Contact:  (Media Contact) Kelly Chesney 517-373-2520
Agency: Secretary of State

AUGUST 20, 2008

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is taking another significant step to ensure that driver's license and identification card applicants are in the United States legally as she continues her drive to strengthen Michigan's ID requirements.

The Department of State is now using the Social Security Online Verification (SSOLV) system developed by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators and the U.S. Social Security Administration. It lets states immediately compare a person's name, date of birth and Social Security number with information in the Social Security Administration's master file.

"Protecting our borders and safeguarding against ID fraud are top priorities," Land said. "Meeting these challenges demands that we use every tool at our disposal. Taking advantage of SSOLV technology complements our ongoing initiative as we work toward the implementation of enhanced driver's licenses and ID cards. That means greater security for our customers, state and nation."

Michigan law now requires legal presence for all driver's license and ID cardholders. First-time applicants must demonstrate legal presence by providing specific documentation, including a valid Social Security number or proof of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration. Starting immediately, the department will use SSOLV to verify Social Security numbers in "real time" before issuing driver's licenses or ID cards.

SSOLV is used when an applicant provides the department with a Social Security number for the first time or if a number previously given by an existing license-holder failed to match during the department's "batch" verification process.

Applications cannot be processed if the customer's name on record with the Social Security Administration doesn't match the name on a driver's license or ID card.

While the vast majority of customers are unaffected by the immediate verification, Land urged customers who have changed their names for reasons such as marriage or divorce, to take note of the steps that must be taken prior to applying for a driver's license or ID card.

In addition, people who are considering name changes should be aware that they must visit the Social Security Administration before going to a Secretary of State office. The following steps will help to ensure a smooth transaction:

1. Correct your name with the Social Security Administration. The Web site www.ssa.gov can help you find a local Social Security office.
2. Allow up to 72 hours before visiting a Secretary of State office so that the Social Security Administration has time to update its database.
3. Bring proof of the name change, such as a certified marriage license or divorce decree, to a Secretary of State office.

"Customers will enjoy the same convenient, efficient service simply by gathering the documents they need ahead of time and following these easy steps," Land said.

Visit the department Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos for more information on application procedures or other Secretary of State services.