Preventing Driver's License Theft of the Deceased

Identify theft of driver's license is one of the most common of all identity frauds. Preventing a recently deceased persons license from being used for fraudulent reasons is essential. Driver's licenses are stolen and reissued all the time. To assure that the driver's license of a deceased person is not stolen, it is important to notify the proper state agency of the death.

As soon as possible after the copies of the Death Certificates are received, write a letter to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. Enclose a photocopy of the death certificate and return the driver's license to the proper authorities. It is wise to send this letter by certified mail with return receipt requested.

Sample Letter

Date
State Driver License Services
Address
City, State, ZIP

Re:Drivers license number
Name (of deceased)
Address (of deceased)
City, State, ZIP

Dear Sir/Madam:

I wish to inform you that (name of deceased) is deceased as of (date of death). Please mark your records accordingly so that no drivers license activity will occur using his/her name or social security number. I am enclosing his/her current driver's license and a photocopy of the death certificate for your use.

Should you need additional information, please contact me.

Respectfully,

Your name
Your address
Your City, State, ZIP
Telephone number (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Enclosures/2

Other Special Issue Licenses

Should the deceased have any other special issue licenses, such as a Permit to Carry a Concealed Weapon, a letter of notification should be sent to the licensing agency as soon as possible. Return the license and include a photocopy of the death certificate. This letter should be mailed certified with a return receipt requested.

Stolen licenses may be in use for years without anyone knowing of their existence. Only when something bad happens does the fraud surface. A letter informing of a DUI, or an issue of a warrant for arrest for a shooting, is not good news and not something a bereaved family needs to think about, much less worry over. In this case, the old adage is true: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".