Yes, but not as easily as with other information

A thief can use your driver's license number to commit identity theft, but it is not their first choice. Your license number alone is less useful than your Social Security number or full name plus date of birth, because most financial institutions and government agencies do not treat it as a primary identifier. That said, someone with your license number can still open accounts, apply for credit, or file fraudulent tax returns — especially if they also have your name, address, or other personal details.

The real risk depends on what else they have. A driver's license number by itself, without a name or address attached, is nearly worthless to a thief. But if someone has your number plus information from a data breach, a lost wallet, or a public record, they can move quickly. The damage happens not because the number itself is magic, but because it is one more piece of proof that you are who you say you are.

Key Takeaways

  • Your driver's license number alone is less valuable to a thief than your Social Security number, but it can still be used to open accounts or apply for credit if combined with other personal information.
  • Thieves most often get your license number from a lost or stolen wallet, a data breach at a business where you provided it, or a public records search.
  • You cannot freeze or lock your driver's license the way you can with credit, but you can place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus to make new accounts harder to open.
  • If you suspect your license number has been compromised, contact your state's DMV immediately and monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts.

How thieves actually use a driver's license number

A thief with your license number can use it as proof of identity when opening a bank account, applying for a credit card, or signing up for utilities. Many businesses ask for a license number as a secondary form of identification, and some store it in their system. If the thief also has your name and address — which they often do — they can call a credit card company, claim to be you, and use the license number to answer security questions or verify their identity over the phone.

The license number is also useful for filing a false tax return. The IRS does not require your license number, but some tax software and tax preparers ask for it. A thief who files a return in your name before you do can claim your refund. They might also use the number to apply for a loan, rent an apartment, or set up accounts with utilities or phone companies.

What a thief cannot easily do is access your existing bank accounts or credit cards. Banks and credit card companies use account numbers, not license numbers, to verify who you are. So if someone has only your license number, they cannot drain your savings account or run up charges on your current credit card.

Where your license number gets exposed

The most common way a thief gets your driver's license number is from a lost or stolen wallet. If you lose your wallet, your license is visible and your address is printed on it — that is two pieces of information a thief needs right there. A thief who finds your wallet can use the license number and address to open accounts before you even realize it is gone.

Data breaches are another major source. Retailers, healthcare providers, and other businesses sometimes store your license number in their system, and when their database is hacked, your number is exposed. You may not know this happened until months later, when you notice fraudulent accounts on your credit report. Breaches at car rental companies, hotels, and medical offices are particularly common because these businesses routinely collect and store license numbers.

Your license number can also be found through public records searches. Many states make driver's license information available to insurance companies, law enforcement, and other authorized parties, but some information leaks into public databases. If you search your own name online, you might find your license number listed on a data broker website or a people-search site.

What to do if you think your license number is compromised

Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles as soon as you suspect your license number has been stolen or exposed. You cannot freeze your driver's license the way you can freeze your credit, but the DMV can flag your account and issue you a new license number. Some states will do this for free if you report the theft; others charge a small fee. Ask the DMV whether they recommend placing a fraud alert on your license, which makes it harder for someone to use your number to get a duplicate license or register a vehicle in your name.

Next, place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity in person or by phone before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by contacting any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and can be renewed.

Check your credit report from all three bureaus for accounts you do not recognize. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each bureau once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent accounts, dispute them with the credit bureau and the creditor. Keep records of all your communications — dates, names, reference numbers — because you will need them if the fraud continues.

Monitoring your credit after exposure

After you discover your license number has been compromised, check your credit report every few months for the next year. Look for new accounts, hard inquiries from lenders you did not contact, or changes to your address or phone number. Many credit card companies and banks offer free credit monitoring to their customers, so check whether your bank provides this service.

Consider placing a credit freeze instead of just a fraud alert, especially if you do not plan to apply for new credit soon. A credit freeze prevents lenders from accessing your credit report at all, which makes it nearly impossible for a thief to open accounts in your name. A freeze is free to place and remove, though some states charge a small fee to lift it temporarily. The downside is that you will have to lift the freeze yourself when you want to apply for a loan or credit card.

If you discover fraudulent accounts or charges, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov. The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but your report becomes part of a national database that helps law enforcement track identity theft trends. You will also receive an identity theft report that you can use to dispute fraudulent accounts with creditors and credit bureaus.

How to protect your license number going forward

Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet — leave it at home in a safe place. Your driver's license is harder to avoid carrying, but you can reduce the risk by keeping your wallet in a secure location and not leaving it unattended in public. If you must provide your license number to a business, ask why they need it and whether they can use a different form of identification instead. Many businesses ask for your license number out of habit, not necessity.

When you shop online or over the phone, never give your license number unless you initiated the contact and trust the company. Legitimate businesses rarely ask for your license number over the phone or email. If a company asks for it, hang up and call the company's main number to verify the request.

Be cautious about which websites you allow to access your information. Data brokers and people-search sites collect license information from public records and sell it. You can request that these sites remove your information, though the process is slow and you may have to repeat it. Check your state's DMV website for instructions on opting out of public records sales — some states allow this, and others do not.

The difference between a fraud alert and a credit freeze

A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts. When you place a fraud alert, lenders must contact you by phone or mail at the number or address on file before approving new credit. A fraud alert is free, lasts one year, and can be renewed. The downside is that lenders might still open accounts if they cannot reach you, and the alert does not prevent all fraud.

A credit freeze locks your credit report so that lenders cannot see it at all without your permission. This makes it nearly impossible for a thief to open accounts in your name, because lenders cannot pull your credit report to approve the application. A freeze is also free and can be lifted or removed at any time. The downside is that you have to lift the freeze yourself when you want to apply for credit, which takes a few hours to a few days depending on the bureau.

For most people, a fraud alert is the right first step after discovering your license number has been compromised. If you do not plan to apply for new credit in the next year, a credit freeze offers stronger protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone open a bank account with just my driver's license number?

Not easily. Most banks require a physical ID, a Social Security number, and proof of address to open an account. However, if a thief has your license number plus your name and address, they might be able to open an account online or by mail at a bank with weaker verification procedures. This is why monitoring your bank and credit card statements is important.

Will my insurance rates go up if someone uses my license number to get a ticket?

Possibly, if the ticket is recorded under your license number and you do not dispute it. If you receive a ticket notice for a violation you did not commit, contact the court immediately and explain that you were not driving. Bring proof of your location at the time of the violation if you have it. The court can dismiss the ticket and remove it from your record.

What if someone uses my license number to rent a car and does not return it?

Contact the rental company immediately and explain that you did not rent the vehicle. Provide them with a copy of your fraud report from the FTC. The rental company may pursue the person who rented the car, but you are not responsible for the rental charges or the missing vehicle. Document all your communications with the rental company in case they try to bill you later.

Can I get a new driver's license number without renewing my license?

This varies by state. Some states will issue a new license number for free if you report identity theft; others require you to renew your license to get a new number. Contact your state's DMV to ask about their policy. Even if you have to renew, the cost is usually less than $50.

Do I need to report my stolen license number to the police?

You can file a police report, but many police departments do not investigate identity theft cases involving only a license number. A police report can be useful if you need documentation for disputing fraudulent accounts with creditors. The FTC report is usually sufficient for credit disputes, but having both gives you more options.