The 5 Critical Secrets Of Your Texas Driver's License Audit Number (And Why It Changes Every Time)

Every Texas driver's license and ID card contains a hidden, yet critically important, 20-digit code known as the Audit Number—or sometimes the DD Number. This seemingly random string of digits is far more than just a serial number; it is a core security feature that links your physical credential to your electronic record with the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS).

As of the current date, December 17, 2025, understanding the function of this number is essential for any Texan who needs to access their official driving record, verify their license's validity, or simply manage their state-issued identification. Unlike your 8-digit driver's license number, which remains constant, the Audit Number changes with every new card you receive, making it the ultimate unique identifier for that specific piece of plastic in your wallet.

The Essential Guide to Your Texas DL/ID Audit Number

The Texas Driver's License (DL) and Identification (ID) Card Audit Number is a unique, document-specific identifier used by the state's licensing system. It serves as a crucial security and auditing tool, ensuring that the physical card you hold is the most recently issued and valid document tied to your profile.

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What is the Texas Audit Number (DD Number)?

• Nomenclature: The number is officially referred to by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) as the Audit Number, but it is also widely known as the DD Number (Document Discriminator Number).
• Length: It is a long, multi-digit number, typically around 20 digits, and should not be confused with your standard 8-digit driver's license number.
• Core Function: The primary purpose of the Audit Number is to serve as a unique identifier for the specific, individual document that was printed and mailed to you.
• Change Frequency: This is a critical distinction: the Audit Number changes every single time a new card is issued. This includes renewals, replacements for lost/stolen licenses, or even simple address changes that require a new physical card.

Where to Find the 20-Digit Audit Number on Your Card

The location of the Audit Number depends on the design of your Texas driver's license or ID card. The state rolled out a new, highly secure design (made from polycarbonate material) in recent years, which changed the placement of this key identifier.

On the Current (New-Style) Texas DL/ID Card

If you have a modern Texas DL or ID card (issued since approximately 2021), the Audit Number is prominently displayed on the front of the card.

• Location: The number is situated across the very bottom edge of the front of the card.
• Format: It is a single, long line of small digits, often preceded by a two-letter designation, which constitutes the 20-digit (or longer) code.

On the Older-Style Texas DL/ID Card

If your card is from an older design, the Audit Number placement was different:

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• Location: The number was printed vertically alongside your photograph.

If you are unsure, simply look for the longest number printed on the front of your card that is not your primary 8-digit license number—that is your Audit Number.

Why the Audit Number is Essential for Texans

While you may rarely need the Audit Number for everyday transactions, it becomes absolutely vital when interacting directly with the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) for specific administrative and legal purposes. Its function goes beyond mere identification; it is a key component of the state’s security and record-keeping infrastructure.

1. Ordering Your Official Texas Driving Record

This is the most common reason Texans need their Audit Number. To order your official driving record (Type 2A, 3A, or AR), which is often required for:

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• Defensive Driving Courses: To dismiss a traffic ticket, the course provider or court will require a certified copy of your driving record.
• Insurance Purposes: Some insurance companies require a recent record to verify your driving history and determine your rates.
• Employment Verification: Certain jobs, especially those involving driving a company vehicle (Commercial Driver License or CDL holders), require a current record.

The TxDPS online system requires you to enter the Audit Number from your most current, physical license to process the request. Without it, you cannot complete the transaction online and must resort to ordering by mail.

2. Document Security and Fraud Prevention

The Audit Number is a powerful security feature that protects against forgery and the use of outdated or suspended licenses.

• Unique Document Tracking: Because the number changes with every print, it allows the TxDPS database to track the exact document you possess. If you report your license lost or stolen and a new one is issued, the old Audit Number is immediately invalidated.
• Database Validation: When law enforcement or an official agency scans your license, the Audit Number is cross-referenced with the TxDPS database to confirm that the card is the most recently issued and valid credential for your profile.

3. Replacing a Lost or Stolen License

If your driver's license is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you will need to apply for a replacement. While the TxDPS website asks for the Audit Number from your most recently issued card for security verification, they acknowledge that you may not have it.

• The Dilemma: If you did not record your Audit Number before losing the card, you cannot provide it. The TxDPS cannot provide the number to you over the phone or online for security reasons.
• The Solution: If you cannot provide the number, you will have to proceed with the replacement process using other identifying information. A new card will be issued with an entirely new Audit Number, which you should record immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Texas DL Audit Numbers

What is the difference between the Audit Number and the License Number?

Your Texas Driver's License Number is an 8-digit code that is unique to you as an individual and remains the same throughout your driving lifetime, regardless of renewals or replacements. The Audit Number (or DD Number) is a 20-digit code that is unique to the specific physical card you hold and changes every time a new card is printed.

Do I need the Audit Number for online renewal?

While the Texas DPS online renewal system requires multiple pieces of identifying information, the Audit Number is primarily requested when ordering a driving record. However, it is always wise to have it, along with your DL number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security Number, when conducting any secure transaction with the TxDPS.

What if my temporary license doesn't have an Audit Number?

Temporary licenses or permits issued while you await your permanent plastic card typically do not include the Audit Number. This is because the Audit Number is assigned only when the final, secure card is printed. This means you will not be able to order a driving record online until you receive the permanent card in the mail.

Is the Audit Number a REAL ID requirement?

The Audit Number is a state-specific security feature implemented by the TxDPS. However, the new Texas DL/ID design, which features the Audit Number, is compliant with the federal REAL ID Act. The new cards feature a black, laser-engraved star in the upper right corner to signify this compliance.

In summary, the 20-digit Audit Number is an indispensable, yet often overlooked, component of the security architecture for your Texas driver's license. By understanding its location and its critical role in verifying your identity and accessing your driving record, you can navigate the state's systems more efficiently and keep your personal information secure.