Replace your SSN-based ID card
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Does your UW-Madison campus ID card contain your Social Security Number (SSN)? It shouldn't. Although it has been years since the campus discontinued the practice of issuing IDs with the holder's SSN as the base number, there are still cards with SSNs in use.
Effective immediately, ID card holders may not renew or replace ID cards using their SSN as the ID card number. A new ID number will be issued at the time of replacement or renewal of the card.
This decision is supported by Provost Patrick Farrell and other university administrators. They are committed to remove SSNs from university ID cards and from all university computer systems that do not specifically require the use of SSNs.
The use and display of SSNs in the ID card system exposes individuals to potential identity theft and increases the vulnerability of the University to the loss of protected personal data. Changing the procedure for replacement of ID cards is one of a series of steps being undertaken by UW-Madison during the 2007-2008 academic year that are intended to improve security and protect personal data.
Those who need a new or replacement ID card must present some form of personal photo identification such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID.
For more information see Wiscard - Your Campus ID Card.