The back of your driver's license holds information the front doesn't — organ donation status, restrictions on what you can drive, and emergency contact details in some states.
The back side of a driver's license is not decorative. It contains legal restrictions that affect what you're permitted to operate, medical information you may have chosen to share, and sometimes contact details for someone to reach in an emergency. The exact layout and information varies by state, but every state uses the back to communicate something the front cannot fit.
Understanding what's printed there matters because law enforcement, medical personnel, and licensing officials all read it. If you've never looked at the back of your own license, or if you're not sure what a particular code or notation means, this guide walks through what typically appears and why it matters.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction codes on the back (like "B" for corrective lenses or "D" for automatic transmission only) are legal requirements you must follow while driving.
- Organ donor status appears on the back in most states and is used by hospitals if you become unable to make medical decisions.
- Some states print an emergency contact name and phone number on the back, though this is optional and you control whether it appears.
- The back also lists any endorsements (like "M" for motorcycle) or medical conditions you've disclosed to the DMV.
Restriction codes and what they mean
The back of your license lists any restrictions that limit how or what you can drive. These are not suggestions — they are legal conditions of your license. Driving in violation of a restriction can result in a ticket, points on your record, or license suspension, even if you caused no accident.
Common restrictions include "B" (corrective lenses required), "D" (automatic transmission only), "E" (no freeway driving), and "F" (outside mirror required). Some states use different letters or abbreviations. If you have a restriction, your license will show the letter code and often a brief explanation. You can find your state's complete list of restriction codes on your state DMV website.
Restrictions are added when you fail a vision test without correction, when you have a medical condition the DMV has been notified of, or when you pass a driving test in an automatic vehicle and have not demonstrated ability in a manual transmission. If you believe a restriction was added in error, or if your circumstances have changed (for example, you had eye surgery and no longer need glasses), you can request a re-test through your state DMV.
Organ donor status and medical information
Most states print your organ and tissue donor status on the back of your license. This typically appears as a small symbol (often a heart or the word "DONOR") or a statement like "This person is an organ donor." If you see this marking, it means you consented to donation when you renewed or obtained your license.
Organ donor status on your license is one way hospitals know your wishes if you become unable to communicate. However, hospitals will also check a state registry and ask your family. The license marking is useful because it is when ready visible to medical personnel. If you want to change your donor status, you can usually do so online through your state DMV, at your next renewal, or by visiting a DMV office in person.
Some states also print medical alert information on the back if you have disclosed a condition (such as epilepsy or diabetes) to the DMV. This is optional and you control whether this information is recorded. Medical alert information can be useful in an emergency, but it is also visible to anyone who sees your license.
Emergency contact information
A growing number of states now allow you to list an emergency contact on the back of your license. This is typically a name and phone number that appears in a designated field. The purpose is to give first responders a way to reach someone who knows you if you are injured or in an accident and cannot communicate.
Emergency contact information is optional. If your state offers it, you can add or update it when you renew your license or visit a DMV office. Some states allow you to manage this online. If you move, change phone numbers, or want to update who should be contacted, you can request a replacement license with the new information without waiting for your renewal date — though this may involve a fee.
Endorsements and what they allow
The back of your license may also list endorsements, which are permissions to operate certain types of vehicles beyond a standard passenger car. An endorsement is the opposite of a restriction — it grants you additional driving privileges, not limits them.
Common endorsements include "M" (motorcycle), "H" (hazardous materials), and "P" (passenger vehicle for hire). To earn an endorsement, you typically pass a written test and sometimes a practical driving test specific to that vehicle type. Endorsements are not automatic; you must request them and demonstrate competency. If you have an endorsement, it will be listed on the back of your license with a letter code.
How to read your state's specific codes
Every state uses its own system of abbreviations and codes. What "D" means in one state may differ from another. The safest way to understand what a code on your license means is to visit your state DMV website and look for a document titled "Restriction Codes," "Endorsement Codes," or "License Codes." Most state DMVs publish this as a public reference sheet.
If you cannot find the reference sheet online, you can visit a DMV office or call the DMV customer service line for your state and ask what a specific code means. Having your license number handy will help. DMV staff can explain what each code requires of you and answer questions about whether you can have a code removed or changed.
What to do if information on the back is wrong
If the back of your license contains incorrect information — a restriction you should not have, a wrong emergency contact, or missing endorsements you earned — you can request a correction. The process depends on what is wrong and your state's procedures.
For restrictions you believe are in error, you may need to pass a re-test (such as a vision test if you have a corrective lens restriction). For emergency contact information or donor status, you can usually update it online or at a DMV office. For endorsements you earned but do not see listed, bring documentation of your test results to a DMV office and request they be added.
Some corrections are free; others involve a fee for a replacement license. Check your state DMV website for the specific process and any associated costs before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my organ donor status on the back of my license?
Yes. Most states allow you to change your donor status online through the DMV website, at your next renewal, or by visiting a DMV office. Some states also allow you to register or change your status through a separate organ donor registry. Changes made online or through a registry may not appear on your physical license until you renew or request a replacement.
What happens if I drive with a restriction I ignore?
Driving in violation of a restriction (for example, driving without required corrective lenses) is a traffic violation. You can receive a ticket, accumulate points on your driving record, and face license suspension or higher insurance rates. It is treated as a separate offense from any accident or traffic violation you may also commit.
Does everyone have restrictions on the back of their license?
No. If you have no restrictions, endorsements, or medical alerts, the back of your license may straightforward show your donor status and emergency contact (if you provided one). A blank back does not mean anything is wrong — it means you have no special conditions or permissions to note.
Can I add an emergency contact if my state does not currently print them?
That depends on your state. Some states do not offer emergency contact fields on the license at all. Check your state DMV website to see if this feature is available. If it is not, you can carry emergency contact information in your wallet or phone, or wear a medical alert bracelet if you have a health condition.
What if I lose my license and need to know what restrictions I have?
You can look up your license information through your state DMV online portal if you have an account, or call the DMV and provide your name and date of birth. You can also request a replacement license, which will show all current restrictions and endorsements. In most states, you can get a replacement within one to two weeks.