Your issue number is a two-digit code printed on the front of your UK driving licence, usually in the top right corner

The issue number appears as two digits — for example, 01, 02, or 03 — and tells you how many times that licence has been renewed or reissued. It is not the same as your licence number (which is longer and based on your name and date of birth). You will need the issue number when you renew your licence, report it lost or stolen, or provide details to a car hire company or insurance provider.

Finding it takes seconds once you know where to look. The position is the same on every UK photocard licence issued since 1998.

Key Takeaways

  • The issue number is a two-digit code printed on the front of your photocard licence, positioned in the top right area near your photograph.
  • It is different from your main licence number and shows how many times your licence has been reissued or renewed.
  • You will need this number when renewing your licence, reporting it lost, or providing details to insurers and car hire firms.
  • If your licence is paper-only (issued before 1998), the issue number appears on the back in a different format.

Locating the issue number on a photocard licence

Hold your licence with the photograph facing you. Look at the top right corner of the card, just above or beside your photo. You will see a small two-digit number printed there — this is your issue number. It is printed in black text on the pink background of the card.

The exact position can vary slightly depending on when your licence was issued, but it is always in the upper right quadrant of the front face. If you are having trouble spotting it, check that you are looking at the correct side of the card — the issue number is never on the back of a modern photocard licence.

What the issue number means

Each time you renew your licence — whether because it has expired, you have changed your name, updated your address, or corrected an error — you receive a new photocard with a new issue number. The number increments by one each time. A licence with issue number 01 is the first one issued under your current details. A licence with issue number 03 means that card has been reissued twice since the original.

This is different from your main licence number, which stays the same throughout your life. Your main number is based on your surname, date of birth, and initials, and appears in larger text on the front of the card.

Issue numbers on older paper licences

If you hold a paper driving licence issued before 1998, your issue number is printed on the back of the document rather than the front. It appears as part of the licence details and is formatted differently from the two-digit code on modern photocards. Paper licences are no longer issued, but if you still hold one, you can continue to use it until it expires or you choose to exchange it for a photocard.

The DVLA recommends exchanging a paper licence for a photocard if you plan to hire a car abroad or need to provide your licence details to organisations that expect the modern format.

When you will need to provide your issue number

Insurance companies often ask for your issue number when you quote for car insurance or make a claim. They use it to verify your licence details against DVLA records. Car hire firms will also ask for it when you book a rental vehicle. Some employers or organisations that conduct driving record checks may request it as well.

When you renew your licence online or by post, you will need to provide your current issue number so the DVLA can process the renewal correctly. If you report your licence lost or stolen, you will also need to quote the issue number.

What to do if you cannot find your issue number

If your licence is damaged, faded, or the number is unclear, you can contact the DVLA directly. They can confirm your issue number by looking up your records using your name, date of birth, and licence number. You do not need to visit an office — a phone call or online enquiry is usually sufficient.

If you have lost your licence entirely, you will need to report it to the DVLA and request a replacement. During that process, they will issue you a new photocard with a new issue number (incremented by one from your previous licence).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the issue number the same as my licence number?

No. Your licence number is longer and based on your name and date of birth — it stays the same for life. Your issue number is a two-digit code that changes each time your licence is reissued or renewed. Both appear on the front of your photocard.

Why do insurance companies ask for my issue number?

Insurance firms use it to verify your licence details against DVLA records and check for any points, disqualifications, or changes to your driving record. It helps them confirm you are the person you claim to be and that your licence is valid.

What happens to my issue number when I renew my licence?

Your issue number increases by one. If your current licence shows 02, your renewed licence will show 03. Your main licence number (the longer one) stays the same throughout your life.

Can I use a paper licence if I do not have a photocard?

Yes, paper licences remain valid until they expire. However, many organisations — including car hire firms and some insurers — now expect a photocard. You can exchange a paper licence for a photocard by contacting the DVLA.