Lost or stolen driver’s licenses can pose significant risks to individuals’ identities because thieves are able to open fraudulent accounts with the information found on driver’s licenses. Thieves may also commit criminal identity theft by using another individual’s personal information fraudulently during an investigation or an arrest. It is important to take action quickly if a driver’s license has been lost or stolen in order to prevent thieves from using it for illegal purposes.
Typically, when an individual needs a new driver’s license, they must forfeit their current one to their local Department of Motor Vehicles office. However, as long as an individual has the required documents, they will be able to secure a new license in the event that their current license is lost or stolen.
How to Report and Replace a Lost or Stolen Driver’s License
Below contains steps of what to do if a driver’s license has been lost or stolen:
- 1) Regardless of whether or not identity theft is suspected, individuals whose driver’s licenses are either lost or stolen should obtain and analyze their credit scores, financial statements, and Security Security statements.
If no suspicious activity has been found:
- 2) Individuals should monitor all of their credit scores and statements closely for at least 6 months. They should also consider issuing a 30-day fraud alert by contacting Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- 3) Some states may require individuals to report their lost driver’s licenses. To learn more, individuals should contact the nearest DMV to find out their state requirements.
- 4) Individuals should also apply for a new driver’s license. See steps 7-10 for details.
If suspicious activity has been found:
- 5) In addition to monitoring all-important financial and government documents, a 30-day fraud alert should be issued by contacting Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
- 6) A police report should be filed with local authorities.
- 7) The DMV should be contacted and the old driver’s license should be canceled.
- 8) In order to obtain a new driver’s license, individuals must bring with them primary identification, such as a passport or birth certificate, as well as secondary identification, such as social security cards or marriage licenses, to the DMV.
- 9) Once at the DMV, individuals need to request an application to obtain a duplicate driver’s license. The fee for this application is around $30.00.
- 10) In addition to following the above steps, individuals should contact all their financial institutions and reset their passwords. They should also keep copies of their lost license reports.
While reporting and replacing a lost or stolen driver’s license seems relatively simple, individuals need to constantly monitor and assess their financial statements, which can be time-consuming. However, individuals have the option of using an identity theft protection service, such as LifeLock.
Who We Like
LifeLock CEO, Todd Davis, is so confident about his company’s services that he gives out his Social Security number publically. LifeLock’s services monitor customers’ credit scores, issue fraud alerts, and scan black markets for fraudulent Social Security number use among other things for $9.00/month. Their services are also backed by a $1,000,000 warranty, so customers can rest assured even if identity theft does occur. To find out more, visit www.lifelock.com
Important Resources
Experian P.O. Box 2002 Allen, TX 75013 1-888-397-3742 TransUnion P.O. Box 1000 Chester, PA 19022 1-800-888-4213 Equifax P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374 1-800-685-1111State Department of Motor Vehicles: www.dmv-department-of-motor-vehicles.com