If you’ve ever looked closely at your UK driving licence, you may have noticed a long string of letters and numbers printed on the front of the card.
This is your driver number, and it isn’t random. Each section of the number contains information linked to your name and date of birth, along with computer-generated check characters.
Understanding what the characters mean can help you verify your details, complete paperwork accurately, and understand how organisations identify your licence.
Below we explain how the UK driving licence number is structured and what each section represents.
How long is a UK driving licence number?
A GB driving licence shows a 16-character driver number.
This code is made up of letters from your surname, numbers derived from your date of birth, and additional computer-generated characters.
Alongside the driver number, you’ll usually see a separate 2-digit licence issue number. This increases each time a new licence is issued, such as when you renew, replace or update your licence.
What each character in your driving licence number means
Although every licence number looks different, the structure is always the same.
Characters 1-5: First five letters of your surname
The first part of the driver number comes from your surname.
- The first five characters represent the first five letters of your last name.
- If your surname has fewer than five letters, the remaining spaces are filled with the number 9.
Example:
- SMITH → SMITH
- LEE → LEE99
This section helps identify the licence holder while keeping the format consistent.
Characters 6-11: Your date of birth
The next six characters are derived from your date of birth.
This section encodes your birth date using numbers representing the year, month and day you were born.
For example, the characters include digits representing:
- The year of birth
- The month of birth
- The day of birth
This helps ensure every driver number is unique and linked to the correct individual.
Characters 12-13: Your initials
Characters 12 and 13 represent the first two initials of your first names.
If you only have one first name, the second character will be filled with the number 9.
Example:
- John David Smith → JD
- Sarah Smith → S9
Characters 14-16: Computer-generated characters
The final three characters of the driver number are computer-generated check characters.
These help the DVLA verify that the licence number is valid and uniquely assigned.
They don’t correspond to personal details but are used for security and administrative checks.
The 2-digit licence issue number
Near the driver number you’ll also find a two-digit issue number.
This number increases every time a new licence is issued, such as when you:
- Renew your licence
- Update your name or address
- Replace a lost or damaged licence
For example, your first photocard licence may show 01, while a later replacement might show 02 or 03.
Why your driving licence number matters
Your driver number is used by organisations to verify your driving record.
For example, you may be asked for it when:
- Hiring a car
- Taking out vehicle insurance
- Completing certain job applications
- Allowing an employer to check your licence
However, in most cases, the driver number alone is not enough to access your driving record. Additional verification, such as a DVLA check code, is usually required.
Security tip: Don’t share photos of your driving licence online
Your driving licence contains personal information that could be used for identity fraud.
Avoid posting images of your licence on social media or sharing it publicly online. If you need to provide proof of your licence, only share the information through secure and trusted channels.
Driving licence number FAQs
Parts of your date of birth are included in the driver number, so someone who understands the format may be able to estimate your birth year and date.
However, the driver number alone is not intended to confirm your age or identity.
No.
To check someone’s driving record through the official DVLA system, you normally need:
– The last 8 characters of the driving licence number, and
– A DVLA check code generated by the licence holder.
This system is commonly used by employers, car hire companies and insurance providers.
The letters in your driver number come from:
– The first five letters of your surname, and
– The initials of your first names later in the code.
These letters help make the licence number unique while linking it to the licence holder.
Some drivers still hold a paper driving licence issued before photocard licences were introduced.
If your paper licence is still valid and your personal details have not changed, you do not need to exchange it for a photocard licence.
However, you may need to replace it if:
– You change your name or address
– The licence is lost, stolen or damaged
– You need to renew it
You can view or share your driving licence information through the official DVLA online service.
This allows you to:
– Check your licence details
– See penalty points or endorsements
– Generate a check code for employers or car hire companies
Related APH Blog Posts to Link
- Travel Checklist: What to Take to the Airport: A practical guide covering essential travel documents, including passports and driving licences, making it a perfect companion to this article.
- Hiring a Car Abroad: What Documents Do You Need?: Explains the requirements for renting a vehicle overseas, including how your driving licence number and DVLA check code may be used.
- Penalty Points Explained: What You Need to Know: Breaks down how penalty points work and how they appear on your driving record, helping readers better understand their licence details.
- How to Check Your Driving Licence Details Online: A step-by-step guide to accessing your DVLA record, ideal for readers who want to verify the information linked to their licence number.
- 10 Cybersecurity Tips for Travellers – Stay Safe Online While Abroad: Offers advice on protecting personal data, which pairs well with this article’s guidance on keeping your driving licence information secure.
- Free WiFi at UK Airports (Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester): Useful for travellers preparing for a trip, especially when accessing documents or licence details before departure.
- The Future of Flying: How Airlines Are Going Paperless: Explores digital travel trends, providing context on how personal identification, including licences, is evolving in travel.
What is the 4a date ?
The date shown in section 4a of your photocard driving licence is the date the licence was issued.
Andy:
It WILL change, using your new name. Don’t let it delay you getting married! :-)
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THANKS. I always knew that digits 6-11 represent DoB but, because of repeat numbers in mine, I could never know exactly how. And I never knew why the “9”s. I don’t know how many licences I’ve had but it’s nowhere near even half of the number I have (characters 17-18). Any explanation?
Should my driver number change after marriage or stay the same ie maiden name