When it comes to renting a storage unit, storage unit companies have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of their facilities and the belongings stored within. One crucial aspect of this is verifying the identity of their customers, and a common way to do this is by checking their driver’s licenses. Here’s how storage unit companies typically go about this process.
Initial Collection of Driver’s License Information
At the time of the rental application, storage unit companies will usually ask the customer to provide their driver’s license. This is a standard part of the paperwork – the customer is expected to hand over their physical driver’s license so that the company can record the necessary details. The company staff will look at the basic information on the license, such as the name, address, date – of – birth, and license number. These details are then entered into the company’s customer management system. For example, if a customer named John Smith applies for a storage unit, the staff will note down his name exactly as it appears on the license, along with his residential address and date – of – birth.
Visual Inspection of the Driver’s License
After collecting the license, the staff will conduct a visual inspection. They will check for several key elements. First, they will look at the overall appearance of the license. A genuine driver’s license will have certain security features. For instance, many licenses have holograms or other special printing techniques that are difficult to replicate. The staff will examine these features to ensure they are present and look authentic. They will also check the expiration date of the license. A valid driver’s license should not be expired. If a customer presents an expired license, the storage unit company may require them to provide additional identification or a valid replacement license before proceeding with the rental. In addition, the staff will compare the photo on the license with the person standing in front of them. The photo should be a reasonable likeness of the applicant. If there are significant differences, such as a different hair color, a new facial piercing, or a change in weight that makes the photo look nothing like the applicant, the company may ask for an explanation or additional identification.
Verification of Information
Storage unit companies may also take steps to verify the information on the driver’s license. One common method is to use online identity verification services. These services allow the company to enter the license number and other details and receive a verification result. The service will check the information against official databases, such as those maintained by the state’s department of motor vehicles. For example, if a customer has a California driver’s license, the storage unit company can use an identity verification service to confirm that the license number, name, and other details match the records held by the California DMV. Another way to verify information is through cross – referencing. The company may compare the address on the driver’s license with the address provided on the rental application. If there are discrepancies, they may ask the customer to clarify. For example, if the license shows one address and the rental application shows another, the customer may need to explain whether they have recently moved or if there was an error in filling out the application.
Copying or Scanning the Driver’s License
Once the initial inspection and verification steps are complete, storage unit companies often make a copy or scan of the driver’s license. This copy is then stored in the customer’s file within the company’s records system. The copy serves as a permanent record of the customer’s identity at the time of the rental. It can be used for future reference, such as in the event of a dispute or if there are any security concerns. For example, if a customer fails to pay their rent and the company needs to take legal action, the copy of the driver’s license can be used to confirm the customer’s identity and contact information. The storage unit company will usually follow strict data protection and privacy laws when storing these copies. They will ensure that the information is kept secure and only accessed by authorized personnel.
Additional Checks in Some Cases
In certain situations, storage unit companies may conduct additional checks on the customer’s driver’s license. For example, if the customer is a business entity renting a storage unit, the company may want to ensure that the person presenting the driver’s license has the authority to enter into the rental agreement on behalf of the business. In such cases, they may ask for additional documentation, such as a business ID or a letter of authorization. Another situation where additional checks may be necessary is if the customer has a foreign – issued driver’s license. The company may need to verify the authenticity of the foreign license and translate any non – English information on it. They may use specialized services or consult with relevant authorities to ensure they are dealing with a legitimate customer. In some cases, they may also require the customer to provide a domestic form of identification in addition to the foreign driver’s license.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Problem: Incomplete or Illegible Information on the License
Solution: If the information on the driver’s license is incomplete, such as a missing address or an unclear date – of – birth, the storage unit company should ask the customer for clarification. They may request the customer to provide additional documentation, like a utility bill with their name and address, to fill in the missing details. For illegible information, if possible, the company can try to use a magnifying glass or a scanning software with text – recognition capabilities to make out the details. If that doesn’t work, they should ask the customer to obtain a new, clear copy of their license from the relevant DMV.
- Problem: Discrepancies in the Photo and Appearance
Solution: If there are significant differences between the photo on the license and the customer’s current appearance, the storage unit company should ask the customer for an explanation. The customer may provide a valid reason, such as a recent weight loss or a change in hairstyle due to a medical condition. In such cases, the company may accept the explanation along with an additional form of identification, like a passport or a social security card. If the customer cannot provide a satisfactory explanation, the company may choose not to rent the storage unit until the situation is resolved.
- Problem: Expired Driver’s License
Solution: If a customer presents an expired driver’s license, the storage unit company should inform the customer that a valid form of identification is required. They can give the customer a reasonable time frame, say a week, to obtain a renewed license or provide an alternative form of identification, such as a state – issued ID card or a military ID. If the customer fails to provide a valid ID within the given time, the company may need to cancel the rental application.
- Problem: Inability to Verify Information through Online Services
Solution: Sometimes, the online identity verification services may encounter technical issues or may not have access to certain records. In such cases, the storage unit company can try alternative verification methods. They can contact the state’s department of motor vehicles directly, either by phone or through a written request, to verify the information on the driver’s license. They can also ask the customer to provide additional documentation, such as a recent tax return or a bank statement with their name and address, to support the identity claim.
- Problem: Foreign – Issued Driver’s License with Language Barriers
Solution: When dealing with a foreign – issued driver’s license, if there are language barriers, the storage unit company can use translation services. There are many online and offline translation services that can accurately translate the information on the license. The company can also ask the customer to provide a translation from an official source, such as a consulate or an embassy. In addition, the company may require the customer to provide a domestic form of identification in addition to the translated foreign license to ensure proper identification.
Fake ID Pricing
unit price: $109
| Order Quantity | Price Per Card |
|---|---|
| 2-3 | $89 |
| 4-9 | $69 |
| 10+ | $66 |
