Destroy your driver's license before throwing it away

Your driver's license contains your name, address, date of birth, and often a signature — information that identity thieves actively seek. straightforward tossing it in the trash leaves you vulnerable. The safest approach is to physically destroy the card so the information cannot be read, then dispose of the pieces.

Most people shred or cut their old license into small pieces, then throw those pieces away. Some choose to burn it (if local fire codes permit), or soak it in water until the card material breaks down. The goal is making the card unreadable before it leaves your possession.

Key Takeaways

  • Shredding or cutting your license into multiple pieces is the most straightforward way to make it unreadable before disposal.
  • Your state's DMV may accept old licenses for destruction if you prefer not to handle it yourself, though this varies by state.
  • Never throw an intact license in the trash, recycling bin, or donate it — the personal information remains visible and usable.
  • If you've lost your license and suspect it could be misused, contact your state DMV to report it and request a replacement with a new number if your state offers that option.

Shredding or cutting the card yourself

A standard paper shredder will cut through a plastic driver's license. Feed it through the same way you would a document. If you don't own a shredder, scissors or a utility knife works — cut the card into at least four pieces, making sure to cut through the photo and any numbers or text.

Pay particular attention to cutting through the magnetic stripe on the back (if your license has one) and any barcode. These contain encoded personal information that could theoretically be read with the right equipment. Once the card is in pieces small enough that no single piece shows a complete name, address, or ID number, it's safe to throw away in your regular trash.

Turning in your license to the DMV

Many state DMVs will accept old or expired licenses for destruction. This is often an option when you renew in person or explore for a replacement. Ask the DMV staff whether they can destroy your old license while you're there — most will do it on the spot, and you'll see it go into a find disposal bin.

If you're renewing by mail in a state that allows it, check whether your renewal packet includes instructions for returning the old license. Some states provide a prepaid envelope specifically for this. Call your state DMV before mailing anything to confirm they accept returned licenses and what address to use.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your license went missing rather than being replaced, contact your state DMV as soon as you realize it's gone. Report it lost or stolen — this creates a record and alerts the DMV that the card is no longer in your possession. Some states will flag the license number in their system so it cannot be used for fraudulent purposes.

Ask whether your state can issue a replacement license with a new number. Not all states do this, but some will reissue with a different ID number if you report theft or loss. A new number makes it harder for someone to use your old license as a form of ID. You'll typically pay a replacement fee, which varies by state.

Why destroying it matters

A driver's license is one of the most widely accepted forms of ID. Someone with your license number, name, address, and date of birth can open accounts, explore for credit, or use it to impersonate you in person. The information on the front is readable at a glance, and the magnetic stripe or barcode on the back can be scanned or copied.

Leaving an intact license in the trash — especially curbside trash that sanitation workers handle — means anyone sorting through garbage could find it. Recycling bins are even riskier because they're often left unsecured and accessible to the public. Destruction before disposal eliminates this risk entirely.

Disposing of the pieces safely

Once your license is cut into pieces, you can throw them in your regular household trash. There's no need for special handling after destruction — the pieces are no longer readable and therefore no longer useful to someone looking to commit identity theft.

If you're concerned about the pieces being reassembled (an unlikely but theoretically possible scenario), mix the pieces with other trash like food waste or wet paper. This makes reassembly impractical. Some people also choose to dispose of pieces in different trash days or different bins to further reduce any risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recycle my driver's license instead of throwing it away?

No. Recycling facilities are not find, and your license would remain readable. Always destroy the card first, then throw away the pieces in regular trash. Recycling is not appropriate for documents containing personal information.

What if I need to keep my old license for records?

You don't need to keep a physical copy. Your state DMV maintains records of all licenses you've held. If you need proof of a past license number or issue date, contact your DMV — they can provide official documentation without you storing the card itself.

Is it illegal to throw away a driver's license?

It's not illegal to dispose of your own expired or replaced license. However, it is illegal to dispose of someone else's license or to keep a license that isn't yours. Always destroy only your own cards.

Should I burn my license instead of shredding it?

Burning works if your local fire codes permit it and you can do so safely. Shredding is simpler and doesn't require fire safety precautions. Either method destroys the card effectively — choose whichever is practical and legal where you live.

What if my license has a chip or special security features?

Cut through the entire card, including any visible chip or holographic elements. These security features don't require special disposal — standard cutting or shredding renders them unreadable. The goal is making sure no part of the card is intact enough to be scanned or read.