Understanding your driver’s license is essential, especially when you need to quickly locate specific identification numbers. Your driver’s license contains key pieces of information, including numbers used for identification and record-keeping purposes. This guide will clearly show you where to find these important numbers on your driver’s license, learner permit, or non-driver ID, depending on when it was issued.
Identifying Key Numbers on Your Driver’s License
There are two primary numbers you might need to locate on your driver’s license: the DMV ID Number and the Document Number. Knowing the difference and where to find each is crucial for various situations, from verifying your identity to updating your records.
- DMV ID Number: This is a 9-digit number used by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for identification purposes.
- Document Number: This is an 8 or 10-character alphanumeric combination that serves as a unique identifier for your specific driver’s license document.
The location of these numbers can vary based on the issue date of your license. Let’s break down where to find them based on when your card was issued.
Finding Your Numbers Based on License Issue Date
The placement of the DMV ID Number and Document Number on your driver’s license depends on when it was issued. Refer to the sections below that correspond to your license’s issue date to quickly find the numbers you need.
Licenses Issued After March 10, 2022
For licenses, learner permits, and non-driver IDs issued after March 10, 2022, both the DMV ID Number and the Document Number are located in distinct places.
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DMV ID Number: You can find the 9-digit DMV ID Number on the front of your license. It is clearly indicated under the phrase “DRIVER LICENSE”.
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Document Number: The Document Number, which is an 8 or 10-character combination of numbers and letters, is located on the back of your license. Look for it on the upper right side, following the label “Doc #”.
Licenses Issued Between October 30, 2017, and March 9, 2022
For licenses issued between October 30, 2017, and March 9, 2022, the DMV ID Number is on the front, and the Document Number is on the back, similar to the newer licenses. It’s also important to note that licenses issued in this period are marked “Not for Federal Purposes”.
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DMV ID Number: Just like the newer licenses, the 9-digit DMV ID Number is on the front of the license, under the “DRIVER LICENSE” heading.
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Document Number: The Document Number is again located on the back of the license, in the upper right corner, after the “Doc #” label.
Licenses Issued Before October 30, 2017
For licenses issued before October 30, 2017, the Document Number location depends on whether it was issued after March 23, 2017, or even earlier.
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Document Number (Issued After 3/23/17): For licenses issued after March 23, 2017, and before October 30, 2017, the Document Number is on the back of the license, on the upper right side, following “Doc #”.
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Document Number (Issued After 1/28/14): If your license was issued after January 28, 2014, and before March 23, 2017, the Document Number is also found on the back of the license, but simply on the upper right side, without a specific “Doc #” label in some cases.
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DMV ID Number (Issued After July 2013): For licenses issued after July 2013 and before October 30, 2017, the 9-digit DMV ID Number is on the front of the license under the phrase “DRIVER LICENSE”. The Document Number might also be found on the front, on the bottom right side for some licenses issued in this period.
By understanding the issue date of your driver’s license, you can quickly and easily locate both your DMV ID Number and Document Number whenever you need them. This guide provides a clear reference to ensure you can find this essential information on your license, regardless of its age.
