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>> How much is this connected to not having a real id card?

Each state has it's own Drivers License and usually a very similar card that is simply for ID. Many places such as banks or cell phone companies will request your drivers license or ID # in addition to your Social Security # to open an account.

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I have driver's license numbers from three different states. My kid has none. There's no 1:1 relationship between state issued IDs and people.

Driver license numbers change when you move, so are not useful for things meant to be long term like credit.

I suppose this depends on the state. California driver's license numbers don't change, even if you move away, get a different one, then come back years later and get one back in California.

Yeah but while you're in a different state your "current driver's license" is the one from that state. Effectively it changes when you move, and changes again when you go back.

True, it changes back to the old number when you go back. But as you move from state to state your DL# will change as well.

The Congress could use its constitutional authority over weights & measures to prescribe a national system of ID numbers, administered by the states, with assignment at birth.

But OMG! The government is tracking me! I have freedoms!

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