ByWhere to File a Police Report for a Lost ID
It can happen to anyone. You reach into your pocket, wallet, or purse to discover that your ID isn't where it's supposed to be. You check the usual places at home and in your car, but you could have sworn you know where it was, and now it's missing. A lost ID can be as stressful as it is inconvenient. If it's your driver's license, you may not be able to legally drive without it. If it's your student ID, you might not be able to access your classes or use your meal plan. No matter what type of official ID you have lost, there is a serious risk of identity theft if it falls into the wrong hands.
Whether it was stolen from your pocket or found by someone untrustworthy, you may need to let the police know that your ID is missing. But ? If the answer isn't quick and easy, DoNotPay can help you avoid identity theft and get that police report filed without hassle, so you can focus on replacing your ID as quickly as possible.
Why Report a Missing ID to the Police?
| It might be used for identity theft | If you can't find your ID, there is a short window of time to look before it's time to file a police report. Why? Because if the wrong person has your ID, they have everything they need to start a solid identity theft campaign. Your government-issued ID or an ID from your school or work has your full name, your photo, and likely your home address. More importantly, many identity verification services require a photo of your ID to move forward with sensitive actions, like opening a line of credit or buying restricted products.
A person who looks like you can also use your ID to give your name when they commit crimes and bad acts. Someone who looks even a little like you can claim to have changed their hair, gained weight, or be wearing their glasses even if there is no resemblance at all. |
| It might have been stolen | If you've checked everywhere your ID could be - under the car seat and in the deepest reaches of your bag, then your ID may have been stolen. This is even more likely if your entire wallet is missing or you may have let it slip from your pocket and it was stolen in a moment of opportunity by an unkind stranger.
In this case, a crime has been committed, and the best way to prevent opportunistic identity theft and start the hunt for a local pickpocket and wallet thief. |
| It may turn up in the wrong hands | Finally, a standing police report increases the chances that your ID will find its way back to you. The police may pick up your pick-pocket committing another crime and then find your reported-stolen ID in their possession. |
What Is Required to File an Online Report?
If you intend to file your police report online, you'll need some of your basic information on hand when you fill out the report.
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Street address
- Drivers license number (if you remember it or have a photo)
- Last known location
- Any known suspects
Where to File a Police Report for a Lost ID on Your Own
? If you're ready to file, you have three options, and only one of them is online.
| Online |
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| Phone |
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| In-Person |
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No matter which route you take, be sure to ask for a copy of your police report, either photocopied or emailed to you. This ensures that you have the case number and can follow-up, and that the report can't be lost or disappear which happens from time to time.
Don't Forget to Re-Order Your ID
If your ID isn't about to show back up, you will need to order a new one. You cannot legally drive without your driver's license and missing your work or school ID comes with its hassles. If it's your government ID that's missing, contact the local DMV or relevant office and request a new one. The good news is that carrying a print-out of your ID order or temporary ID can allow you to drive temporarily.
It can take a few days, or weeks, to get a new ID so start the ball rolling right away by reporting your ID lost or stolen to request a new one.
The Next Steps if Your First Try Doesn't Work
What if the online portal breaks or doesn't load? What if you take the time to fill out a missing ID police report, but it doesn't submit? Technical difficulties can happen to any website and, let's be fair, government websites are usually not the most modern or well-maintained. If the online reporting system doesn't work and you don't have time to do the whole rigamarole over the phone for a missing ID.
If you have done everything you can to report your lost ID to the police and it just hasn't worked, you'll need to take additional measures. But first, sign up for identity protection. You will want to keep an eye on your identity for the next few months to make sure whoever has your ID doesn't use it for identity theft - like to take out loans in your name.
How to File a Police Report for a Lost ID With the Help of DoNotPay
Fortunately, you're not out of options. DoNotPay can help you overcome technical difficulties and customer service failures - even with police reports. Let us know that you need to file a police report and we'll take care of the rest. Broken websites and long phone waiting times are no issue for us - we're pros at dealing with hard-to-reach government offices.
Outline where you lost the ID and any relevant information you may have about when and how it disappeared - along with your local police branch. Then we'll take care of the rest by filing a police report with all the important details to keep your identity safe and maybe even see your ID again.
How to File a Police Report Using DoNotPay
If you want to file a police report but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 3 easy steps. These are:
- Search "police report" on DoNotPay and select the type of incident you would like to report.
- Tell us more about the incident that occurred, including the location, date, time, and sequence of events. Include information on financial losses, personal injuries, or property damage that happened as a result.
- List any suspects or witnesses you are aware of, verify your contact information, and submit.
Why Use DoNotPay to File Police Reports
Filing a police report can be tedious, stressful, and even impossible if the online form is broken. However, DoNotPay is an online service and we know how to deal with police departments for the big and little stuff. We know how to fill out a detailed police report, so you can be sure there will be no mistakes in the paperwork and how to get it pushed through, even if we have to fax it to them using ancient paperwork technology.
You can know for certain that your was filed and you have as much protection as the law can offer. In addition. DoNotPay can help you protect yourself from identity theft, just in case your ID is in the wrong hands, with just a few more clicks of a button.
DoNotPay Works for All Types of Police Reports
- File a Police Report Anywhere
- How to File a Police Report for a Car Accident
- How to File a Police Report for a Hit-and-Run
- How to File a Police Report for a Stolen Phone
- How to File a Police Report for Identity Theft
- How to File a Police Report for a Stolen Package
- How to File a Police Report
- How to File a Police Report for Scammer
- How to File a Police Report for a Stolen Wallet
- How to File a Police Report for Stolen Items
What Else Can DoNotPay Do?
- Sex Offender Search
- Small Claims Court
- Insurance Claims