Understanding your learner’s permit is crucial, especially when you’re starting your journey towards driving. This document, issued by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), contains key identification numbers. Knowing how to locate your learner’s permit number and other identifiers is important for various administrative processes and identification needs. This guide will clearly show you where to find these essential numbers on your learner’s permit, driver’s license, or non-driver ID, depending on when it was issued.
For licenses, permits, and non-driver IDs, it’s important to note that starting May 3, 2025, a standard document of these types will not be sufficient for boarding domestic flights within the U.S. or entering federal buildings and military bases. You may need a REAL ID for these purposes.
Let’s break down where to find your numbers based on the issue date of your document.
For Documents Issued After March 10, 2022
If your license, permit, or non-driver ID was issued after March 10, 2022, the process is straightforward.
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DMV ID Number: Look at the front of your card. You will find a 9-digit DMV ID Number clearly displayed under the phrase “DRIVER LICENSE,” “LEARNER PERMIT,” or “NON-DRIVER ID.” This number serves as a primary identifier within the DMV system.
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Document Number: Flip your card to the back. On the upper right side, you’ll see “Doc #” followed by an 8 or 10-character combination of numbers and letters. This is your Document Number, important for official record-keeping and verification.
For Documents Issued Between October 30, 2017, and March 9, 2022
For documents issued in this date range, the locations are similar, but it’s important to note that these documents often state “Not for Federal Purposes,” indicating limitations for federal identification.
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DMV ID Number: Just like the newer documents, the 9-digit DMV ID Number is on the front, under the “DRIVER LICENSE,” “LEARNER PERMIT,” or “NON-DRIVER ID” heading.
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Document Number: The Document Number, again an 8 or 10-character alphanumeric code, is located on the back of the card, on the upper right side after “Doc #.”
For Documents Issued Before October 30, 2017
For older documents, the location of the Document Number varies slightly depending on the exact issue date.
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Document Number (Issued After 3/23/17): If your document was issued after March 23, 2017, the Document Number is on the back, upper right side, following “Doc #,” consistent with the more recently issued cards.
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Document Number (Issued After 1/28/14): For documents issued after January 28, 2014, the Document Number is also on the back of the card, but simply on the upper right side, without a specific “Doc #” prefix in some cases.
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DMV ID Number & Document Number (Issued After July 2013): If your document is from after July 2013, you can find the 9-digit DMV ID Number on the front under “DRIVER LICENSE,” “LEARNER PERMIT,” or “NON-DRIVER ID.” Additionally, the Document Number is on the front of the document, on the bottom right side.
Knowing your learner’s permit number and document number is essential for various situations, from verifying your identity to completing DMV-related tasks. By following this guide, you can easily locate these numbers on your document, regardless of its issue date. Always handle your learner’s permit and driver’s license with care, as they are important forms of identification.
