I lost my driver’s license! When that happens, you’re likely to feel a surge of anxiety and worry. However, it’s important to remain calm and take appropriate action. This is because a lost driver’s license poses the risk of being misused. In this article, we’ll explain in detail the risks of misuse when your driver’s license is lost, and what to do if you do lose it.
What are the possible misuses of a lost license?
Driver’s licenses contain important personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, and photo, so if you lose them, there is a risk that they may be misused. If you lose your driver’s license, you must act quickly. If your lost driver’s license falls into the hands of a malicious third party, there is a risk that it may be misused in the following ways:
- Identity theft: This is a crime in which a person misuses a driver’s license to impersonate another person and apply for credit cards or mobile phone contracts. This can result in large debts or even being involved in a crime of which the person is unaware.
- Fraudulent Identification: Forged driver’s licenses can be used to gain access to places where age verification is required. There have also been reported cases of minors being misused to drink alcohol or smoke.
- Misuse of personal information: The personal information on your driver’s license may make you a target for spam and scams.
What are the risks of license misuse?
If your driver’s license is misused, you could be subject to a variety of harms, such as fraudulent contracts or purchases through impersonation, unauthorized entry into places where age verification is required, and misuse of personal information. In the worst case scenario, you could become involved in a crime.
What to do if you don’t realize you lost it
Even if you don’t realize you lost your license, you should report it to the police to prevent it from being misused. It is also important to go through the reissue procedure at a driver’s license center or testing center and obtain a new license.
Procedures to prevent abuse
If you lose your driver’s license, the first thing you should do is stay calm. You can minimize the risk by taking the following steps: First, go to the police station and file a lost license report. This will leave evidence in case your lost license is misused. Next, contact the license center or driver’s license testing center to begin the license replacement process. At this time, be sure to check the necessary documents and fees.
In addition, just in case something goes wrong, it is important to contact your credit card company or bank and ask them to take measures to prevent the fraudulent use of your personal information. If necessary, you should also consider contacting a credit information agency and requesting that they monitor your account for fraudulent use.
The law requires you to refrain from driving until your license has been reissued. Please note that driving without a driver’s license is illegal and may result in penalties.
If you realize that you have lost your driver’s license, follow the steps below to prevent it from being misused.
- File a lost item report with the police
- Apply for reissue at a driver’s license center or testing center
- Contact your credit card company or mobile phone company and inform them of the loss of your driver’s license.
- If you are using it as identification, report the loss to the appropriate authorities.
If you lose your license and drive without it,
According to the Road Traffic Act, you are required to carry your driver’s license with you at all times while driving, and to show it if asked to do so by a police officer at a checkpoint, etc. If you lose your driver’s license and drive without it, you will be considered “not carrying your license” and will be fined 3,000 yen (as of July 2024).
If you lose your driver’s license, you must apply for a replacement as soon as possible and must not drive until the replacement is complete.
What to do if you lose your driver’s license
If you realize you have lost your driver’s license, take the following steps as soon as possible:
- File a lost item report with the police: Explain in detail the location and circumstances of the loss and file a lost item report. This can be done not only at the police station counter, but also at a police box or police post.
- Submit a lost item report to the Driver’s License Center: In addition to reporting the loss to the police, you should also submit a lost item report to the Driver’s License Center. You can also submit a lost item report by mail.
- Apply for reissue: Apply for reissue at a driver’s license center. The documents and fees required for the application can be found on the website of the driver’s license center for each prefecture.
- Consider alternative forms of identification: Since it takes time to reissue your driver’s license, consider alternative forms of identification in the meantime. You can use your health insurance card, passport, or My Number card.
Reasons and steps to contact the police immediately
If you notice that your driver’s license is lost, contact the police immediately. By submitting a lost license report, you will have proof of the damage if your license is misused. You can file this at any police station, police box, or police post.
Procedures at police stations and police stations
The police will ask you about the location and date of loss, the type of license, license number, etc. Based on this information, you will fill out a lost property report.
Required documents and preparations for submitting a lost item report
No special documentation is required to submit a lost item report. However, it will be easier if you bring identification such as your health insurance card or passport to verify your identity.
What you need and the procedure to reissue your license
Required documents for reissue and reception hours
The documents required for reissue are as follows:
- Driver’s license application form
- Identification documents (insurance card, passport, etc.)
- commission
Reception hours vary depending on the driver’s license center or testing center, so be sure to check in advance.
Procedures at driver’s license centers and testing centers
Submit your application form at a driver’s license center or testing center. Your photo will be taken, and you will be given a vision test before your new license is issued.
Possibility of same-day issuance and procedure
Some driver’s license centers and testing centers can issue licenses on the same day, but this varies depending on reception hours and congestion, so be sure to check in advance.
In the case of Tokyo
You can get your license reissued at three driver’s license testing centers.
Fuchu Driver’s License Test Center
Samezu Driver’s License Test Center
Koto Driver’s License Test Center
Weekdays: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
(Weekdays are Monday through Friday. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and the New Year holidays (December 29th to January 3rd))
Fee: 2,250 yen (as of July 2024)
Lost license Q&A
If I lose my driver’s license, do I need to report it to the police?
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Yes, you do. Your driver’s license may be misused, so if you notice that it is lost, you should report it to the police as soon as possible.
If I lose my driver’s license, can I get it reissued on the same day?
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The reissue procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. In principle, once the reissue procedure is completed at a driver’s license testing center or driver’s license center, your driver’s license will be reissued on the same day . However, depending on the congestion situation and reception hours, it may be delayed until a later date. Please check in advance.
If I lose my driver’s license, do I need to have a photo taken of it?
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Yes, you will need a new photo when you re-issue your driver’s license. You can use a photo machine at a driver’s license testing center or police station, or you can bring your own photo (regular size).
What should I do if I lose my driver’s license and then find it after it has been reissued?
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Please use the reissued license and return the license you found to the Driver’s License Center or police station.
If I lose my driver’s license, can I only apply on weekdays?
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Generally, driver’s license testing is only available on weekdays, but some driver’s license testing centers may also accept applications on Saturdays and Sundays, so be sure to check in advance.
If I lose my license, how much does it cost to have it reissued?
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As of July 2024, the fee for reissuing a driver’s license in Tokyo is2,250 yenis.
summary
If you lose your driver’s license, there is a risk that it may be misused, so it is important to act quickly. Report the loss to the police or the driver’s license center and apply for a reissue as soon as possible. Also, to prevent loss, keep your license in a safe place and be careful not to lose it when carrying it around.
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