Why does DRE use the social security number to register on eLicensing?

The Real Estate Law authorizes the DRE to require license applicants to provide their social security numbers and birth dates. The DRE maintains this information on a confidential basis and provides each licensee with a public identification number. As the eLicensing system was intended to allow licensees to enter changes to their records, DRE adopted the uniqueness of a social security number coupled with a birth date as a secure means of identification and authorization. Once the initial identification is confirmed, the eLicensing user no longer accesses is/her records with a social security number and birth date; instead personal logon information created at the time of registration along with a password become the access mechanisms.
Furthermore, DRE follows up many of the changes implemented via eLicensing with written notification or email confirmation of the transaction.