Why is it so hard to prove identity?

Question

I had to show two forms of ID for a job. No problem right? That's a lie. I had my social security card and my birth certificate. They couldn't accept them because I didn't have a photo ID. Well, my ID was lost so I went to get a new one. Then they tell me that they can't accept my social security card because there was two signatures on it. Let me explain. I got my social security card 8 years ago. I signed it with one of those milky pens. It faded so I went back over it with a black pen. Every other place has accepted it. Did I just have a witch wait on me or has anyone else been told this?

Sorry, I'm venting a little here.

I understand about the identity theft part. I don't think this lady wanted me to get a new license. When I handed her my birth certificate, she said she didn't think she could accept that either because it had a tear from where the state seal was stamped....

Answer 1

I'm right there with you. I have gone through a huge amount of bs just trying to get my address changed. Here's my story. I moved to a new residence. My driver's license, vehicle registration, and gun permit are all listed under my old address. All of them needed to be changed. According to the BMV, I have to change my driver's license first so that when I change the other things, my primary identification shows my new address. Because of the new 9/11 rules for changing info on a license, I have to show a social security card (nothing can substitute for it) to change my address. My purse was stolen many years ago, and my SS card was stolen. I have never replaced it. At the SS office, I filled out the form for a replacement and listed my new address for the card to be mailed to. (I did forward my mail when I moved, but I do not want to take a chance of it not forwarding. It has happened to several pieces of mail already.) They refused to process my forms because my new address is not what is on my driver's license. So...this is my dilemma. I cannot get a new SS card without my license being changed. I cannot get my license changed without a SS card. I cannot update my vehicle registration or gun permit without the updated license. It is a circle of contradictions. I hate red tape. The worst part is, even the people who work there cannot give me a solution. Grrrr. Ok, I vented too.

Answer 2

It is so hard to prove identity because identity theft is a HUGE problem in this country. Fake ID's, passports, social security cards, and driver's licenses are everywhere. When applying for any job, you must complete the I-9 form which you are refering to requiring you to have one photo ID (usually a driver's license) and one other form of ID (usually a social security card).

Answer 3

You can get a copy of your SS card.

I think people are a little reticent to accept anything that might be fraudulent. Wouldn't you rather they do that, rather than risk the possibility of someone else using your identity?