For Your Security

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is committed to protecting the identity of its customers and the integrity of the documents it issues. DMV encourages all Virginians to minimize the risk by knowing how to prevent and respond to identity theft.

Identity Theft

Approximately nine million Americans are victims of identity theft each year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. If the theft of your identity involves your driver's license or ID card, DMV will help in any way it can. Contact your local law enforcement agency first and file a police report.

If you have reason to believe someone may be using a driver's license or identification bearing your name and information, you should immediately contact DMV's Zero Fraud Hotline. That number is:

You may also send an email to:

The Zero Fraud Hotline was established in January 2006 for DMV employees and customers to report information about suspected fraud regarding Virginia driver's licenses or identification cards. Tips may be anonymous. Information that leads to arrests may also result in rewards of up to $1,000.

Driver's License and ID Fraud

The DMV law enforcement and customer service staff is trained to recognize and detect counterfeit identity documents used to fraudulently obtain a driver's license or ID card.

In recent years, Virginia has tightened the requirements for licenses or ID cards. Because of these additional requirements, individuals who are not eligible for a Virginia license or ID card have resorted to submitting counterfeit or fraudulent documents in order to obtain a valid credential. Often, this includes the use of another person's identity.

Your DMV Customer Number

To protect your identity, DMV no longer issues driver's licenses and ID cards displaying social security numbers (SSN). If your social security number is displayed on your driver's license or ID card, you can get a replacement license with a DMV-assigned customer number, rather than your SSN. Generally, a DMV-assigned customer number alone is useless to an identity thief. Apply for a replacement online or visit a DMV customer service center. Customers must present a current valid Virginia driver's license and another form of identification.

DMV Customer Information

Virginia law states that all DMV records are privileged and are not available to the general public. DMV may only release driver, vehicle and personal information from our records under certain conditions outlined in federal and state privacy statutes.

Read the statutes and learn more about DMV's release of information polices at: http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/citizen/records/release.asp

Your Driving Record

Just as you would review your credit report for fraudulent activity, DMV encourages Virginians to check their driving records annually. Review the information to see whether any motor vehicle violations or other activity may have been fraudulently reported under your name.

Driving records cost $8 and can be requested online at:

http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/citizen/records/drive_record.asp

The DMV Web Site

You can only receive online DMV services through the official DMV web site. DMV does not charge customers additional money to conduct business online. Other web sites purporting to be associated with the Virginia DMV may charge fees to conduct DMV business, yet these sites cannot provide DMV services or products. These web sites are typically accessed by customers through online search engines. They may not be reliable, especially for the protection of an individual's private information.

Other Resources and Contacts

Information on responding to identity theft can be found on the Virginia Attorney General's website at:
http://www.oag.state.va.us/FAQs/IDTheftBook02.pdf

Information on the Virginia DMV's commitment to your privacy:
http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/utilities/security.asp

Social Security Administration:
Fraud Report: 800-269-0271
Order Statement: 800-772-1213
http://www.ssa.gov/

Federal Trade Commission:
Oversees the credit bureaus and maintains a database of identity thefts.
202-382-4357
http://www.ftc.gov

U.S. Postal Service:
Investigates Mail Fraud
Postal Inspector: 800-275-8777
www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect/