When was the last time you properly looked at your driving licence? You might be surprised at just how much information is on there. Have you ever wondered what the long number across the middle is actually used for?
Driving licences (or driver licences, as they were called back then) were first introduced in Britain by The Motor Car Act 1903. They were introduced to identify vehicles and their drivers – and the purpose remains very similar today.
Modern UK driving licences are needed to keep track of your driving record and any penalties etc that you may have.
Do I need my driving licence number to get temporary car insurance?
We occasionally ask for your driving licence number when compiling your quote. You can find it on your driving licence photocard. It is the 16-digit number across the middle of your licence.
We ask for your licence number as part of our anti-fraud checks. Checking this during the quote process helps us ensure that everyone requesting a quote has a driving licence that qualifies for our acceptance criteria.
Your licence number should be on the photocard licence you hold. For UK licences it is listed as point 5. If you can’t locate this, you can log into the DVLA website to retrieve it.
Can I find my driving licence number without my card?
If you lose or misplace your licence, there are still ways of finding your licence number. Just make sure you report a lost or stolen driving licence to the DVLA and apply for your replacement as soon as you can.
Head to the driving licence information page on gov.uk and enter the following details:
- Name
- Postcode
- Gender
- Date of birth
- National Insurance number
After filling in this information, you’ll be able to access your driving record details, including licence number.
What is my provisional driving licence number?
When you apply for your provisional driving licence number to learn to drive, you’ll receive a card with a unique 16-code. This will be your driving licence number for as long as you drive.
Example: TEMPC001047TC182
- Surname (TEMPC) – Your surname will make up the first five characters of your driving licence number. If your surname has fewer than five letters, the remaining spaces will be filled with the number 9
- Date of birth (001047) – Your DOB takes up the next six characters, but isn’t displayed in the standard British way. The first and last numbers are the year you were born, with the month and date in the centre e.g. if your birthday is 1 April 2007, it would be presented as 001047. If you were born a female, the first number of your month increases by five so in this example 001047 would become 051047.
- Initials of your first names (TC) – The first letter of your first name and middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, this character is again replaced by a 9.
- Random security numbers (182) – These three randomly generated numbers provide extra security and protection against fraudsters.
There’s also occasionally a two-digit number to the right of the driving licence number. This is the licence issue number and it increases every time you get a new UK driving licence.
Does my driving licence number change?
No, your driving licence number won’t normally change. Your provisional licence number should carry over to your full licence after passing your test. The only times a driving licence number might change are:
- When you change your name after marriage or by deed poll.
- If you are trans and want to update the ‘gender marker’ on your driver number.
What should I do if I lose my licence?
Many of us use driving licences as a form of ID in addition to driving. When you lose, misplace or have your licence stolen, it can impact different areas of your life.
If you suspect your driving licence was stolen, one of the first things you should do is contact the police.
You can apply for a replacement licence by doing the following:
- Head to the replace a driving licence section on gov.uk. Here, you can apply for a new licence by phone or by post.
- Fill in your authentication details.
- Complete your application.
- View the summary.
- Complete payment details.
- Confirm your purchase.
The cost of a replacement licence is £20. You must replace your licence if it’s been lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed.
Is there a digital driving licence?
Digital driving licences will be introduced in the UK in summer, 2025. Designed to work alongside the physical licence, they will be accessed on a new government smartphone app and are planned to be accepted as a form of ID when buying alcohol, voting, or boarding domestic flights.
Why not check your driving licence details now? You don’t want to be caught out if they are requested next time you get a quote for annual or temporary car insurance.
Sources
https://www.confused.com/car-insurance/guides/how-to-check-your-driving-licence
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my driving licence number include the last 2 digits?
No, your driving licence number contains 16 characters. The last two digits are the licence issue number. This increases every time a new licence is issued.
Where can I find the photocard number on my driving licence?
You can find your 16-digit driving licence number on the front of your photocard driving licence. It is featured on the fifth line, underneath your name, date of birth and licence expiry date.
Do you need your driving licence number when claiming or renewing your insurance?
You do not always need to share your driving licence number when claiming or renewing your insurance but some insurers do require this information. Sharing your driving licence number does help reduce the risk of fraud and mistakes being made while an insurer calculates your premium.
