lthough the dangers of identity theft have been recognized, and it has been shown that a consumer's Social Security number can give thieves access to their credit files, Congress passed legislation last fall which will require states to display Social Security numbers on drivers' licenses. This requirement will become effective for new applications and renewals after October, 2000. States will be required to obtain Social Security numbers and display them on or in the driver's license document so they can be read by a person or machine. The legislation was enacted as part of the immigration reform legislation, S 1664, which was incorporated into the omnibus appropriations bill signed September 30, 1996. A number of states, including Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and Virginia, will be forced to reverse their policy of making Social Security numbers optional on drivers' licenses. California's policy, which prohibits displaying a Social Security number on the face of a drivers' license, will be voided.
		ronically, the U.S. Postal Service maintains that making your Social Security number easily accessible may be dangerous, leading to identity fraud. The Chief Postal Inspector issued an advisory last fall that stated in part: "Identity fraud is digging deep into consumers' pockets. The perpetrator may use a variety of tactics to drain your finances: posing as a loan officer and ordering your credit report (which lists account numbers); "shoulder surfing" at the ATM or phone booth to get your PIN code; "dumpster diving" in trash bins for unshredded credit applications, canceled checks, or other bank records; or, until recently, notifying the Postal Service to redirect your mail to the address of choice, such as a mail drop, which allows anonymity. It may be months before you're aware you're a victim. "Do you carry your Social Security number in your wallet? Consider this: that nine-digit code gives crooks access to your medical, financial, credit, and educational records. There are no legal restrictions on private company use of Social Security numbers. What's worse, most states still use your SSN for your driver's license number."
				Don't print your Social Security number on your checks or give it out unless absolutely necessary.
				Ask creditors and merchants if you can substitute a special password or code to use instead of your Social Security number.
				Order your Social Security Earnings and Benefits Statement annually to check for fraud by calling 1 (800) 772-1213.
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