THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508310413
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
Starting Friday, Virginians can choose not to have their Social Security number appear on their driver's license.
A new law allows drivers to request a random number instead.
The Department of Motor Vehicles used to require that the Social Security number be used. Because licenses often are requested as identification for writing checks and paying by credit card, consumers were forced to reveal their Social Security number to people who had no legal right to know it.
``Consumers should protect their Social Security number just as they do their credit card number,'' said Christie Vernon, vice president of the Virginia Citizens Consumer Council, which pushed for the legislation passed by the General Assembly this year.
``The SSN is a key financial identifier,'' Vernon said. ``In the wrong hands, it can be fraudulently used to take out credit cards, open bank accounts, claim benefits and gain access to personal records.''
Drivers whose licenses are up for renewal in September can request a random, computer-generated number. Drivers who wish to replace their current license will be charged DMV's standard $5 replacement fee. New drivers who don't want to use their Social Security number can check a box on the license application form. by CNB