"Yes Sir, our tenant screening is extremely thorough."

A crucial part of an application package is a bona fide picture identification. Usually a driver’s license is the easiest to obtain. Besides the obvious advantage of a photographic comparison with the prospective tenant, a drivers license is a wealth of additional information to help with cross checking for accuracy as well as locating the tenant in the future. Cross check the complete name on the license with the name on the application and other identification provided. Is the name the same? Is it spelled the same? Is the middle name or initial the same?

Cross check the address and date of birth with the application and other identification to insure consistency. Be sure the physical description approximates the photograph and describes the prospective tenant in front of you!

The driver’s license number is the most important piece of information on the license. If a photocopy machine is not available be sure the number is included on the application. Many states use the drivers license to code specific pieces of identification from the driver. Parts of a social security number or birth date are often incorporated into the license number. Click here to view a chart of these states.

This provides an excellent source of cross checking since most forged licenses are not created with the specific information. Additionally, should the need to locate assets for collection purposes arise, the drivers license number may be an excellent tool to help locate a bank account!

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