By Staff
LANSING -- Beginning May 3, Michigan will join 49 other states in the mandatory collection of Social Security numbers from applicants for original, renewal and replacement drivers' licenses.
The Department of State has developed strict internal controls and special procedures to safeguard Social Security numbers and ensure the privacy of Michigan residents will be protected, said a press release from the office of Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land.
This action complies with the 1996 federal Welfare Reform Act and a subsequent federal court ruling.
in 2001 that denied Michigan's challenge to the requirement.
The law mandates that all states collect Social Security numbers from driver's license applicants for use in child-support enforcement. Michigan's Family Independence Agency estimats $200 million in federal funds are at risk if the state does not comply with the requirement.
It will not be necessay to present an actual Social Security card when applying for a driver's license. The state will verify all Social Security numbers. A person who has never been issued a Social Security number must certify to that fact ona form provided by the branch office. Individual who make a false statement regarding their Social Security number are subject to a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to five years.
Land appealed to Michigan motorists to be patient with branch office employees as they implement these changes.