Why would the Post Office want my drivers license number?

[Raven]

I think I goofed today. I had a notice in my post office box to check with the clerk and I did because I thought maybe I had a package. Turns out, he says the PO is "updating" their info and he wanted my drivers license number. There was a line waiting behind me (which is no excuse) so I gave it to him...is this a way to look for illegals? I should have raised hell but maybe it is too late. Maybe we are too far down the slippery slope. Are they monitoring my mail????

[RazBerryBeret]

1. that does sound weird.

why would your PO box be dependent on a driver's license? what if you didn't have a driver's license? too bad you didn't have time to question that...

[Raven]

3. I think I'm becomming a sheep. I will go back and question this.

What scares me is how easy I rolled over. Shit!

[gateley]

5. If my friendly -- almost consider them friends --

at the post office asked for my DL number, I don't think the alarm bells would go off for me, either, so don't be too hard on yourself.

Go and sin no more! Remember this the next time something like this occurs!

[RazBerryBeret]

7. because most of us are trusting and don't like looking

for the bad side in every thing we do. there's most likely some legitimate reason. good luck!!!

[gateley]

2. Call them and ask for an explanation.

And have the ACLU on speed dial.

[hiaasenrocks]

4. I doubt it's to monitor your mail.

Why would they need your DL# to do that? They have your mail anyway.

It could just be a way of cataloging PO boxes. Much better than using a SS#.

[The Straight Story]

6. A quick look:

How to Rent a Post Office box

Sometimes a home address is too personal to give out or frequent relocation makes address changes burdensome. Renting a PO Box provides privacy and convenience in capturing one place to retrieve postal mail.
Steps

1. There are lots of reasons to get a post office box. Maybe you have to because there is no delivery service to the house where you live. Maybe you have a business and want a special place for that mail. Maybe you want to write a letter to a friend or penpal, but don't want them to know your actual address. Maybe you just want your mail private and unavailable to anyone walking by. Whatever the reason getting a private mail box is easy.
2. Find a place to rent a box. Besides the standard, United States Postal Service (USPS), there are several places to rent mail boxes: Grocery stores, Shipping establishments. Some have waiting lists. Plan ahead in order to get the location you want.
3. Gather together three forms of I.D. (Driver's license, bank card, passport, Sheriff's I.D., mail with current address, birth certificate, S.S.number)These will work.

http://www.wikihow.com/Rent-a-Post-Office-box

:shrug:

[TomInTib]

13. Well, the PO was closed, but I DID get to drive a Tesla.

Good God, I am so amped.

[Muttocracy]

8. here's the application and privacy policy:

I think when my mom got a PO Box they wanted hers, and they checked mine too, so I could pick up mail for her. I never read the whole application though:

See pages 4-6 of the application here: http://www.usps.com/forms/_pdf/ps1093.pdf

excerpts

Updating Information. The information on your application (PS Form
1093) must always be current. As soon as any information changes (such
as address, telephone number, etc.), you are responsible for updating the
form. Failure to update the application may result in a termination of
service. We keep the form on file at the office where you use the service.

Use of Information. The U.S. Postal Service® is authorized by 39
U.S.C. 403 and 404 to collect the information on PS Form 1093. We use
the information in providing Post Office box or caller service to the
applicant, but we may disclose it:
To anyone authorized by law to serve judicial process.
To a government agency, in performance of its duties.
To a congressional office, if the boxholder requests it.
In response to a subpoena or court order.
When it pertains to a legal proceeding that involves the Postal Service.
The complete Privacy Act Statement is on the back of the application card.


on the application:
9. ID and Physical Address Verified by(Initials)

11. Two types of identification are required. One must
contain a photograph of the adressee(s). Social
Security cards, credit cards, and birth certificates are
unacceptable as identification. Write in identifiying
information. Subject to verification.

back of application:

Privacy Act Statement: Your information will be used to provide Post Office™ box or caller
services. Collection is authorized by 39 USC 401, 403, & 404.
Providing the information is voluntary, but if not provided, we will be unable to provide this
service to you. We do not disclose your information to third parties without your consent,
except to facilitate the transaction, to act on your behalf or request, or as legally required.
This includes the following limited circumstances: to a congressional office on your behalf; to
financial entities regarding financial transaction issues; to a USPS auditor; to entities,
including law enforcement, as required by law or in legal proceedings; to contractors and
other entities aiding us to fulfill the service (service providers); to process servers; to
domestic government agencies if needed as part of their duties; and to a foreign
government agency for violations and alleged violations of law. Information concerning an
individual boxholder who has filed a protective court order with the postmaster will not be
disclosed except pursuant to court order.

[TomInTib]

9. I'm going to walk over to the Post Office right now and ask.

What the hell kind of situation would call for that?

I'll be right back.

[SmileyRose]

10. I have a business box that requires my Tax ID number.

I always assumed the private boxes required some sort of proof of ID.

[bluesmail]

11. I understand your paranoia. I am a 34 year rural carrier

If they haven't asked for it in the past, you have legitimate anxiety. (Aside from the FISA Fiasco). I can find out more for you on Monday, I'm on leave right now..but you will probably have an answer sooner. :thumbsup:

[Blue Diadem]

12. I think it has to do with homeland security. We had

to do that when my son got married and moved out, something about closing and reopening the box and even though we'd had the box for 18 yrs, "new rules" said each of us still using the box had to provide proof of our identity.

Not long ago, DH had to practically give a blood sample to pick up a package for our daughter who lives here. She'd ordered hair care products from Canada. He had to fill out paperwork because the package came from out of the country.

[RaleighNCDUer]

18. The KGB, er, Homeland Security is being VERY intrusive on many,

many levels. I have no doubt it goes back to them and, most likely, a secret Total Information Awareness program. At my job DHS is behind gathering info this year on contract employees that we have never had to provide before. It all looks very minor and insignificant, unless it is all going to a central database.

When they start up the National ID card, we won't have to give them anything - it will just show up in the mail, all complete. Name, address, ph #, SSN, DOB, employment, etc. for every citizen,

[lonestarnot]

14. Rugh ro! LOL

Wouldn't have paid for me to be there. I guarantee you that! :rofl:

[exothermic]

16. See there? You missed out on another chance to abuse a worker!

That's what happens when you spend all your time on DU in the basement.
:evilgrin:

[joe_sixpack]

15. It has been that way for awhile, even before 9/11

The use of PO boxes to operate scams and fraudualant activities has gone way up in recent years. Verifying all box holders IDs is seen as a way to combat or deter this practice.

[RaleighNCDUer]

17. T.I.A. nt