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. It appears in the bottom left corner, below your photograph. The number is unique to you and stays the same throughout your driving life, even if you renew your licence.

If you have your physical card in front of you, you can read it directly. The number combines letters and numbers and is always in the same position on every UK licence issued since 1998. You do not need to look anywhere else if you have the card itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Your driving licence number is a 16-character code printed in the bottom left corner of your physical licence card, below your photo.
  • If you have lost your card, you can view your number through DVLA's online service using your National Insurance number and postcode.
  • Your number does not change when you renew your licence, so an old card will show the same code as a new one.
  • If you cannot access your number through either method, you can contact DVLA by phone or post to request it.

Check your number online through DVLA's service

If you do not have your physical card, you can view your driving licence details online through the DVLA website. You will need your National Insurance number and your postcode. The service is free and takes a few minutes.

Go to the DVLA's "View your driving licence" page. Enter your National Insurance number (the one on your payslip or tax documents), your postcode, and your date of birth. The system will display your full licence details, including your 16-character licence number. You can take a screenshot or write it down for your records.

This online service works whether your card is lost, damaged, or straightforward at home. You do not need to order a replacement card to see your number.

What the 16-character number contains

Understanding the structure of your licence number can help you spot it quickly. The first five characters are your surname (padded with numbers if your name is short). The next six characters are your date of birth in the format YYMMDD, followed by your initials and a check digit.

For example, if your surname is Smith and you were born on 15 March 1985, your number would begin with SMITH and then 850315. The remaining characters are your first and middle initials plus a computer-generated check digit that prevents fraud.

Knowing this structure means you can verify you are looking at the right number — it should always match your name and birth date.

Contact DVLA directly if you cannot find it

If you cannot access the online service or do not have your National Insurance number, you can contact DVLA by phone or post. Call the DVLA enquiry line on 0300 790 6801 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm; Saturday, 8am to 2pm). Have your name, date of birth, and postcode ready when you call.

You can also write to DVLA at: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD. Include your full name, date of birth, and postcode in your letter. Responses by post typically take 10 working days.

Both methods are free. DVLA staff will confirm your licence number over the phone or send it to you by post.

Why you might need your licence number

Your driving licence number is often requested when you rent a car, explore for insurance, or provide proof of identity to a government body. Some online services ask for it as part of identity verification. Having it written down or saved in a safe place means you can provide it quickly without searching for your card.

If you are checking your number for an may be able to access form or process, make sure you copy it exactly as it appears — all 16 characters, including any zeros or the letter O, which can be confused.

Replacing a lost or damaged card

If your card is lost or damaged, you will need to order a replacement from DVLA. You can do this online through the DVLA website or by post. The replacement card costs £20 and takes around two weeks to arrive. You can continue driving while you wait for the replacement, as long as you have reported the loss to DVLA.

When you order a replacement, DVLA will send you a new card with the same 16-character licence number. Your number does not change, so you do not need to update any records or forms you have already submitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my licence number change when I renew my licence?

No. Your 16-character licence number stays the same for life. When you renew your licence — usually every 10 years — DVLA issues a new card with the same number printed on it. You only get a new number if you change your name by deed poll or if there is an error on your current licence.

Can I find my licence number on my old expired card?

Yes. Your licence number does not change, so an expired card shows the same number as your current card. If you have an old card in a drawer, the number in the bottom left corner is still valid and correct.

What if I have a provisional licence — where is the number?

Provisional licences also have a 16-character number in the same position as full licences — bottom left corner, below the photo. The number format is identical. If you passed your test and received a full licence, your number remains the same.

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

No. Your licence number is the 16-character code on your card. Your driving record reference is a separate number used by DVLA to track your penalty points and offences. You may need both for different purposes, but they are not the same.

Can I look up someone else's licence number?

No. The DVLA online service requires your own National Insurance number and postcode. You cannot view another person's licence details without their permission and their own credentials. Only the licence holder or someone with legal authority can access that information.