Your credential number is a unique identifier the Kansas DMV assigns to your license
The credential number on your Kansas driver's license is a separate number from your driver's license number itself. It appears on the front of your license and serves as an additional identifier that Kansas uses to track your specific license document. Think of it as a serial number for that particular card — if you renew your license and get a new card, you'll get a new credential number.
This number is most useful when you need to report your license lost or stolen, or when Kansas DMV staff need to look up your specific license record in their system. It's printed on your license for a reason: it makes it faster for DMV employees to find the exact document you're referring to, rather than searching by name or license number alone.
The credential number is not the same as your driver's license number. Your license number stays with you for life in Kansas (unless you change your name or have other legal changes), but your credential number changes each time you receive a new physical card.
Key Takeaways
- Your credential number is printed on the front of your Kansas driver's license and identifies that specific card, not your driving record.
- The credential number changes each time you renew your license and receive a new physical card.
- You'll need your credential number if you report your license lost or stolen to the Kansas DMV.
- The credential number is different from your driver's license number, which remains the same throughout your life in Kansas.
Where to find your credential number on the card
On a Kansas driver's license, the credential number appears on the front of the card. The exact placement has changed slightly over the years as Kansas updated its license design, but it's typically printed near the top or bottom of the front side. Look for a number labeled "Credential #" or similar text next to it.
If you're having trouble locating it, the Kansas DMV website shows sample images of current license designs. You can also call your local DMV office, and staff can tell you exactly where to look on your specific license. Having your license in front of you when you call makes this faster.
When you need to use your credential number
The most common reason to use your credential number is reporting your license lost or stolen. When you contact the Kansas DMV to report a lost or stolen license, having the credential number on hand speeds up the process because it lets staff when ready identify which specific license document needs to be deactivated.
You may also need it if you're replacing a damaged license or if DMV staff ask you to verify which license record they're looking at during a transaction. Some third-party services that handle DMV-related tasks may also ask for it, though your driver's license number is usually sufficient for most purposes.
How credential numbers differ from your driver's license number
Your driver's license number is your permanent identifier in Kansas. It stays the same from the day you first get a license until you move out of state or have a legal name change. Your driving record, violations, and points are all tied to this number.
Your credential number, by contrast, is tied to the physical card itself. Every time you renew your license — whether that's a routine renewal every five or eight years, or because you need a replacement card — you receive a new credential number. The old credential number is no longer active.
This distinction matters because if someone asks for your "license number," they almost always mean your driver's license number, not your credential number. The credential number is mainly useful for DMV internal purposes and for situations where you need to report a specific card lost or stolen.
What happens to your credential number when you renew
When you renew your Kansas driver's license, you'll receive a new physical card with a new credential number printed on it. Your driver's license number stays the same, but the credential number changes because you now have a different card.
If you renew online or by mail, the new card will arrive with its credential number already printed. If you renew in person at a DMV office, staff will issue you the new card on the spot. Either way, the old credential number becomes inactive once your new license is issued.
Reporting a lost or stolen license using the credential number
If your license is lost or stolen, contact your local Kansas DMV office or call the main DMV line. Have your credential number ready — it's on the front of your license if you still have access to it, or you can provide your driver's license number and date of birth instead.
The DMV will deactivate your current license and can issue you a replacement. You'll need to pay a replacement fee, which varies depending on whether you're getting a standard replacement or an expedited one. Once your replacement arrives, it will have a new credential number.
If your license was stolen along with other documents, report the theft to local police as well. Some identity theft protection services recommend doing this before contacting the DMV, so you have a police report number to reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my credential number the same as my driver's license number?
No. Your driver's license number is permanent and stays with you for life in Kansas. Your credential number identifies the specific physical card you're holding and changes each time you renew or replace your license.
Do I need to memorize my credential number?
No. You only need it in specific situations, like reporting a lost or stolen license. For most everyday uses, your driver's license number is what's needed. Keep your license in a safe place so you have access to the credential number if you need it.
What if I can't find the credential number on my license?
Call your local Kansas DMV office or the main DMV line. Staff can tell you where it's located on your specific license design, or they can look it up using your driver's license number and date of birth.
Does the credential number appear on my license renewal documents?
Your renewal notice will show your driver's license number, but the credential number for your new card won't appear until the physical card arrives. Once you receive your renewed license, the credential number will be printed on the front.
Can someone use my credential number to commit fraud?
The credential number alone is not enough to commit identity fraud — it's just a card identifier. However, if someone has your credential number along with other personal information, it could be part of a larger identity theft. If you suspect fraud, report it to local police and contact the Kansas DMV.