DMV is committed to protecting your identity and the integrity of the documents we issue.
You can minimize your risk of identity theft by understanding how DMV protects your information and what to do if you suspect fraudulent activity.
Detecting Driver's License and ID Fraud
Individuals who are not eligible for a license or ID card may resort to submitting counterfeit or fraudulent documents in order to obtain a valid credential. Often, this includes the use of another person's identity.
We are trained to recognize and detect counterfeit identity documents used to attempt to fraudulently obtain a driver's license or ID.
If you have reason to believe someone may be using a driver's license or ID with your name and information, contact your local law enforcement agency and file a police report. Then contact DMV to report this information. You may also send an email to: zerofraud@dmv.virginia.gov.
If the theft of your identity involves your driver's license or ID card, DMV will help in any way we can.
Contact DMV to Report Identity Theft
Processing Identity Theft Passports
An Identity Theft Passport proves to law enforcement that you’ve been a victim of identity theft.
If you believe you’re a victim of identity theft, visit any DMV customer service center to apply. We’ll give you a receipt verifying your application was submitted, and forward the application to the Office of the Attorney General, which runs the Identity Theft Passport program.
A representative from the Office of the Attorney General will contact you to process the application and provide assistance.
Issuing Customer Numbers
To protect your identity, DMV no longer issues driver's licenses and ID cards that display Social Security numbers (SSN). If your SSN is displayed on your license or ID, you can get a replacement credential with a customer number instead of your SSN.
Generally, a DMV customer number alone is useless to an identity thief.
You can also apply for a replacement at any DMV customer service center. You must present a current valid Virginia driver's license and one other form of identification.
Safeguarding Customer Information
Your customer information is safe with us. All DMV records are privileged and are not available to the general public. We may only release driver, vehicle and personal information from our records under certain conditions outlined in our release of information policies.
Granting Driving Record Requests
Just as you would review your credit report for fraudulent activity, we encourage you to check your driving record for any violations that may have been fraudulently reported under your name.
Driving records cost $8 and can be requested online.
Only Use the Official DMV Website
You can only receive online DMV services through the official DMV website, and we never charge additional money to conduct business online.
Beware of other websites claiming to be associated with Virginia DMV. These sites are typically accessed through online search engines, and may charge fees to conduct DMV business. But these sites cannot provide DMV services or products. They may not be reliable, especially at protecting your private information.
Other Resources and Contacts
Social Security Administration
Fraud Report: 800-269-0271
Federal Trade Commission
Oversees the credit bureaus and maintains a database of identity thefts
202-382-4357
U.S. Postal Service
Investigates mail fraud
Postal Inspector: 800-275-8777