[snowsislander]

The first thing I wanted to know was, of course, if civilians scanning state-issued drivers licenses constituted a dangerous and insecure situation. "The situation with hackers -- can the data be intercepted, can the database be hacked -- is scary, but it's not really a realistic threat when you consider the other information available to them, like credit card numbers and social security numbers," he replied. "This is just yet another database of information on you."

There isn't a lot someone can do with your driver's license number -- it's not nearly as important as a social security number, unless you live in a state like Arizona which uses your SSN as your driver's license number.

I am surprised that Mr. Schneier didn't point out that several states include the SSN in the encoded information on the driving licenses that they issue, so any "swiping" of information from those licenses could also be a serious breach of personal information.

[weegee]

The first breach is the driver’s license bureau requesting your SSN which is NONE of their business.

There are data thieves within the DPS and DMV and there are crooks working there who knowingly sell REAL driver’s licenses (even multiples) to people with false “information”.

They get caught (and some like the lady in Tennessee get murdered) but it happens.

Don’t fear the restaurant or store peeking at your SSN when you don’t need an SSN to drive a car but the State wants to exert power over deadbeat dads (even if you are a woman and/or have never sired kids).