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How are driving license numbers made up?

I was looking at my ID the other day and noticed that my driver’s license number seemed totally random. However, I know that many government numbers are some sort of code. How does the DMV make up driving license numbers?

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Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Years ago, your
driver’s license
number was often just your Social Security number. But due to identity theft, this has changed.
Today, driving license numbers are made up of a code that denotes your name, gender, and date of birth.
Certain letters on your license correspond to your last name, while other letters and digits show your gender and year of birth. When your license is scanned, these details pop up, letting those who need to identify you more readily.
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