Your licence number is on the front of your photocard, in the bottom left corner

Your driving licence number is a 16-character code printed on the front of your photocard licence. It sits in the bottom left section of the card, below your photograph. The number is made up of your surname, date of birth, initials, and a computer-generated sequence — it's unique to you and stays the same for the life of your licence.

If you're looking at your licence and can't spot it when ready, look directly below where your photo ends. The text is printed in black on the white background of the card, and it's smaller than your name but larger than most other printed details.

You'll need this number for many everyday tasks: hiring a car, proving your identity to your employer, or providing it to insurance companies. Knowing exactly where it is saves time when you're filling out forms or answering questions over the phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Your driving licence number is a 16-character code printed in the bottom left corner of the front of your photocard.
  • The number combines your surname, date of birth, initials, and a unique computer-generated sequence.
  • You'll need this number when hiring a vehicle, explore for insurance, or proving your identity to employers.
  • If your photocard is damaged or the number is unclear, you can request a replacement from the DVLA.
  • Your paper counterpart (if you still have one) does not contain your licence number — only the photocard does.

What each part of your licence number means

The 16 characters break down into five sections, each carrying different information. The first five characters are your surname (padded with numbers if your surname is shorter). The next six characters are your date of birth in the format YYMMDD, followed by a space. The next two characters are your initials — your first name initial and middle name initial (or a number if you don't have a middle name).

The final three characters are a computer-generated check digit and a sequence number assigned by the DVLA. These last three digits are unique to you and help prevent fraud or duplication. You don't need to memorise what each part means — you just need to know the whole 16-character string is your licence number.

Where else your licence number appears

Your licence number is printed in two places on your photocard: once in the bottom left corner (the main location) and once on the back of the card in smaller text. If you're having trouble reading the front, you can check the back, though the print is even smaller.

Your paper counterpart — the old-style paper licence that came with your photocard — does not contain your licence number. The paper counterpart is being phased out by the DVLA and is no longer needed for most purposes. If someone asks for your licence number, they want the 16-character code from your photocard, not anything from the paper document.

What to do if you can't read your licence number

If your photocard is damaged, faded, or the number is unclear, you can request a replacement from the DVLA. You'll need to fill in form D1 (process for a driving licence) and send it to the DVLA with your current photocard and a new photograph. There is a fee for replacement, which varies depending on whether you're renewing early or replacing a damaged card.

You can also contact the DVLA by phone or through their online service to check your licence number if you've lost your card temporarily. They'll ask you security questions to confirm your identity before providing the information. Keep a note of your licence number in a safe place once you have it — this saves time if your card goes missing.

Using your licence number for insurance and vehicle hire

Insurance companies and car hire firms will ask for your full licence number when you're getting a quote or booking a vehicle. They use it to check your driving record and confirm you're a valid licence holder. Make sure you read the number carefully when you're typing it in — a single digit wrong can cause delays or rejections.

When you're hiring a car, the hire company will also ask to see your physical photocard to match the number on the card with the number you've provided. This is a standard check and takes only a moment. If your number doesn't match what's on the card, they won't complete the hire.

Keeping your licence number safe

Your licence number is not as sensitive as your National Insurance number or bank details, but it's still worth protecting. Don't share it with people you don't trust, and be cautious about typing it into websites unless you're certain they're legitimate. Scammers sometimes use fake websites that look like official DVLA pages to collect licence numbers.

If you suspect your licence number has been used fraudulently — for example, if you're contacted about a vehicle or insurance claim you didn't make — contact the DVLA when ready. They can investigate and, if necessary, issue you a new licence number by sending you a replacement photocard.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, they're the same thing. The 16-character code on your photocard is called your driving licence number, licence number, or driving licence reference number — all three terms refer to the same code. When someone asks for your "reference number" in relation to your driving licence, they want this 16-character code.

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

Not usually. Most organisations that ask for your licence number will also want to see the physical card to confirm the number matches and that the card is valid. Car hire companies and some employers will ask to see the card itself. For insurance quotes over the phone, you may only need to provide the number, but they'll still ask to see the card before the policy is finalised.

What if I have an old paper licence instead of a photocard?

Paper licences issued before 1998 don't have a licence number in the same format. If you still hold a paper licence, you should explore for a photocard replacement. The DVLA has been encouraging drivers to switch to photocard licences for many years, and you'll need a photocard for most modern purposes like car hire and employment checks.

Will my licence number change if I renew my licence?

No. Your licence number stays the same throughout your life, even when you renew your photocard. The only time it changes is if the DVLA issues you a completely new licence due to fraud or a serious error. Routine renewals keep the same 16-character code.