Your driving licence number is printed on the front of your physical licence card, in the upper right corner below your photograph

The number appears as a series of five digits followed by two digits in brackets — for example, 12345 (67). On UK licences issued after 1998, this is your DVLA reference number, not your National Insurance number. It is unique to your licence and stays the same even if you renew it.

If you have lost your physical card or cannot read the number clearly, you can find it on your DVLA photocard, in your driving record online, or by contacting DVLA directly. The number you need depends on what you are doing — some forms ask for the full licence number, others ask only for the reference number printed on the card.

Key Takeaways

  • Your driving licence number is the five digits plus two digits in brackets on the front of your photocard, below your photo.
  • You can view your licence details online through the DVLA website if you have registered for an account.
  • If your card is damaged or unreadable, contact DVLA by phone or post to request a replacement or written confirmation of your number.
  • Different organisations may ask for different parts of your licence number — always check what they specifically need before you provide it.

Finding the number on your physical licence

Open your photocard and look at the front. The licence number sits in the upper right area, below your photograph and above the expiry date. It is printed in black text on a white background and consists of five digits, then a space, then two digits in round brackets.

The format is always the same on UK licences: for instance, 54321 (98). This number is machine-readable and appears in the same position on every licence issued since 1998. If the card is worn, faded, or damaged, the number may be hard to read — in that case, use one of the other methods below.

Checking your licence online through DVLA

If you have registered for a DVLA online account, you can log in and view your driving record, which includes your full licence number. Go to the DVLA website, select "View your driving record", and sign in with your email address and password. Your licence details will display, including the reference number.

You do not need to own a smartphone or use an app — the online service works on any computer or tablet with internet access. If you have not yet registered, you will need your National Insurance number, postcode, and driving licence number to set up an account, so this method works best if you can read the number on your card first.

Contacting DVLA if your card is lost or unreadable

If your licence is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, contact DVLA directly. You can call them on 0300 790 6801 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm; Saturday, 8am to 4pm). Have your National Insurance number and postcode ready. They will confirm your licence number over the phone and can post you a replacement card if needed.

You can also write to DVLA at Swansea, SA99 1TU, or use the online contact form on their website. By post, requests usually take two to three weeks. If you need the number urgently and cannot reach DVLA by phone, ask the organisation requesting it whether they can look it up using your name and date of birth instead.

What different organisations ask for

Not every form or organisation needs your full licence number. Some ask only for the reference number (the five digits plus two in brackets). Others ask for your full licence number, which includes additional information printed elsewhere on the card. A few may ask for your National Insurance number instead, which is different from your licence number.

Always read the form or request carefully to see exactly what they need. If you are unsure, contact the organisation before you provide any information. This prevents delays and protects you from sharing more details than necessary.

Licence numbers on older or paper licences

If you hold an older paper licence (issued before 1998), the layout is different. The licence number may be printed in a different location or format. Paper licences are no longer valid for driving in the UK — you must exchange yours for a photocard before you drive. When you do, you will receive a new reference number on your new card.

If you need to know the number on your old paper licence, check the document itself or contact DVLA. They can tell you what number was issued with that licence if you provide your name, date of birth, and postcode.

Keeping your licence number safe

Your licence number is not secret, but it is personal information linked to your driving record. Do not share it with unknown callers or in unsecured messages. Legitimate organisations — your insurer, the DVLA, the police — will already have your details or will ask you to provide them through their official website or phone line.

If someone asks for your licence number by email or text, check that they are who they claim to be by calling the organisation directly using a number you find yourself, not one they provide. Scammers sometimes pose as DVLA or insurance companies to collect personal details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my driving licence number the same as my National Insurance number?

No. Your National Insurance number is a separate nine-character code used for tax and benefits. Your driving licence number is the five digits plus two in brackets on your photocard. They are completely different and used for different purposes.

What do I do if I cannot read the number on my card?

Try holding the card under a bright light or using your phone camera to take a close-up photo — sometimes the number shows up more clearly in a photo than to the naked eye. If that does not work, contact DVLA by phone on 0300 790 6801 and they will read it to you.

Can I use my old paper licence number if I still have the document?

No. Paper licences are no longer valid for driving. You must exchange it for a photocard, which will have a new reference number. The old number cannot be used for insurance, car hire, or any current purpose.

Do I need my licence number to buy car insurance?

Most insurers ask for it, but not all require it to give you a quote. You can usually get a price without it, but you will need to provide it before you complete the purchase. Have your card handy when you explore so you can fill in the details accurately.

What if my licence number has been used fraudulently?

Contact DVLA when ready on 0300 790 6801 to report it. They can flag your account and investigate. You should also contact your bank and any organisations where the number was misused. Ask them to check for unauthorised activity on your accounts.