The driver's license number is an added security measure the IRS and States have put in place for 2016 but for most states, your return can be filed and will process without your driver's license number.
"In an effort to help protect your identity and fight tax Fraud, the IRS and State tax offices are now asking that tax filers provide their driver’s license or state issued ID number. This step is not required in order to file your taxes, for most states, but could help speed up the processing of your return and will not affect your return’s submission. Omitting any of this information may delay return and refund processing.
States such as Illinois and Alabama do require an ID to be provided in order to e-file this year.
For additional information, you can view the IRS information on the New Security Safeguards. or to see if your state is participating, please contact your state revenue agency.
You do not need a driver’s license number to file your federal tax return. But, 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.
Unfortunately, there may be some kinks until the IRS, states, and tax software providers get these new requirements worked out.
