Privacy

Can someone please tell me why a Social Security number is now being required by the Department of Motor Vehicles when we apply for a driver’s license? Other than knowing that it most certainly is being done somehow for my own good (not!), I am really interested in finding out what my Social Security number has to do with my driving abilities or lack thereof.

Some years ago I took exception to being asked to furnish a thumbprint to the DMV when applying for my driver’s license but at the time it was optional to do so. Now the thumbprint is no longer optional and they are asking for my Social Security number. Is anyone else out there curious or scared about this erosion of privacy that pervades our existence today?

BRIAN WATSON

West Hills