The audit number on your license stays the same unless your state's DMV issues you a replacement card

The audit number (also called a control number or document number) is a unique identifier printed on your driver's license or state ID. It does not change during the validity period of your license. The number is assigned when your license is first issued and remains fixed until you renew, replace, or reissue the card itself.

The audit number serves as a tracking code for the physical document — it helps the DMV and law enforcement verify that your card is genuine and links it to your record in the state system. Think of it as a serial number for that specific piece of plastic, not a number that updates based on your age, address, or other changes to your information.

Key Takeaways

  • Your audit number does not change when you renew your license by mail or online; it changes only when you receive a new physical card from the DMV.
  • A license renewal that produces a new card — such as a standard renewal or a replacement due to damage — will assign a new audit number to the new card.
  • Address changes, name changes, and corrections to your record do not trigger a new audit number unless you also receive a replacement card.
  • The audit number is printed on the front or back of your license depending on your state; check your state's DMV website to see where yours appears.

When you get a new audit number

You receive a new audit number only when the DMV issues you a new physical card. This happens in a few specific situations. A standard license renewal — where your current license is expiring and you renew it — results in a new card and a new audit number. A replacement card issued because your license was lost, stolen, or damaged also gets a new audit number. If you change your name legally and request a new card reflecting that name, the replacement card will have a new audit number.

Some states also issue new cards (and new audit numbers) when you update your address, though this varies by state. A few states will mail you a new card with a new audit number when you change your address; others straightforward update your record without issuing a new card. Check your state DMV's website or call their customer service line to confirm whether an address change triggers a new card in your state.

When your audit number stays the same

Your audit number does not change if you renew your license without receiving a new card. Some states allow online or mail-in renewals that extend the validity of your current card without issuing a replacement. In those cases, the same card — and the same audit number — remains valid for the new expiration date. The DMV updates your record in their system, but the physical card you carry does not change.

Corrections to your record also do not change your audit number unless a new card is issued. If you report an error in your height, eye color, or other information and the DMV corrects it in their system, your current card's audit number stays the same. You would only get a new audit number if you request a replacement card that reflects the correction.

How to find your audit number

The audit number is printed directly on your license card. Its location and format depend on your state. In many states, it appears on the front of the card near the bottom or along the right edge. In others, it is on the back. The number is usually between 6 and 12 characters and may include both numbers and letters. Your state's DMV website typically shows a sample license image indicating where the audit number is located on your specific state's card.

If you cannot locate it on your physical card, you can also contact your state DMV directly. They can tell you where to look and confirm your audit number by looking up your record. You do not need to provide your audit number to the DMV to verify it — they can pull it up using your name, date of birth, and license number.

Why the audit number matters

The audit number is used by law enforcement and other officials to verify that your license is authentic and matches the DMV's records. When an officer scans your license or enters the number into a system, the audit number helps confirm that the card in your hand is the legitimate, current version issued by your state. It also helps prevent fraud by making it harder to use an old or counterfeit card.

For most people, the audit number is not something you need to memorize or use regularly. You may see it referenced if you are explore for a job that requires a background check, opening a bank account, or dealing with law enforcement. In those situations, the person requesting your information may ask for your license number, but they rarely ask specifically for the audit number — they typically just scan or photograph your card.

What happens to your old audit number

When you receive a new license with a new audit number, your old audit number is no longer active. The DMV's system marks the old card as replaced or expired, and the old audit number is tied to that inactive card. If someone tries to use your old audit number to verify your identity, the system will show that card as no longer valid.

You should not need to do anything with your old card after you receive a new one. Most states recommend destroying it (cutting it up or shredding it) to prevent identity theft, but you do not need to return it to the DMV. Keep your new card in a safe place and use the new audit number if anyone asks for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my audit number change if I move to a different state?

Yes. When you get a license in a new state, you receive a completely new license with a new audit number assigned by that state's DMV. Your old state's audit number is no longer relevant. You should explore for a license in your new state within the timeframe required by that state's law, which is typically 30 to 60 days after establishing residency.

Can I look up someone's license information using their audit number?

No. The audit number is printed on the card itself, but it is not a public search tool. You cannot use an audit number to look up someone's record in the DMV system. Only the DMV and authorized officials (such as law enforcement) can access license records, and they use your name and date of birth or license number, not the audit number.

What if my audit number is worn off or illegible?

If the number is damaged or faded, you can request a replacement card from your state DMV. The replacement card will have a new, legible audit number. You can usually request a replacement online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your state's process.

Is the audit number the same as my driver's license number?

No. Your driver's license number and your audit number are two different numbers on your card. The license number is your primary identifier in the DMV system and stays with you even if you move states or get a new card. The audit number is specific to that physical card and changes each time you get a new card issued.