COLONEL GREGORY CHANDLER--SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER REMOVAL ON ID CARDS

The Department of Defense (DOD) is removing social security numbers (SSNs) from uniformed services identification (ID) cards, including the Common Access Card (CAC).  This ongoing effort
is part of the continued effort to protect the privacy and
security of military beneficiaries. 

SSNs are being replaced with 10-digit DOD ID numbers.  If one has DOD benefits, an 11-digit DOD Benefits Number (DBN) is also printed on the ID card.  The DBN is located above the bar code on the back of a uniformed services ID card or CAC. 

GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law
Colonel, U. S. Army Reserves

GREGORY CHANDLER-NO PHOTOCOPIES OF GOVERNMENT IDENTIFICATION

In most instances, it is unlawful for non-government businesses
to photocopy military identification cards and military common access cards. 

Individuals should know that photocopying of U. S. government identification is a violation of Title 18, U. S. Code Part 1, Chapter 33, Section 701.  A violation is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.

Many military members, military dependents, and DOD employees are unaware of this federal law. 

Criminal elements and terrorist organizations place U. S. government identifications as a high value when engaging in spying or planning acts against the U. S. government.

Although commercial establishments are not prohibited from asking for military or government identification, many government personnel and commercial establishments are unaware of the prohibition on duplication of government identification. 

Unfortunately, there are no safeguards in place to ensure that a government identification is not counterfeited or cloned based
on a photocopy by a commercial establishment. 

It is recommended that military personnel and DOD personnel provide a state driver license or other form of photo identification to be photocopied if an establishment insists on photocopying identification. 
  

GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law
Colonel, U. S. Army Reserve