How to Find a Deceased Person’s Driver’s License Number

Locating a deceased person’s driver’s license number can be necessary for handling legal or financial matters, such as settling an estate or verifying identity. However, this information is often difficult to obtain due to privacy laws and record-keeping policies.

Reviewing Personal Estate Files

A deceased person’s personal records may contain documents with their driver’s license number. Many individuals keep copies of their identification in safes, filing cabinets, or desk drawers. Checking these locations first can save time.

Financial and legal paperwork may also list this information. Auto insurance policies, vehicle registration documents, and traffic violation notices frequently include a driver’s license number. Reviewing these records, especially those related to car ownership or driving history, can be effective.

Tax filings sometimes reference a driver’s license number, particularly if it was used for identity verification. Reviewing past tax documents, especially recent ones, may provide the necessary details. Additionally, medical records or hospital admission forms may include a copy of the license if it was used for identification.

Coordinating With Executors or Trustees

The executor or trustee managing an estate often has access to records that may include a driver’s license number. These individuals are legally responsible for financial and administrative matters and may already possess relevant documents. Estate inventories, legal filings, and probate-related correspondence often contain identification details.

Executors frequently work with financial institutions, insurance companies, and government agencies to settle affairs. During this process, they may submit or receive paperwork referencing the deceased’s driver’s license number, particularly when closing bank accounts, transferring vehicle titles, or handling outstanding debts. If the deceased had an attorney involved in estate planning, that legal representative might also have records containing the number.

Some versions of a death certificate, depending on the issuing state, may include a driver’s license number. If the executor has obtained multiple copies, reviewing them could provide a straightforward solution.

Requesting Records From State Agencies

State motor vehicle agencies maintain official records that may include a deceased person’s driver’s license number, but access is restricted due to privacy laws. The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) (18 U.S.C. 2721) limits access to those with a legally valid reason, such as estate administration or legal proceedings. Each state has its own process for requesting records, typically requiring proof of identity, a direct relationship to the deceased, and documentation demonstrating a legitimate need.

Many states allow authorized individuals to request a driving record or a certified abstract, which may contain the license number. This often involves submitting a formal request to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency, along with supporting documents such as a death certificate, court appointment papers, and a notarized request form. Some states charge a processing fee, generally ranging from $5 to $25. Processing times vary, with some states providing records within days, while others may take weeks.

If direct access through the DMV is unavailable, state agencies responsible for issuing identification cards may retain records that include driver’s license numbers. In some cases, state archives or departments handling vital records may hold historical data. If the deceased was a government employee or held a commercial driver’s license, additional records might exist with regulatory agencies overseeing transportation or occupational licensing.