Anyone can see the procedures are onerous with one glance at the TSA Passenger Identity Verification Form. But I was in a position where my name, Robert Adams, was sufficiently similar to some other name on the list that I was unable to use any electronic or expedited check-in procedures and was instead forced to wait in line at the baggage check counter each time. When I did so, the ticket agent would make a call to some sort of higher authority who would, after a few minutes, decide I’m apparently not a threat and finally issue a boarding pass.
I eyed the procedure warily, but this process is a major inconvenience for me so I decided to plow on. I proceeded to obtain a certified copy of my birth certificate, a notarized copy of my passport, and a notarized copy of my drivers license, and provide the TSA with a great deal of other information including my home address, place of birth, social security number, and vital statistics.
It occurred to me, of course, that this letter was an ID theft wet dream before I dropped it into the mailbox. This contains so much identifying information that anyone in possession of it would be able to prove they’re me better than even I can. Now, as I hadn’t heard from the TSA regarding the form, I finally called to ask them what was going on.
They never received it, they claim.
Now I’m left wondering: if the TSA never received it, who did?