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Driving Licence Number

Where the driving licence number appears on the EU card licence (field 5), how it is structured, and when it is needed – e.g. for driver registration and rentals.

Reviewed by Max Valjan, founder of Maxmove · Last updated: July 11, 2026

The driving licence number (Führerscheinnummer) is the unique identifier of a driving licence document. On the EU card licence it appears on the front in field 5 — on German licences a combination of letters and digits, usually eleven characters.

Where do I find it?

The fields on the front of the card licence are numbered:

  • Fields 1–3: surname, first name, date and place of birth
  • Fields 4a/4b: issue and expiry date of the document
  • Field 4c: issuing authority
  • Field 5: the licence number
  • Field 9: the licence categories held

Important: the number identifies the document, not the person. A replacement licence (e.g. after loss) gets a new number.

When is the licence number needed?

  • Driver registration: Courier and transport platforms verify the driving licence at sign-up — for example, drivers joining Maxmove present their licence during verification.
  • Vehicle rental and car sharing: Rental companies record the number at handover.
  • Fleet licence checks: As vehicle keepers, companies must regularly verify their drivers' licences — the number serves as the reference.
  • Administrative processes: such as exchanging an old licence for the new EU card.

Structure of the German licence number

The number typically starts with the issuing authority's code, followed by a serial combination and a check digit. There is no single published scheme for all components — what matters is that the document is uniquely identifiable.

Frequently asked questions

Is the licence number confidential? It is not a password, but it is personal data: share it only for legitimate purposes (rental, employer, authority).

Does the number change when exchanging the licence? Yes. Every newly issued document receives a new number — including the mandatory exchange of old licences.

What if I lose my licence? Apply for a replacement at the licensing authority; report theft to the police. Until reissue, the authority can issue a confirmation.

Sources

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