Drivers License Identity Theft

Drivers license identity theft is fortunately not a common crime within the identity theft category, accounting for only 8% of identity theft cases. However, it could be very damaging to you if you are a victim.

If a savvy thief obtained possesion of your drivers license he is capable of creating a new Id for the pupose of...

1. Using the ID for verification after purchases made from your stolen credit card or checks.

2. Creating a false birth certificate.

3. Using the new ID to obtain immigration documentation for an illegal alien.

If the criminal was successful in creating the new ID and used your name, drivers license number, and possibly social security number, the criminal could steal money from your account, obtain traffic tickets in your name, and hold false immigration information in your name.

One of the best ways to protect yourself from drivers license identity theft is to get a report of your drivers license account once a year from your states department of motor vehicles.

Similar to a credit report, this will allow you to check whether you were issued any tickets or violations that were the result of fradulent activity in your name.

If you are a victim of this type of identity theft, report the situation immediately to the police. This is the first step for ANY identity theft incident.

Also, contact your department of motor vehicles to see whether another ID was issued in your name. Some states offer fraud alerts to place on your drivers license. Similar to a credit fraud alert, this will notify you of ANY activity taking place under your ID. You will have to get a new license and license number. Start an investigation with the DMV and bring a copy of your police report and any other paperwork you think will help your case.

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