DoD ID numbers and retail stores...is this legal or acceptable?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 19:55:45 -0400

My sister works in a retail store and had a guy ask for a military discount, my question is it legal for businesses record the ID number?

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jul 25 at 2015 8:17 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 20:17:41 -0400

Sure...why not?

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jul 25 at 2015 9:31 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 21:31:08 -0400

Do active Cards have a unique ID number that is used for nothing but the card? If so I see nothing wrong, With the old cards there were 2 numbers on them, a card number that was used for accounting for the card and your SSN....

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 9:40 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 21:40:48 -0400

Short answer is no. If your sister's place of employment offers a discount, and I presume it does, they have a right to see the supporting document (ID card) but not make a copy of it. That said, I would take the time to instruct her on how to spot a forgery/fake.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 5:26 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 05:26:42 -0400

Their isn't anything wrong with it. It is there to be used as an ID number. That is why they put it there. In some states it is illegal to make a color copy of a photo ID. I am not sure if the Army has the same the policy. But just giving someone your ID number really doesn't mean anything. I think that guy is one victim of trying to feel special. Somewhere in this time in service I am sure he was feed a line about how special it is and how it is a national security threat if anyone sees it. What I question is if it is so secretive then why part it on the card? If you can give it to the enemy when you are captured I don't think a retail is much worse of a threat.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Jul 26 at 2015 7:56 AM

CW4 Guy Butler — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 07:56:55 -0400

Yes, it's legal. Back in "the day", your ID number was your social security number; this is a major improvement.

I've still got some checks with my SSN pre-printed; it had to be on any check used on base.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jul 26 at 2015 10:20 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 10:20:03 -0400

It is surprising, but totally legit to record the number (but not to photocopy the ID).

The only reason I can see to do it is to cut down on fakers. I can't see any business value in maintaining a list. It probably just a less "confrontational" way of saying "prove it."

Response by TSgt Keith Wright made Jul 26 at 2015 10:23 AM

TSgt Keith Wright — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 10:23:09 -0400

I wouldn't, we know the obvious, credit card info stolen, street address stolen, etc etc, but what about things that are not so obvious? Like why would an organization steal or collect data that has nothing to do with stealing money or getting loans, or even stalking someone. this does happen, for info to be collected for a different purpose other then financial harm and physical harm. Its what we don't undertsand that can drive us insane. Remember Col Oliver North bought a security system for his home only because he was paranoid, and no break in ever was recorded at his home? What about Robert Mcfarlane the Secretary of defense that was with Oliver North, Robert Mcfarlane ended up in a psy ward. SO its what we absolutly do not understand or even care about to be what we should be concerned with.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 27 at 2018 11:03 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 11:03:51 -0400

I have never had anyone record my ID number- normally the just look at it, and pass it back- I would ask them why.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2019 8:17 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 20:17:31 -0400

No. The EDIPI number CANNOT BE SHARED OUTSIDE THE DOD.

The EDIPI number cannot even be shared with other outside agencies without a Memorandum of Agreement in place.

It’s a law. Look it up.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2019 8:24 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 20:24:49 -0400

NO, you cannot disclose your EDIPI number.

https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DoD%20Identification%20Number_20180710.docx?ver=2018-07-10-121214-930

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