Your credential number is printed on the front of your license, usually in the upper right corner or along the top edge
The credential number is a separate identifier from your driver's license number. It appears as a small number, often just four to six digits, and is used by the state DMV to track the specific physical card you hold. If you renew your license, you get a new credential number even though your driver's license number stays the same.
The exact placement varies by state. Most states print it near the top of the front side, sometimes above or below your photo. A few states place it on the back. The number is typically printed in a smaller font than your main license number, which can make it straightforward to overlook if you do not know what you are looking for.
You need this number when you contact your state's DMV to report a lost or damaged card, request a replacement, or verify information about your specific license. It is also sometimes required when you are updating your address or other details on file.
Key Takeaways
- The credential number is a four- to six-digit code separate from your driver's license number, used by the DMV to track your individual card.
- It is printed on the front of most licenses in the upper right area or along the top edge, in smaller text than your main license number.
- When you renew your license, you receive a new credential number, even though your driver's license number does not change.
- You will need this number when reporting a lost or damaged license or requesting a replacement from your state DMV.
How credential numbers differ from your driver's license number
Your driver's license number is your primary identifier and remains the same throughout your life in most states. It appears prominently on the front of your card and is what you provide when you are pulled over, rent a car, or verify your identity.
The credential number, by contrast, is tied to that specific physical card. Every time you renew your license — whether for a routine renewal, a name change, or because your card was damaged — the DMV issues you a new credential number. The driver's license number stays constant, but the credential number changes. This allows the DMV to track which version of your license you currently hold and when it was issued.
Think of it this way: your driver's license number is like your Social Security number (permanent), while your credential number is like a serial number on a specific passport (changes when you get a new passport). Both appear on your card, but they serve different purposes in the DMV's record system.
Why the DMV uses credential numbers
The credential number helps the DMV distinguish between different physical cards you may have held over time. If you reported your license lost and received a replacement, then later found the original, the DMV needs a way to know which card is the valid one. The credential number on each card tells them.
This system also tracks the issuance date and expiration date of your specific card. When you renew your license, the new card gets a new credential number that corresponds to its new issue and expiration dates. If there is ever a question about when your license was issued or whether it was valid on a particular date, the credential number provides that record.
Law enforcement and other agencies that verify licenses can use the credential number to confirm they are looking at current, valid documentation. It is part of how the DMV maintains the integrity of the licensing system across millions of cards.
Where to look on your specific license
The location of the credential number depends on your state. Most commonly, it appears in one of these places:
- Upper right corner of the front of the card
- Along the top edge, to the right of your name or photo
- Below your photo on the front
- On the back of the card, usually in the upper area
The number is always printed in a smaller font than your main driver's license number, and it is usually preceded by a label such as "Credential #", "Cred #", or straightforward "Credential". Some states abbreviate it further or use a different label entirely, so if you are having trouble locating it, look for any small number that is labeled separately from your main license number.
If you cannot find it after checking both sides of your card, you can contact your state's DMV directly. They can tell you where it appears on your state's current license design and can also provide your credential number if you give them your driver's license number and other identifying information.
When you need to provide your credential number
You will most often need your credential number when you are dealing directly with your state's DMV. Common situations include reporting a lost or stolen license, requesting a replacement card, or updating information on your current license.
Some states also ask for the credential number when you are renewing your license online or by mail, as it helps them match your request to your current card in their system. If you are calling the DMV to check the status of a replacement or renewal, having your credential number ready can speed up the process.
You typically do not need to provide this number to law enforcement, when renting a car, or for other everyday uses of your license. Those situations call for your driver's license number. The credential number is primarily an internal DMV identifier, though it is printed on your card for your reference and for situations where the DMV specifically requests it.
What to do if you cannot locate your credential number
If your license is damaged or worn and the credential number is no longer legible, you can still contact your state's DMV. Provide your driver's license number and date of birth, and they can look up your credential number in their system. You do not need the physical number in front of you to get this information.
If your license is lost or stolen, you do not need the credential number to report it. The DMV will ask for your driver's license number and other identifying details. Once they process your report, they will issue you a new license with a new credential number, and they will deactivate the old credential number so the lost card cannot be used.
For online DMV services, most states allow you to look up your credential number by logging into your DMV account if you have one set up. This is often faster than calling, and you can retrieve the information at any time without waiting for office hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my credential number change if I renew my license?
Yes. Every time you renew your license, you receive a new credential number tied to that new physical card. Your driver's license number stays the same, but the credential number changes because it tracks the specific card and its issue date.
What if I find my old license after I reported it lost?
The old credential number will be deactivated in the DMV system, so that card is no longer valid even if you find it. Use only the new license with the new credential number. If you find the old one, you can destroy it or turn it in to your local DMV office.
Can I use my credential number instead of my driver's license number?
No. Your driver's license number is your primary identifier for all official purposes. The credential number is an internal DMV tracking tool and is only needed when the DMV specifically requests it, such as when reporting a lost card or requesting a replacement.
Is the credential number the same as the card number?
They are related but not identical. The credential number is one piece of information printed on your card. Your card also has your driver's license number, which is separate. The credential number specifically tracks that physical card and its issuance.
Where do I find my credential number if my license is expired?
An expired license still has a readable credential number printed on it. Look in the same location as you would on a current license — usually the upper right or top edge of the front. You can use this number to contact the DMV about renewing your license.