Lost Florida Drivers License
Lost and stolen drivers licenses are common. You often take out your license to provide ID, so it's easy to walk off without it. And if your wallet or purse is stolen, typically your drivers license will be stolen as well.
To get your replacement drivers license is fairly straightforward. You may even be eligible to order a replacement online using the MyDMV Portal. Or you can go to your local Florida DMV Office to apply for a duplicate driver license. You will need to pay a fee and provide two forms of identification and two proof of residency documents. The requirements for identification are the same as applying for a new license.
Identity Theft & Driver License Fraud Protection
With the enormous problem of identity theft and the impact it can have on your personal credit rating it is a good idea to report a stolen Florida Drivers License to local law enforcement. Start with you local police or sheriff department. Bring a copy of the police report to the DMV and the fee for replacing your stolen driver license will be waived.
If you are concerned about identity theft then there are a variety of steps you can take to protect yourself. Start by contacting the fraud department of the three major credit bureaus and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit report. Next get a copy of your credit report to make sure no fraudulent accounts have been setup.
You can also get your drivers license flagged by the Fraud Analysis Unit of the Florida DMV. Contact the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles Fraud Analysis Unit at 850-617-2010. If you are a victim of identity theft or fraud you can contact the Florida Attorney General for assistance.
Protect Your Identity
Here are tips from the Florida DMV on how to protect your identity from theft:
- Destroy (shred) all old licenses and identification cards once you renew and receive your replacements.
- Driving Record - every year purchase a copy of your driving record to review for tickets not issued to you.
- Mailbox - do not leave mail in mailbox overnight and/or stop your mail when away from home.
- Secure Important Documents - when not needed lock up extra credit cards, social security card and passport.
- New Checks - pick up bank rather than having them mailed.
- Paid Bills - do not leave paid bills in mailbox instead drop off at post office.
- Social Security Number - do not give it out when asked, instead, inform merchants you want to use other identity.
- Shred Important Docs - shred paperwork with personal information and financial information before putting garbage.