How to Redact a Driver's License

Your driver's license is one of the most commonly requested identity documents—and one of the most dangerous to share in full. The license number, combined with other details on the card, can be used for identity theft, fraudulent account creation, and more.

This guide explains what you can safely redact when asked to provide a copy of your driver's license.

What's on a Driver's License

A typical U.S. driver's license contains:

• Driver's license number: A unique identifier (format varies by state)
• Full legal name: First, middle, last
• Date of birth: Full DOB
• Address: Your residential address
• Photo: Your facial image
• Physical description: Height, weight, eye color, hair color
• Issue and expiration dates: When the license was issued and expires
• Class and endorsements: What you're licensed to drive
• Barcode/magnetic stripe: Encoded data (on back)

What to Redact

Almost Always Redact

• Driver's license number: This is the most sensitive piece. Show last 4 digits only if partial is acceptable.
• Barcode (back): Contains encoded data including your DL number. Always redact or don't share the back at all.

Redact When Possible

• Full address: Unless they specifically need it for verification
• Physical description: Height, weight, eye color rarely needed

Usually Keep Visible

• Name: Proves it's your document
• Photo: Often required for identity verification
• Date of birth: May be needed for age verification
• Expiration date: Proves the license is valid

Redacting by Use Case

Age Verification (Alcohol Delivery, Events)

They need to confirm you're 21+. Show:

• Name
• Photo
• Date of birth
• Expiration date

Redact: DL number, address, barcode.

Account Verification (Banks, Crypto)

Financial services may require more. Check their specific requirements, but you can often redact:

• Physical description details
• Barcode (back)

Some may require the full DL number—ask if partial is acceptable.

Notarization

Notaries typically need to see the full, unredacted license in person. If submitting a copy remotely (online notarization), follow their specific guidelines.

Car Rental

Rental companies usually need the full license, as they'll be checking your driving record. Redaction may not be possible in this case.

How to Redact

From a Photo/Scan

1. Take a clear photo or scan of your license
2. Upload to SafeRedact
3. Draw redaction boxes over the DL number, address, and barcode
4. Apply redaction
5. Download the protected image

What NOT to Do

• Don't use marker on the original: Work from a copy
• Don't just crop the image: Cropping removes context that may be needed
• Don't use semi-transparent overlays: These can sometimes be removed

When You Can't Redact

Some situations require full, unredacted license copies:

• Government agency requests (DMV, law enforcement)
• Court orders
• Some financial account openings (regulated by KYC laws)
• TSA/airport security (in-person verification)
• I-9 employment verification (specific rules apply)

When in doubt, ask the requesting party if a partially redacted copy is acceptable before spending time on redaction.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be suspicious if someone:

• Asks for your license via unencrypted email or text
• Won't explain why they need the full DL number
• Is an individual rather than an established business
• Pressures you to send immediately
• Asks for both front and back when only front should be needed