Identity fraud and theft occur when an individual illicitly acquires and employs another person's Personally Identifiable Information (PII) through deceptive means for their own benefit. Perpetrators frequently target sensitive data such as birth certificates or Social Security numbers to forge identification documents. These actions can lead to severe repercussions, such as the loss of driving privileges or significant damage to your credit status. To learn more about the various forms of identity theft, click here.
Identity thieves steal or obtain Social Security cards and numbers, birth certificates, immigration documents, or other personal information that is unique to you. The thief can use this information to:
- Obtain a driver license or ID card.
- Open a bank account or credit card in your name.
- Purchase an automobile or real estate.
- Drain personal financial accounts.
- Generate fraudulent driving and criminal records.
- Secure fraudulent government benefits.
- Gain employment
- Exploit others through human trafficking.
As a result of identity theft, your driving privileges can be suspended and your credit rating destroyed. In addition, you may have trouble obtaining government benefits, and could be held liable in civil suits 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 can require countless hours of telephone and written communications to resolve the problem.
For more information about Identity Theft, click here.
Mistaken Identity is when another person shares the same Personal Identifiable Information (PII), such as your name and date of birth, and a suspension, cancellation, or restraint is affecting your record.
Colorado Residents need to file a motion for a court order of Factual Innocence with the court of where the restraint was initiated. Once you have a court order of factual innocence, you will provide a copy of the order to the Driver Control section of the DMV.
If you are not a Colorado resident but have received information that your driving privilege in Colorado is suspended, revoked, or canceled, then you could be a victim of Identity Theft or Mistaken Identity.
Identity Theft of an Out-of-State Resident
You may be a victim of identity theft if your local DMV suggests another individual in Colorado is utilizing your Name, Date of Birth, and Social Security Number. In such instances, an investigation must be requested.
Colorado residents informed of driving restraints in a different state should contact that state to have their records cleared from the National Driver Register (NDR). This involves the state verifying you are not the individual listed on the NDR or providing a formal clearance letter. For additional details, please consult the specific state's official website.
Mistaken Identity of Out-of-State Resident
If your state DMV office has indicated your name and date of birth (ONLY) are the same as someone in Colorado who has restraints on their driving record, then this is likely a case of Mistaken Identity and can be resolved with a No Record Clearance Letter. Visit the Driver Control page for information on obtaining a No Record Clearance Letter.