You cannot look up someone else's driver's license number through public records
Driver's license numbers are not public information. The DMV in every state treats them as private records tied to a person's identity, address, and driving history. You cannot search a database, call the DMV, or use an online tool to retrieve someone else's license number — even if you have a legitimate reason.
The only way to get someone's driver's license number is to ask them directly or to see their physical license card. If you need it for a legal document, insurance claim, or accident report, the person must provide it themselves or authorize the release in writing.
Key Takeaways
- Driver's license numbers are classified as private information and are not available through public records searches or DMV databases.
- The only legal way to obtain someone's license number is to ask them directly or request it in writing with their permission.
- If you need the number for an insurance claim or accident report, the other party's insurance company can request it through proper channels.
- Law enforcement and courts can access license numbers through official channels, but private citizens cannot.
- Some background check services may include license information if the person consented to the check, but you cannot order a check on someone without their knowledge.
Why DMVs keep license numbers private
Driver's license numbers are tied directly to your full name, date of birth, address, and driving record. Releasing them publicly would expose that information to identity theft, fraud, and stalking. Every state's DMV treats license numbers the same way they treat Social Security numbers — as sensitive personal data that requires the person's consent to share.
Even if you have a business reason — you are a landlord, employer, or creditor — you still cannot access the DMV database. The DMV will not release records to private parties without a court order or the license holder's written permission.
What to do if you need someone's license number
Ask the person directly. If they are unwilling to provide it, you have limited options depending on why you need it.
For an accident or insurance claim: Contact the other driver's insurance company. They will request the license number from their policyholder as part of the claim process. You do not need to obtain it yourself — the insurance company handles that exchange.
For employment or tenant screening: Ask the person to provide it as part of an process or background check consent form. If they refuse, you cannot force them to disclose it, and you cannot look it up without their permission.
For a legal matter: If you are involved in a lawsuit or court case, your attorney can request the information through discovery or subpoena. The court can compel disclosure in that context.
For law enforcement: Only police officers and authorized government agencies can access the DMV database. If you suspect a crime, report it to local police and let them conduct the investigation.
What background check services can and cannot do
Some background check companies advertise that they can find driver's license information. What they actually do is compile data from public records, court filings, and other sources — but they cannot access the DMV database directly. If a background check includes a license number, it is because the person being checked consented to the report and provided that information themselves, or because it appeared in a public court document.
You cannot order a background check on someone without their knowledge or consent. Doing so is illegal under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. If a service claims it can pull anyone's license number without consent, it is either lying or breaking the law.
State-by-state variation in record access
Every state keeps driver's license numbers private, but some states have slightly different rules about what other information is public. For example, some states allow limited access to name and address for certain purposes like jury duty or voter registration, but license numbers are never included in those releases.
If you are trying to locate someone and you have their name, you might find their address through a public records search or people-finder website — but you still will not find their license number. The license number itself remains restricted across all fifty states.
How to verify a license number if someone gives it to you
If someone has given you their license number and you want to confirm it is real, you have limited options. You cannot call the DMV and ask them to verify it — they will not confirm or deny whether a number belongs to a person.
If you are an employer or business and you need to verify a license for legitimate purposes (like confirming a commercial driver's license for a job), you can ask the person to show you the physical card or provide a copy. Some states allow businesses to verify licenses through a limited online portal, but access is restricted and requires the person's consent and identifying information.
If you are concerned that someone has given you a fake license number, contact local law enforcement. They have access to verification tools you do not.
What happens if you try to access someone's license number illegally
Attempting to obtain someone's driver's license information without authorization can result in criminal charges depending on the method. Hacking into a DMV system, impersonating a government official, or using fraudulent documents to request records are all felonies in most states.
Even if you do not break the law directly, using someone's license number without their permission for fraud, identity theft, or harassment can lead to civil lawsuits and criminal prosecution. The person can sue you for damages and report you to law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find someone's driver's license number if I know their name and address?
No. Public records searches, people-finder websites, and background check services do not include driver's license numbers. Even if you have someone's full name, date of birth, and address, the license number remains private and is not searchable by the public.
What if I need a license number for a court case?
Your attorney can request it through the discovery process or by subpoena. The court can compel the other party to provide it. You cannot obtain it yourself, but the legal system has tools to get it if it is relevant to the case.
Can insurance companies share someone's license number with me?
Not directly. However, if you are filing a claim against another driver, the insurance company will collect their license information as part of the claim and use it to process the case. You do not need to obtain the number yourself — the insurance companies handle that exchange.
Is a driver's license number the same as a state ID number?
No. A driver's license number is specific to a driver's license. A state ID number is specific to a state identification card. Both are private, but they are different numbers issued for different documents. Some people have both.
What if someone refuses to give me their license number?
You cannot force them. If you need it for a legitimate business or legal purpose, explain why and ask again. If they still refuse and you have a legal right to the information (like in a court case), your attorney can pursue it through proper channels. Otherwise, you may need to proceed without it.