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Your Social Security Number

What's on your Driver's Licence?

Why is it important to keep the Social Security number private?

The crime of identity theft is increasing at epidemic proportions. With the Social Security number accessible to so many people, it is relatively easy for someone to get it. Fraudsters can use your SSN to assume your identity and gain access to your bank account, credit accounts, utilities records, and other sources of personal information. Identity thieves can also establish new credit and bank accounts in your name.

Can a state use my SSN as my drivers' license number?

No. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 prohibits states from displaying your SSN on drivers' licenses or motor vehicle registrations. The law went into effect on December 17, 2005 and applies to all licenses, registrations, and identification cards issued after that date.*

How do I remove my Social Security Number from my driver license?

To remove your Social Security Number from your driver license or identification card, and have it replaced by a system-generated number, visit www.servicearizona.com, call toll free 877-301-8093, or visit any MVD or Authorized Third Party office. The fee for a duplicate license is $4.00.

Here are a few more tips on protecting your Social Security Number:

• Never print your Social Security number on your checks, business cards, address labels or other identifying information
   
• Do not carry your SSN card in your wallet, or other cards containing the SSN. Your wallet could be lost or stolen
   
• Attempt to resist merchants' requests to write your SSN onto your checks. Explain how you could become a victim of fraud if someone were to use your SSN and account number to gain access to your bank or credit accounts, or to open new accounts in your name. There is no law against this, so you may need to be assertive
   
• Protect your Social Security number (SSN). Release it only when absolutely necessary (like tax forms, employment records, most banking, stock and property transactions). The SSN is the key to your credit and banking accounts and is the prime target of criminals

On December 17, 2004, President Bush signed into law S. 2845, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-458). The law provides for reform of the intelligence community, terrorism prevention and prosecution, border security, and international cooperation and coordination.

Included in the legislation are the following provisions of interest to SSA:

Section 7214. Prohibition of the Display of Social Security Account Numbers on Drivers' Licenses or Motor Vehicle Registrations

Prohibits Federal, State, and local governments from displaying SSNs, or any derivative thereof, on drivers' licenses, motor vehicle registrations, or other identification documents issued by State departments of motor vehicles.

*More information on the Act is available from the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov/legislation/legis_bulletin_010705.html and from the Congressional Research Service at www.fas.org/irp/crs/RL32722.pdf.