House Republican Press Release

March 15, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Sawyer Calls for Removal of Social Security Number from Motor Vehicle Registration Information

HARTFORD- Representative Pam Sawyer (R-Bolton) has called for the removal of individuals’ Social Security numbers from motor vehicle registration information with the Department of Motor Vehicles.  The move is an attempt to further insulate state citizens from the problem of identity theft.

“I have introduced a measure this session which will remove the Social Security numbers of individuals from the vehicle registration information, “said Representative Sawyer.  “Eliminating that number from those records will be an added security against identity theft, further reducing access to those numbers which are often fraudulently used in identity theft cases.”

The Department of Motor Vehicles has agreed with the concept, and has added the proposal into their legislative package for the 2006 session of the General Assembly. 

“There is no need for that number to be attached to the DMV registration,” added Sawyer.  “Any effort we make to reduce the access to someone’s social security number decreases the likelihood that it might fall into the wrong hands is a positive step.”