Your audit number is a tracking code on your Texas driver's license, not a separate document or process
The audit number on a Texas driver's license is a six-digit code printed on the back of your card. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses it to track and verify license records in their system. It is not something you request, earn, or need to do anything with — it appears automatically when DPS issues or renews your license.
You may see this number referenced if you contact DPS about your license status, if a law enforcement officer runs your information, or if you need to verify your identity for certain transactions. Understanding what it is and where to find it can help you communicate clearly with DPS staff or provide the right information when asked.
Key Takeaways
- The audit number is a six-digit code printed on the back of your Texas driver's license that DPS uses internally to track your record.
- You do not need to memorize it or use it for most everyday purposes — it is primarily for DPS staff and law enforcement to reference.
- If DPS asks for your audit number, it is usually because they are pulling up your specific license record in their system.
- Your audit number stays the same throughout the life of a single license but changes when you renew and receive a new card.
Where to locate the audit number on your license card
The audit number appears on the back of your physical driver's license, printed in the lower right area of the card. It is a six-digit number and is one of several codes and identifiers on the back side. If you are looking at the front of your license, you will not find it there.
The back of a Texas license also includes your signature, a barcode, and other security features. The audit number is separate from your driver's license number (which appears on the front) and your Social Security number. If you cannot locate it on your card, hold the license up to light or check under different angles, as the print can sometimes be difficult to read depending on the card's age or condition.
When DPS or other agencies ask for your audit number
If you call the DPS Driver's License Division or visit a DPS office to check on your license status, a staff member may ask for your audit number. Providing it helps them pull up your exact record quickly, especially if there are multiple people with similar names in the system. You can also provide your driver's license number instead — DPS can locate your record either way.
Law enforcement may also reference your audit number when they run your license during a traffic stop or other interaction. This is a routine part of their verification process and does not indicate a problem with your license. If you are asked for it and do not have your license with you, you can provide your driver's license number or date of birth instead.
How your audit number changes during renewal
Each time you renew your Texas driver's license, you receive a new physical card with a new audit number. The old audit number is no longer active in DPS's system. This is why it is important to use your current license card if you need to reference the audit number — an old license's audit number will not match your active record.
If you renew online through the DPS website, you do not need to know or enter your audit number. The renewal process uses your driver's license number and other personal information to verify your identity. The audit number is assigned to your new card automatically when it is printed and mailed to you.
Audit number versus other identifiers on your license
Texas driver's licenses carry several different numbers and codes, and it is straightforward to confuse them. Your driver's license number (the main identifier) appears on the front of your card and is what you use for most purposes. Your audit number is the six-digit code on the back. Your Social Security number may be part of your record but is not printed on the card itself for security reasons.
If you are filling out a form or speaking with someone who asks for your "license number," they almost always mean your driver's license number from the front of the card, not the audit number. The audit number is primarily for DPS internal use and law enforcement verification. When in doubt, ask which number they need or provide your driver's license number — it is the most widely recognized identifier.
What to do if you cannot find or read your audit number
If your license is worn, faded, or damaged and you cannot read the audit number clearly, you do not need to take when ready action. The audit number is not something you need to memorize or carry separately. If DPS or another agency needs it, they can look it up using your driver's license number and personal information.
If you are renewing your license soon anyway, you will receive a new card with a clearly printed audit number. If your license is damaged enough that you cannot read any of the information on it, you may want to request a replacement card from DPS. You can do this online through the DPS website or by visiting a DPS office in person. A replacement card costs less than a full renewal and gives you a fresh, readable card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to provide my audit number when I renew my license online?
No. The online renewal process uses your driver's license number, date of birth, and other personal details to verify your identity. You do not enter your audit number. DPS assigns a new audit number to your renewed license automatically.
What if someone asks for my audit number and I think it might be a scam?
Be cautious. Legitimate DPS staff will ask for it only if you contact them first about your license. DPS will never call you unsolicited asking for personal information. If you did not initiate the contact, hang up and call DPS directly at their official number to verify the request.
Is my audit number the same as my driver's license number?
No. Your driver's license number is on the front of your card and is your main identifier. Your audit number is a separate six-digit code on the back. They serve different purposes in DPS's system.
Can I look up my audit number online without my physical license?
No. Your audit number is only printed on your physical card. DPS does not display it in online portals or over the phone. If you need to reference it, you must have your license card in hand.
What happens to my old audit number after I renew?
It becomes inactive. DPS ties it to your old license card, which is no longer valid. Your new license has a new audit number that is active in their system. Always use the audit number from your current license if you need to reference one.