Identity Theft Prevention & your Driving Record

Did you know the full impact an identity theft can
have on your driving record?

Since an identity thief can use your personal
information to obtain a driver's license in your name,
we recommend you should check your Department of Motor
Vehicles (DMV) file annually.

Here's why we urge you to take notice.

Driving records are state driver's license reports
containing details about a driver's history including
accidents, violations and suspensions.

Driving records can be obtained by insurance companies
to determine your rates as well as by companies during
their employment screening procedures when hiring.
Some employers may even require that you submit your
driving record along with your employment application.

A single typo on your driving record can cost you
hundreds of dollars in insurance rates. It can even
cost you a job.

Also, if an identity thief has impersonated you it
could ultimately cause your driving privileges to even
be suspended or subject you to an arrest.

For example, an imposter (the id thief) is cited by
the police for a speeding or some other misdemeanor
traffic violation and is released from the arrest. The
imposter signs the citation and promises to appear in
court. If the imposter does not appear in court the
judge can issue a bench warrant for the arrest of that
imposter.

Since the arrest warrant, however, is under YOUR name
you now are subject to being arrested and jailed for
the identity thief's traffic violations.

You, may not even know there's an outstanding arrest
warrant for you until an unexpected routine traffic
stop by the police results in you being taken to
county jail and booked.

Even though you're an innocent victim, guess what, you
have the added embarrassment, the court time, attorney fees,
& potential job loss to deal with while attempting
to clear your good name from the criminal records
system.

So, today's tip is we recommend for you to review your
own driving record report to verify its accuracy,
especially since an employer or insurance company may
access your driving record and use it to make
decisions that affect you livelihood. You wouldn't
want to lose your chance for a job or have your
insurance rates increase unfairly because of
inaccurate or false information on your driving record
report, right? Or, be forced to go to jail unfairly?

While you can choose to visit your local DMV office,
here's an on-line resource we found which points to
all fifty states request process. (select your state
from the drop down field located in the top center of
the page).