesn't indicate any problem. It could be because you've renewed it several times as it expired, changed your address multiple times, or requested replacements for various reasons.

Can I look up my issue number online?

Yes. If you have a DVLA online account, you can log in and view your licence details, including your issue number. You can create an account on the DVLA website using your driving licence number, postcode, and National Insurance number.

Do I need my issue number to check my driving record?

No. To check your driving record or view your licence details online, you'll need your driving licence number, postcode, and National Insurance number. The issue number is helpful when you're contacting the DVLA by phone or post, but it's not required for online checks.

What happens to my issue number if I get a new licence in a different country?

If you move abroad and get a driving licence in another country, your UK issue number stays the same on your UK licence. The two are separate documents. If you later return to the UK and need to use your UK licence again, your issue number will be exactly as you left it.