Protecting Your Identity: What to Do if Your Driver’s License Number is Stolen

Your driver’s license number is a critical piece of personal information that can be used to commit various types of fraud. Whether it’s stolen in a data breach or taken directly from your wallet, the consequences can be severe. At O1ne Mortgage, we understand the importance of protecting your identity and finances. If you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation, here are some steps you can take to safeguard your information and minimize the damage.

What Can Someone Do With Your Driver’s License Number?

Scammers can use your driver’s license number to commit a variety of criminal acts. Here are five examples:

1. Open Financial Accounts in Your Name

A stolen driver’s license number can enable a scammer to assume your identity and open bank accounts, set up credit accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or even apply for loans in your name.

2. Create Fake IDs

Thieves can use your driver’s license to create fake IDs. These fake IDs can be used to avoid traffic tickets or to impersonate you if they are caught committing a crime.

3. Sell Your License Number

Some thieves sell your driver’s license number to other criminals on the dark web, a part of the internet that is not accessible through regular search engines.

4. Carry Out Mail Fraud

With your driver’s license number, a crook can change your mailing address and forward your mail to an address where they can pick it up. This allows them to access bank statements, credit card statements, and other financial documents to commit fraud.

5. Generate a Synthetic Identity

Thieves can combine your driver’s license number with other personal data to create a synthetic identity. This fake identity can be used to commit various types of financial fraud.

What to Do if Your License Number Is Exposed in a Data Breach

If your driver’s license number is exposed in a data breach, take these steps to protect your identity and finances:

Conduct a Background Check on Yourself

Run a background check to see if there are any criminal convictions, arrest warrants, or other activities that don’t involve you. This can signal that someone else is using your identity.

Find Out if Your Information Is on the Dark Web

Run a free dark web scan to see if your personal information appears there.

Check Your Credit Reports

Get copies of your credit reports from all three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for accounts you didn’t open, credit inquiries you didn’t authorize, or any other suspicious items. You have the right to dispute any inaccurate or fraudulent information.

Request Your Driving Record

Ask for a copy of your driving record from your state’s motor vehicles department. If your driver’s license has been stolen, a thief may have created a fake ID and used it during a traffic stop.

Change Your Passwords

Update passwords on any accounts affected by the data breach. Create strong passwords or consider using a password manager to store them safely.

What to Do if Someone Has Your Driver’s License

If your driver’s license has been stolen or lost, take prompt action to minimize the damage:

File a Police Report

Include your driver’s license as one of the stolen items in the report, along with anything else that was taken, such as your wallet or purse.

Contact Your State’s Department of Motor Vehicles

Follow their instructions on how to replace your license and how to drive legally while waiting for the replacement.

Set Up a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze

Add a fraud alert or credit freeze to limit access to your credit reports. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before processing credit applications in your name. A credit freeze restricts creditors from accessing your credit report.

Monitor Your Credit

Regularly check your credit reports for signs of suspicious activity. Experian offers free credit monitoring that provides alerts whenever there’s a change to your credit report, helping you spot possible identity fraud quickly.

What to Do if You Lose Your Driver’s License

If you lose your driver’s license, follow these steps:

File a Report with Your Local Police Department

Report the loss to your local police department to document the incident.

Replace Your License

Start the process of obtaining a new license on the website of your state’s department of motor vehicles or at a local DMV office. Be prepared to pay a replacement fee.

Consider Setting Up a Fraud Alert

In case your driver’s license ends up in the wrong hands, a fraud alert can help protect you. At this stage, you may not need to freeze your credit reports.

Monitor Your Credit

Check your credit report for any suspicious activity, such as new credit card accounts that you didn’t open.

How to Report Identity Theft

If you believe your driver’s license number has been stolen or your driver’s license has been lost or stolen, follow these steps to report identity theft:

File a Report with Your Local Law Enforcement Agency

Report the theft to your local police department.

File a Report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Visit IdentityTheft.gov or call 877-438-4338 to file a report with the FTC.

Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report

Set up a fraud alert with one of the three credit reporting agencies. The other two agencies will be notified and add an alert. An initial fraud alert lasts one year; an extended fraud alert lasts seven years and may require a copy of the police report.

Consider Freezing Your Credit

You can freeze and unfreeze your credit report for free at all three credit reporting agencies. A credit freeze must be made with each bureau individually and will remain until you cancel or temporarily lift it.

Contact the Fraud Department at Financial Institutions

Notify the fraud departments at your credit card issuers, banks, and other places where you have financial accounts.

Monitor Your Credit Reports and Driving Record

Keep an eye on your credit reports and driving record for new signs of identity fraud. Consider periodically running a background check on yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know if Someone Is Using My Driver’s License Number?

Check your credit reports, driving record, and run a background check to see if there are any activities that don’t involve you.

Can You Change Your Driver’s License Number if It’s Stolen?

In most cases, you cannot change your driver’s license number. However, you can take steps to protect your identity and monitor for fraud.

Can Someone Steal Your Identity With Your Driver’s License?

Yes, a stolen driver’s license can be used to commit various types of identity theft and fraud.

At O1ne Mortgage, we care about your financial well-being. If you need any mortgage services or have questions about protecting your identity, call us at 213-732-3074. We’re here to help you navigate through any financial challenges and ensure your peace of mind.