A Word About Your Driver's L:icense

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION

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Province continues improvements to driver's licence security

Fraud Awareness Month highlights new penalties for driver's licence fraud

TORONTO, March 17 - Individuals who use a fake driver's licence or who make false statements when applying for a driver's licence or vehicle permit face stiff new penalties, Transportation Minister Harinder Takhar announced today as part of Fraud Awareness Month in Ontario.

"These changes will help prevent fraud and better protect all Ontarians by ensuring the integrity of Ontario's driver licence issuance and vehicle registration systems," said Takhar.

As of March 15, 2006, the Transportation Statute Law Amendment Act 2005 states that people convicted of:

- having or using a fake, altered or fraudulently obtained driver's licence could be fined anywhere from $400 to $50,000. Previous fines ranged from $60 to $500.

- making a false statement when applying for a driver's licence, or vehicle permit, either over the Internet or at a Service Ontario kiosk could be fined anywhere from $400 to $5,000. Previously the fines ranged from $100 to $500.

"Victims of identity theft can suffer money losses, a poor credit rating and a ruined reputation," said Minister of Government Services Gerry Phillips.

"Better driver's licence security is just one of the things this government is doing to combat identity theft. Last year the province took action and asked Ontarians how best to help prevent identity theft."

The higher fines for using false information are in addition to the existing penalties of a vehicle permit or driver's licence suspension of up to six months plus up to 30 days in jail.

In Ontario there are an average of 360 convictions a year for using a fake or fraudulently obtained driver's licence.

"Not only does this new legislation increase the security of Ontario's driver licensing system. It also sends a strong message that fraud arising from the abuse of driver's licences will not be tolerated," said Mark Yakabuski, Vice-President of Federal Affairs and Ontario, Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Over 24 countries are participating in Fraud Awareness Month (March), which is led by the Fraud Prevention Forum and chaired by Industry Canada's Competition Bureau. The forum is made up of governments, law enforcement agencies, consumer groups and private companies.

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Backgrounder

The first step in fraud prevention is education.

As part of international Fraud Awareness Month this March, the McGuinty government is working to raise public awareness of the dangers of fraud.

Over 24 countries are participating in Fraud Awareness Month, led by the Fraud Prevention Forum, which is chaired by Industry Canada's Competition Bureau.

Tips to prevent driver's licence fraud

1. Do not dispose of an expired driver's licence, or any other document with personal information, without first cutting or shredding it. This helps guard against "dumpster diving" by identity thieves who rummage through refuse seeking identity and credit information in order to obtain goods and services in your name.

2. Never provide your driver's licence number, or other personal information, in response to unsolicited requests.

3. Consider photocopying key pieces of identification in your wallet and securely storing the copies at home. If your wallet is lost or stolen, the copies will make it easier for you to notify the appropriate institutions.

If your driver's licence is lost, stolen or damaged

- contact a Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office or

- visit MTO's website www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/replace.htm or

- contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Call Centre at 416-235-2999 or toll free 1-800-387-3445

Strengthening driver's licence security

The province is committed to strengthening the security and integrity of the driver's licence issuance process and vehicle registration to ensure that only legitimate and qualified applicants receive permits.

When applying for a driver's licence you must provide proof of your legal name, date of birth (day, month and year) and signature.

The documents must be original and valid.

Photocopies and expired documents are not acceptable.

As of January 23, 2006, the following documents are acceptable:

1. Passport (Canadian or foreign)

2. Canadian citizenship card with photo

3. Permanent immigration documents:
a. Permanent resident card
b. Confirmation of permanent residence (IMM 5292)(*)
c. Record of landing (IMM 1000)

4. Temporary immigration documents:
a. Student authorization (IMM 1442)
b. Employment authorization (IMM 1442)
c. Visitor record (IMM 1442)
d. Temporary resident's permit (IMM 1442) (Formerly Minister's/Extension of Minister's permit)
e. Refugee status claim (IMM 1434)
f. Acknowledgement of intent to claim refugee status (IMM 7703 with photo)
g. Report pursuant to the immigration act (IMM 1442 with photo)

5. Birth certificate (Canadian and US)

6. Canadian Certificate of Indian Status

7. Driver's licence (Canadian and US)

8. Identity card (Canadian and US) government issued or student card

9. Ontario health card (if voluntarily presented)

10. Marriage certificate (Canadian or Foreign) government issued

11. Change of Name Certificate

12. Court order

13. Sworn affidavit with supporting documents to be accompanied with appropriate immigration documents (e.g., certified copies of school or employment records)

If an applicant is unable to present one of the above documents as proof of signature, the applicant may present a completed 'Declaration from a Guarantor' form attesting to their signature.

Applicants must first ensure that no other acceptable documents for signature are available from the list
identified above.

Guarantor forms may be downloaded from the MTO website at
www.mto.gov.on.ca, or from the DriveTest website at www.drivetest.ca

Alternatively, applicants can request a copy of the declaration at a DriveTest centre.

(*) The form number assigned by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

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