What to do if my driver’s license number is found on the dark web or stolen?

Reviewed by Mike Marcacci, Sr. VP of Engineering at OmniWatch

Losing your driver's license can be a stressful and inconvenient experience. Beyond the hassle of replacing it, there's a significant risk of identity theft associated with a lost license. Below, we will review the steps you should take if your driver's license is lost, stolen, or your number is leaked online, as well as provide tips to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a part of the internet that can only be accessed using special software, such as The Onion Router (TOR). It is an anonymous network where users can communicate and access websites without fear of being tracked or identified. Many people use the dark web to buy and sell illegal goods, as well as engage in other criminal activities.

However, it also has legitimate uses such as allowing whistleblowers to communicate securely with journalists or activists to share information without fear of government surveillance. In addition, some individuals may use the dark web for more mundane tasks like browsing online forums or playing video games. Regardless of its purpose, it remains largely unregulated and often serves as a hub for illegal activities.

Why you are at Risk of Identity Theft if you Lose Your License

Driver's licenses contain valuable personal information, including your name, address, and date of birth. If someone finds your lost license, they could potentially exploit this information to steal your identity. Identity theft can have severe consequences, such as unauthorized charges on your credit card or even criminal activities carried out under your name.

What to do if Your Driver’s License is Stolen

You will need to report a stolen driver’s license to the proper authorities as soon as possible. Hackers and thieves can use a stolen driver’s license number to assume your identity and engage in criminal activities under your name.

File a Police Report

A stolen driver’s license may not seem like much to worry about, but criminals can use it to cause damage to your credit, evade legal matters, or steal governmental benefits like unemployment checks.

Filing a police report helps to document the crime and may be required by law depending on the severity of the crimes committed using your identity.

Report a Stolen Driver’s License Immediately to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):

The first step is to immediately report the stolen ID to your state's DMV. This can usually be done online, by phone, or in person at a DMV office. Some states may require you to fill out a form or provide specific documentation to initiate the process of replacing your lost license.

When contacting the DMV, be prepared to provide the required information and documents to request a replacement license. This may include your identification details, proof of address, and any other documentation specified by your state's DMV.

In certain cases, the DMV may offer temporary licenses or identification cards while you wait for your permanent replacement license to arrive. This can help ensure you have a valid form of identification in the interim.

Review Your Driving Record

Checking your driving record can help you identify any suspicious activities or discrepancies that may have occurred as a result of a breach. To review your driving record, contact your state's DMV (you may need to pay a fee to access this information).

If you notice any discrepancies, report these to the DMV and contact OmniWatch™ to get a dedicated identity restoration agent to help you through the process.

Tips to Prevent Losing Your License

Keep your license in a safe and secure place

Designate a specific spot, such as a wallet compartment or a secure drawer to store your driver's license when you're not using it. This practice minimizes the chances of misplacing or losing it.

Make a copy and store it separately

Create a photocopy of your driver's license and keep it in a separate location. In case of loss, having a copy can help expedite the replacement process and provide you with a reference to remember important details.

Use a dedicated wallet or case

Consider using a wallet or case specifically designed to hold your license and other important documents. These products offer additional protection and organization, reducing the risk of losing your license or having it slip out unnoticed.

Don’t post your driver’s license online

You should also use caution when you post photos on social media. Never post a photo showing your license online. Even if your social media accounts are private, hackers can still find ways to access your photos.

Conclusion

Losing your driver's license can have far-reaching consequences, including the risk of identity theft. Taking prompt action to report a stolen driver’s license is crucial in protecting yourself from potential financial and legal complications. By following the outlined steps and implementing preventive measures, you can help to safeguard your identity information and reduce the likelihood of losing or having your driver’s license stolen in the future.

What Cyber Security Professionals are Saying

Chester Wisniewski

Principal Research Scientist at Sophos

“Looking forward into 2023 has me very concerned with what developments we see with the malicious use of machine learning technologies”

Matt Kapko

Cybersecurity Reporter

"Threat actors don’t just follow the news — they react to it and identify new ways to target potential victims during moments of heightened sensitivity."

Chester Wisniewski

Principal Research Scientist at Sophos

"ChatGPT3 could easily be weaponized to help criminals write more convincing phishing and business email compromise scams."