How can I work out my driving licence number?
Although there are some digits from your driving licence number that you can work out, unfortunately it’s not possible to work out your exact licence number from your name and date of birth. The final two digits in your licence number are random.
Since June 2015 it has not been necessary to keep or produce the paper counterpart of your driving licence. You do not need to produce the paper part of your driving licence for your driving test. The photocard is now all you need. In the UK it is not necessary to carry your driving licence with you while you are driving. However if you are stopped by the police and don’t have it you will be required to produce your driving licence at a police station within 7 days. It’s important to look after your driving licence and if you lose it you need to apply for a replacement.
What do the numbers and letters in my licence number mean?
Here is a guide to the UK driving licence number format.
Digit 1–5: The first five characters of the surname (extra 9’s added for names shorter than 5 letters)
Digit 6: The decade digit from the year of birth (e.g. for 1977 it would be 7)
Digit 7–8: The month of birth (+5 for the first character if female)
Digit 9–10: The day in the month of birth
Digit 11: The year digit from the year of birth (e.g. for 1977 it would be 7)
Digit 12–13: The first two initials of the first names, (9 if no middle name)
Digit 14: Arbitrary digit – often 9
Digit 15–16: Two computer digits
Apply to DVLA for new licence. You can download an application form to obtain a replacement.
