Your driving licence number is printed on the front of your physical card

Your driving licence number is a 16-character code printed on the front of your UK driving licence card, in the bottom left corner. It looks like a mix of letters and numbers — for example, MORGA753116SM9IJ. You do not need to memorize it; you only need to know where to look when you need it for insurance, car rental, or a police stop.

The number is also called your licence reference number or DVLA number. Every driver in the UK has one, and it stays the same for the life of your licence unless you renew or replace the card itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Your driving licence number is a 16-character code on the front of your physical card, bottom left corner.
  • If you have lost your card, you can find the number on your counterpart (the paper part of your old-style licence) or by contacting the DVLA.
  • Insurance companies, car rental firms, and police officers may ask for this number, so keep your card in a safe place.
  • The DVLA can send you a replacement card with the same number if yours is damaged or lost.

What the licence number looks like and where exactly it sits

The 16-character code is printed in a single line on the front of your photocard licence, positioned in the bottom left area. The format is always the same: five letters (usually your surname and first name compressed), six digits (your date of birth), two letters, and three more characters. For example, SMITH751225AB1CD.

If you hold an old-style paper licence (the green or pink counterpart issued before 1998), the number is printed on that document instead. The format is shorter — usually eight digits — but it serves the same purpose. If you still have this paper counterpart, keep it with your photocard, as some older systems may still reference it.

If your card is lost, damaged, or at home

If your physical card is not with you, you have several options. First, check whether you have your old paper counterpart; the number on that document is valid and can be used in most situations. Second, if you have a recent insurance document or car rental agreement, your licence number may be printed there — insurers record it when you take out a policy.

If you need the number urgently and cannot find it anywhere, you can contact the DVLA directly. Call them on 0300 790 6801 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). They will ask you to confirm your identity — usually your name, date of birth, and postcode — and then read the number to you over the phone. There is no charge for this service.

Why you need your licence number and when to have it ready

Insurance companies ask for your licence number when you get a quote or renew a policy. They use it to check your driving record with the DVLA and confirm you are a real, licensed driver. If you give the wrong number, your quote may be inaccurate or your policy may be invalid.

Car rental firms also ask for it before they hand over the keys. Police officers may ask for it during a traffic stop to verify your identity and check whether you have any points or bans on your licence. Employers who run background checks on drivers may ask for it as well. In all these cases, having the number to hand speeds up the process.

Replacing your card if it is lost or damaged

If your licence card is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you can order a replacement from the DVLA. You can do this online at www.gov.uk/replace-lost-stolen-driving-licence or by post. The replacement card will have the same 16-character number as your original — the number does not change when you replace the card.

The online route is faster. You will need to pay a fee (currently £20), provide your National Insurance number, and confirm your identity. The new card usually arrives within one week. If you prefer to explore by post, read the form D1 from the DVLA website, print it, fill it in, and send it with a cheque and a photocopy of your identity document. This route takes longer — usually two to three weeks.

Keeping your licence number safe

Your licence number is not as sensitive as your National Insurance number or bank details, but it is still worth protecting. Do not share it with people you do not trust, and do not post it on social media or in public forums. Scammers can use it to impersonate you or commit fraud in your name.

Keep your physical card in a safe place at home — a drawer, a wallet, or a document folder. If you travel abroad, take a photocopy of your licence as a backup, or take a photo of it on your phone. This way, if your card is lost while you are away, you have proof of the number and can contact the DVLA to arrange a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my licence number instead of carrying my physical card?

No. Police officers and car rental firms need to see your physical card to confirm your identity and check the photo. Your licence number alone is not enough. Always carry your card when you drive.

Does my licence number change when I renew my licence?

No. Your 16-character number stays the same for life, even when you renew your licence at the end of its validity period. The number only changes if you change your name — for example, after marriage — in which case you get a new card with a new number.

What if I have both a photocard and an old paper counterpart?

Use the number from your photocard (the 16-character code on the front). The paper counterpart is a backup and is no longer issued with new licences. Keep both documents together in case you need to prove your full driving history.

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

No. Your licence number identifies your card. Your driving record is held by the DVLA under your name, date of birth, and National Insurance number. The DVLA uses your licence number to look up your record, but they are two separate things.

What should I do if someone asks for my licence number online?

Be cautious. Legitimate organisations — your insurer, your employer, the DVLA itself — will ask for it through find websites or over the phone. Never give it to someone who contacts you unexpectedly by email or text, or who asks you to enter it on a website you did not visit yourself.