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Identity theft crimes are on the rise, causing nationwide concern. In Iowa, the department of Transportation's Office of Motor Vehicle Enforcement is taking an aggressive stand on identity theft relating to your driver's license, identification and motor vehicle title(s). When someone uses your identity to obtain an Iowa driver's license, ID or title, the Office of Motor Vehicle Enforcement's Investigative Unit may be able to help you. How does identity theft occur? Identity thieves steal or obtain Social Security cards and numbers, birth certificates, immigration documents or personal information that is unique to you. The identity thief can then use this information to:
As a result, your driving privileges can be suspended and your credit rating destroyed. In addition, you may have trouble obtaining government benefits, and you may be held liable in civil suites or criminal cases for motor vehicle incidents. You may also be accused of not reporting wages, which can result in a substantial tax liability. All of these problems will require countless hours of telephone and written communications to resolve the problem. How to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Are you a victim of identity theft? If you are a victim of identity theft relating to your Iowa driver's license, ID or motor vehicle title, the Iowa Department of Transportation's Office of Motor Vehicle Enforcement has an investigative unit that may be able to assist you with this crime. If an investigation is conducted, it may result in clearing your driving record and determining proper ownership of vehicles. If necessary, the Office of Motor Vehicle Enforcement may assist you by notifying other private and government agencies of the results of the investigation. In addition, the investigation may result in filing of criminal charges and administrative sanctions against the offender. Office of Motor Vehicle Enforcement In order to deter identity theft, the Office of Motor Vehicle Enforcement's Investigative Unit requests your assistance in reporting anyone you may know who is using a stolen identity. To report the misuse of someone's identity, please contact:
How to file a complaint In order to file an identity theft complaint, you will be required to complete a written or electronic complaint form, provided by the Office of Motor Vehicle Enforcement, along with requested records and supporting documents. To file a complaint or to obtain more information on identity theft, you can contact the Office of Motor Vehicle Enforcement by calling our headquarters, submitting a request in writing, or sending an e-mail to our driver's license fraud coordinator at paul.steier@dot.iowa.gov. More information can be obtained from:
Additional government agencies to contact about identity theft are:
To obtain information concerning your driving record, you must personally appear at your local driver's license station and be able to prove your identity. To obtain information concerning registration and title records, you may contact your local county treasurer's office.
ŠIowa Department of Transportation, Motor
Vehicle Division |
