Your licence number is printed in the top right corner of the front

Your driving licence number appears in the top right corner of the front of your card, just above your photograph. It is a 16-character code made up of letters and numbers. The format looks like this: five letters from your surname, followed by your date of birth in a six-digit format (YYMMDD), then a two-digit sequence number, and finally two check digits.

This number is unique to you and stays the same throughout your driving life, even if you renew your licence. You will need it whenever you hire a car, report an accident to your insurance company, or provide proof of your driving status to an employer or organisation.

Key Takeaways

  • Your licence number is a 16-character code printed in the top right of the front of your card, above your photo.
  • The number begins with five letters from your surname, followed by your date of birth and a sequence code.
  • This number remains the same even when you renew your licence, so you only need to find it once.
  • You will need your licence number for car hire, insurance claims, and any organisation that needs proof you hold a valid licence.

How the 16-character code breaks down

Understanding the structure of your licence number makes it easier to spot and remember. The first five characters are always letters taken from your surname — if your surname is shorter than five letters, the remaining spaces are filled with the number 9. So if your surname is "Smith", your licence number would start with SMITH. If your surname is "Lee", it would start with LEE99.

The next six digits are your date of birth in the format YYMMDD. If you were born on 15 March 1985, this section would read 850315. The following two digits are a sequence number that distinguishes you from other people with the same surname and date of birth. The final two digits are a computer check code that confirms the number is valid.

Where else your licence number appears

Your licence number is printed only on the front of your card. The back of your licence contains other information — your address, the categories of vehicles you are allowed to drive, any restrictions on your licence, and the date your licence expires — but not your licence number itself.

If you have a paper counterpart (older licences issued before 2015 sometimes came with one), your licence number will also be printed there, but the plastic card is the official document you should carry and present.

What to do if you cannot read your licence number

If your licence is damaged, faded, or worn, and you cannot read the number clearly, you can still find it by contacting the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). They hold a record of your licence number and can tell you what it is over the phone or by post. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and postcode to confirm your identity.

If your licence is too damaged to use, you can request a replacement. The DVLA will issue a new card with the same licence number — your number does not change when you renew.

When you need to provide your licence number

Car hire companies always ask for your licence number before they hand over the keys. Insurance companies need it when you take out a policy or make a claim. Some employers ask for it as part of a background check if the job involves driving. Your bank or building society may ask for it as a form of identification. Always check that the organisation asking for it is legitimate before you share it.

You do not need to carry your physical licence at all times in the UK, but you must be able to produce it within a set timeframe if stopped by police. Having your licence number memorised or written down separately can be useful if your card is lost or stolen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my licence number change when I renew my licence?

No. Your licence number stays the same for life. When you renew your licence — whether because it has expired, you have changed your address, or your card is damaged — the DVLA issues a new card with the same 16-character number printed on it.

What if I have lost my licence and need the number?

Contact the DVLA with your name, date of birth, and postcode, and they will tell you your licence number. You can call them, write to them, or use their online services. You will need to report the loss and request a replacement card, which will carry the same number.

Can someone use my licence number to commit fraud?

Your licence number alone is not enough to open accounts or make purchases, but it is a piece of personal information worth protecting. Do not share it with organisations you do not recognise. If you suspect fraud, contact the DVLA and your bank when ready.

Is my licence number the same as my driving record number?

Your licence number is printed on your card. Your driving record — which shows points, disqualifications, and offences — is held by the DVLA under the same number, but the record itself is not printed anywhere. You can request a copy of your driving record from the DVLA if you need it for employment or legal reasons.