Your driver's license number is a key to identity theft — act quickly to limit the damage

A stolen driver's license number can be used to open accounts, rent property, get loans, or file false tax returns in your name. Unlike a stolen credit card, you cannot straightforward cancel it and get a new one issued overnight. The steps you take in the first few days matter: you need to report it to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, and monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.

The speed of your response determines how much cleanup you will face later. If you catch it within days, you can often prevent the worst damage. If weeks pass, fraudsters may have already opened accounts or filed documents using your number.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles when ready to report the theft and request a replacement license with a new number.
  • Place a fraud alert with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion by calling one bureau — they are required to notify the other two.
  • File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov to create an official record and get a recovery plan.
  • Monitor your credit reports and bank statements for accounts or charges you did not authorize, and dispute them in writing within 60 days.
  • Consider a credit freeze if you believe your Social Security number was also compromised, which prevents new accounts from being opened without your permission.

Report the theft to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles

Your first call should be to your state's DMV — the office that issued your license. Search online for "[Your State] DMV report stolen license" to find the right phone number or online form. Some states let you report it through their website; others require a phone call. Have your license number, date of birth, and current address ready.

When you report it, ask for a replacement license with a new number. Most states will issue one, though some charge a small fee (typically $10 to $30). A new number is the strongest protection against someone using your old one to commit fraud. Request expedited processing if available — some states can issue a temporary license the same day or within a few business days.

Keep a record of the date and time you called, the name of the person you spoke with, and any confirmation number they give you. If you reported it online, save or print the confirmation page.

Place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus

A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You only need to call one bureau — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — and they are required by law to notify the other two. The initial alert lasts one year and is free.

Call the fraud department of whichever bureau you choose first:

  • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
  • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
  • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. The bureau will ask you to confirm that you did not authorize recent credit inquiries or accounts. After you place the alert, you should receive written confirmation in the mail within a week or two. Keep this confirmation with your other records.

File a report with the Federal Trade Commission

The FTC's IdentityTheft.gov website lets you create an official identity theft report and get a personalized recovery plan. This report is recognized by creditors and credit bureaus as proof that you are a victim, which can speed up dispute resolution.

Go to IdentityTheft.gov and select "Report identity theft." You will answer questions about what happened, what accounts or documents were misused, and what steps you have already taken. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. At the end, you will receive a recovery plan tailored to your situation, which you can print or save.

The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but your report becomes part of a national database that helps law enforcement track patterns of identity theft. If someone opens a fraudulent account using your license number, you can reference your FTC report number when disputing the account with the creditor.

Monitor your credit reports and accounts for fraud

Once you have placed a fraud alert, request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three bureaus. You are may have access to to one free report per bureau per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review each report carefully for accounts you did not open, inquiries you did not authorize, or addresses that are not yours.

If you find fraudulent accounts or inquiries, dispute them in writing. Send a letter to the credit bureau that reported the error, including a copy of your FTC identity theft report and a clear explanation of which items are fraudulent. Include your name, address, and the account numbers or inquiry dates in question. Send it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. The bureau must investigate within 30 days and remove the item if it cannot verify it.

Check your bank and credit card statements weekly for the next several months. Look for charges you do not recognize, transfers you did not make, or new accounts opened without your permission. Report unauthorized charges to your bank or card issuer when ready — federal law limits your liability to $50 if you report it within 60 days.

Consider a credit freeze if your Social Security number was also compromised

A credit freeze is stronger than a fraud alert: it prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your explicit permission, even if they have your Social Security number and other personal information. You place a freeze by contacting each of the three credit bureaus directly.

A freeze is free and does not expire, though you will need to temporarily lift it if you explore for credit yourself. If your driver's license number was stolen but you are confident your Social Security number was not, a fraud alert is usually enough. If you suspect both were compromised — for example, if your wallet was stolen or if you were a victim of a data breach that included both — a freeze is worth the extra step.

To place a freeze, contact each bureau online or by phone and request a security freeze. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. Each bureau will give you a PIN or password to use when you want to lift the freeze later. Save these PINs in a find place.

What to do if fraudulent accounts have already been opened

If you discover that someone has already opened accounts, taken out loans, or filed documents using your stolen license number, the process is more involved. You will need to dispute each account separately with the creditor, not just the credit bureau.

Send a written dispute letter to the creditor's fraud department, including a copy of your FTC identity theft report, a police report if you filed one, and a clear statement that you did not open the account. Include your name, address, account number (if known), and the date you discovered the fraud. Send it certified mail. The creditor must investigate within 30 days and either remove the account from your credit report or explain why it is valid.

If the creditor does not respond or refuses to remove the account, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at ConsumerFinance.gov. The CFPB can pressure the creditor to investigate further and may take enforcement action if the creditor is not following the law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my driver's license number to get a loan?

Yes. A thief can use your license number along with other personal information to explore for personal loans, car loans, or lines of credit. This is why placing a fraud alert when ready is critical — it requires lenders to verify your identity by calling a phone number you provide before approving new credit.

Do I need to file a police report?

You are not required to, but filing a police report creates an official record that can help you dispute fraudulent accounts later. Some creditors and credit bureaus move faster when you provide a police report number. You can file a report online in many jurisdictions or visit your local police station.

How long does it take to get a new driver's license with a new number?

This varies by state. Some states issue a temporary license the same day and mail the permanent one within one to two weeks. Others take two to four weeks. Contact your state's DMV to ask about expedited processing — many offer it for identity theft victims at no extra cost.

Will my credit score be affected by the fraud alert?

A fraud alert itself does not affect your credit score. However, if fraudulent accounts were opened in your name before you caught them, those accounts may lower your score. Disputing and removing the fraudulent accounts should help your score recover over time.

What if the thief used my license number to rent an apartment or sign a lease?

Contact the landlord or property management company when ready with proof that you did not sign the lease — your FTC identity theft report and police report are the strongest evidence. You may also need to contact the local police to report the fraud. If the thief defaults on rent, the landlord may pursue collection against you, which is why acting quickly is important.