Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
New Member
posted Jun 7, 2019 3:02:32 PM

I accidentally put in the wrong number for my drivers license number and already filed. What do I need to do to fix this?

0 6 6874
1 Best answer
New Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:02:35 PM

Since you've already e-filed, you don't need to do anything at this point.

Your driver's license number is actually not required to file your federal taxes, nor is it required to file your State return in most states. In fact, you can leave the driver's license/state ID information blank, and still file your return. The only reason your driver's license number is being requested is to help verify your identity and prevent identify theft. Therefore, there is no need for you to correct the driver's license information after e-filing.

Two states, Illinois and Alabama, do require a driver's license to file a state return.

For additional information, you can view the IRS information on New Security Safeguards. The two following paragraphs taken from that website are specific to your situation:

Do I need a driver’s license number to file a return?

You do not need a driver’s license number to file a federal return. Some states may request your driver’s license number for state tax returns because they have the ability to match state records and help confirm your identity. This is one more layer of protection against identity thieves. State tax software will prompt you for your driver’s license number if it is requested by the state. You also can review  state revenue department websites  for information.

Why am I being asked for my driver’s license number?

In an effort to better protect you from identity thieves, some states will be trying new approaches. Some states may ask for additional identification information, such as your driver’s license number, when you are preparing your state tax return. This will be another layer of protection because identity thieves may already have your name and Social Security number, but perhaps not your driver’s license number. States requesting this information have the ability to match driver’s license information and other identifying records to help confirm your identity. You do not need a driver’s license number to file your federal tax return.

6 Replies
New Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:02:33 PM

How is this corrected?

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:02:35 PM

Since you've already e-filed, you don't need to do anything at this point.

Your driver's license number is actually not required to file your federal taxes, nor is it required to file your State return in most states. In fact, you can leave the driver's license/state ID information blank, and still file your return. The only reason your driver's license number is being requested is to help verify your identity and prevent identify theft. Therefore, there is no need for you to correct the driver's license information after e-filing.

Two states, Illinois and Alabama, do require a driver's license to file a state return.

For additional information, you can view the IRS information on New Security Safeguards. The two following paragraphs taken from that website are specific to your situation:

Do I need a driver’s license number to file a return?

You do not need a driver’s license number to file a federal return. Some states may request your driver’s license number for state tax returns because they have the ability to match state records and help confirm your identity. This is one more layer of protection against identity thieves. State tax software will prompt you for your driver’s license number if it is requested by the state. You also can review  state revenue department websites  for information.

Why am I being asked for my driver’s license number?

In an effort to better protect you from identity thieves, some states will be trying new approaches. Some states may ask for additional identification information, such as your driver’s license number, when you are preparing your state tax return. This will be another layer of protection because identity thieves may already have your name and Social Security number, but perhaps not your driver’s license number. States requesting this information have the ability to match driver’s license information and other identifying records to help confirm your identity. You do not need a driver’s license number to file your federal tax return.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:02:35 PM

I live in Illinois and need to re-enter DL number. This answer doesn't tell you the steps to get to that screen to re-enter DL information.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:02:37 PM

I am having the same problem

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:02:38 PM

me too

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 3:02:40 PM

Ditto, but still no answer from the great community...