Because you need your Iowa driver's license to legally operate a motor vehicle, it's important to replace a lost license as soon as possible. Fortunately, the Iowa Department of Transportation has made it easy to obtain a duplicate license.

You'll need to visit your nearest Iowa driver's license station during regular business hours. You'll be required to produce two forms of identification from a list of acceptable documents. Only original documentation is allowed; no photocopies or faxes will be accepted. In some cases, the digital photograph the DOT has on file from your previous license may be used as partial proof of your identity.

While your duplicate license will be valid only until the expiration date for the license that was lost or stolen, it costs a mere $3.

Replacing a Lost License While Outside the State or Country

If you have lost your driver's license while traveling outside Iowa, call the Iowa Department of Transportation's Office of Driver Services as soon as possible at (800) 532-1121. Once you've completed a short phone application process, the DOT will mail you a temporary paper license. This license will allow you to legally drive until you are able to visit your nearest driver's license office in person to obtain a duplicate license.

Unfortunately, temporary paper licenses are generally not valid as proof of your identity. If you are required to show photo identification while your driver's license is missing, you'll need to make alternate arrangements. In many cases, a passport or identification card issued by your school or place of employment can be used as photo identification when your driver's license is unavailable.

Avoiding Identity Theft

Identity theft is on the rise in Iowa. Victims of identity theft have had their driving privileges suspended and their credit ratings destroyed. Worse, they've been been held criminally liable for acts committed by someone misusing their identity.

For this reason, it is very important that you promptly report a missing driver's license and any other lost or stolen documents to the proper local law enforcement officials. The Iowa Department of Transportation has a special investigative unit within the Office of Motor Vehicle Enforcement that assists drivers who have been victims of identity theft relating to a stolen license, identification card, or vehicle title.

But it's better to avoid the problem altogether. Here are some simple steps you can take to prevent identity theft:

• Don't carry your birth certificate, Social Security card, or vehicle title in your purse or wallet.

• Shred your bills, receipts, financial records, and credit card applications to prevent unlawful use of your personal data.

• If you've recently lost your driver's license or other personal identification, place a "fraud alert" on your credit file to prevent new accounts from being opened without your consent.

• Review your credit report and driving record on a yearly basis to look for suspicious or inaccurate data.

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