In an effort to protect Ohio citizens against identity theft, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has enlisted the help of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify Social Security numbers, dates of birth and/or names of those individuals who are either first time issuances or are renewing their licenses or identification cards,

The verification process occurs during a customer's transaction and takes as little as two seconds to complete. The American Association of Motor Vehicles Administrators (AAMVA) supplies a link between the BMV and the SSA for the verification process.

If the person's name, Social Security number and/or birth date does not match the information on file with the SSA, a new license or ID card will not be issued until proper documents proving the information can be produced. For example: Individuals who have had a name change will need to bring proper documentation of the name change with them whenever they renew their license or ID card, until the records are updated.

Identity theft occurs when someone obtains important personal information, such as a Social Security number to commit fraud or theft. Identity thieves are information seekers who do not need to steal a wallet or purse to do serious damage. Once the personal information is obtained, imposters can open fraudulent credit card accounts, secure deposits on houses and cars, create insurance benefits and drain personal finance accounts.

Ohio began verifying Social Security numbers in May 2001. Ohio is among more than 20 states participating in this program. Several states such as Missouri, Massachusetts, California and Tennessee also verify Social Security numbers.