How to Retrieve Your Texas Driver’s License Number and Protect Your Identity

As a former driver with an inactive Texas license but an active Texas ID card, you might wonder how to access your driver’s license number. This article will guide you through the steps to obtain your Texas driver’s license number and provide you with tips to protect your identity from theft.

Retrieving Your Texas Driver’s License Number

To retrieve your Texas driver's license number if you no longer have a copy of your inactive license, you have a couple of options. Here are the steps:

Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety: You can visit the DPS office in person and ask for your license number. Keep in mind that the office may need some personal identification and proof of residency. Online Request: The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) also offers an online service. You will need to provide necessary personal information and follow the prompts to access your record.

Understanding the Risks of Identity Theft

Your driver's license, though it might not seem like a goldmine for identity thieves, can still be misused. Here are some ways it could be stolen or used for fraudulent purposes:

Creating fake IDs: If a thief has your license data, they can create a fake ID that mimics yours. Opening accounts: They might open accounts in your name, gaining access to sensitive financial information. Evading traffic tickets: If your ID is stolen, the thief might use it to avoid traffic tickets in your name. Collecting government benefits: Identity thieves can misuse your license to collect government benefits like unemployment checks.

Steps to Secure Your Information After a Data Breach

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, over 150 million U.S. drivers’ licenses have been compromised in data breaches since 2017. Here are the steps to secure your information and protect your identity:

Change passwords: Follow the recommendations in your data breach notification and change passwords on affected accounts. Run a dark web scan: Check if your information is available on the dark web using a free scan tool. Monitor your credit report: Check your credit report with all three credit reporting agencies (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) for unauthorized activities. Request a replacement license: Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety to obtain a new license. Background check: Consider running a background check to identify any fraudulent activities.

What to Do if Your Actual Driver’s License Is Stolen

If your actual driver’s license is stolen, it’s important to take immediate action:

File a police report: List your license as one of the items missing. Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety: They will provide instructions on how to replace your license and how to deal with driving until it is replaced. Implement fraud protection: Set up a fraud alert or a credit freeze to prevent fraudulent activities. Change door locks: If the thief also has your keys, change the locks immediately to secure your home.

Reporting Identity Theft and Stopping It

Following a thorough investigation, if you suspect identity theft, take these steps to address it:

File a report with the FTC: Use IdentityTheft.gov to register the theft. Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety: Request a fraud alert to be set up on your credit report. Request a credit freeze: With a credit freeze, no one can open new accounts in your name without your permission. Monitor regularly: Keep a close eye on your credit reports, driving record, and background checks for any signs of identity fraud. Consider identity theft protection services: While the information might already be stolen, monitoring services can help prevent further damage.

By following these steps, you can protect your identity and ensure that your driver’s license information remains secure.