Just signed up for a mail-forwarding box in Florida - sent two ID,s per their instructions and had to get it notarized ... Thought everything is okay ... getting mail and meds sent to that new address now.Suddenly, yesterday, I get an email that says I need a utility bill as a "form of ID" ... so, what does a utility bill have to do with identification? No full-timer has a utility bill - so, first, to think a utility bill is a form of ID is at least a joke and at best ridiculous. I sent a Drivers License copy and a military ID (retired) ID, and how tough are those to get, and a utility bill remains a mystery to me?? Anyone know what that's all about???

Is this a legitimate email from the MF company?

Did you call them and discuss this?

Yes, called, and it's resolved now. And yes, legitimate.But I still find it interesting, ludicrous, ridiculous that a utility bill can be used as an ID for mail-forwarding. That's borders on insanity... with ID theft and all that stuff, to be able to certify that you're You using a utility bill blows my mind. Believe it or not, it is a postal regulation ... where exactly do they find these guys that write the laws anyway? In the morgue?

First of all I would be VERY leery about sending all that info they are asking for. They should NOT be asking for that personal info from you.Go to any UPS Store in any state. Pay for the box, they give you an address and no ID required period. They do everything a post office does only they are privately owned and can provide an address that you can use when a po box address is not accepted when doing business.http://www.theupsstore.com/Pages/index.aspxBecause of the new stupid ID act, and the patriot act you can no longer get a real po box if you don't live in that state and have a DL license from that state, UPS Store remedies that.I just had someone I knew that lived in Florida open a po box for me. They don't care what mail gets delivered to it just that the person that paid for it had a DL for that state. :R

A utility bill is more tied to a physical location. Homeland Security at work. They want to know more about who and where you are than what a Driver's License shows.

Mail Forwarding Issue | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Sep 05, 2013
Never, heard of a car rental place ever asking for more than your credit card. The do NOT need to know my business if I am traveling full time in my RV nor have I ever heard that question being asked.

That's why I find it so easy to just pay for a po box at the "UPS Store".

No ID act to jump thru to get one and the po box number is on the same line with the address as a Suite #. (in fact it has to appear on that same line or it won't get delivered)

This works as an address for EVERYTHING you need without having to claim a domicile or drive all the way to SD! :C
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Sep 04, 2013
monkey44 wrote:
No full-timer has a utility bill - so, first, to think a utility bill is a form of ID is at least a joke and at best ridiculous.

I am a full timer and I get a Utility bill every month, at least Enterprise Leasing says it is a utility bill that satisifies their need for one..

It comes from T-Moble.. My cell phone company.

And it's delivered electronically.

Was a ton of fun the first time I rented a car cause I did not know I needed it so I had to log into one account, and from there to another and from there to a 3rd.. I have some accounts where I do not actually know my password.. Nobody does.. But the computer does..

Finally got it printed out, got the keys and the car for the day.

Next time I rented.. i came prepared.
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2013
I have never been asked for utility bills etc for mail forwarding.
gotsmart
Explorer
Sep 04, 2013
A cell phone bill qualifies as a utility bill. It is what I used when I changed my address with the WA Dept of Licensing (DOL). I put the envelope on the counter with my new mailbox address displayed through the cellophane window. The clerk did not even open it or require that I take it out of the envelope - for proof.

After changing the address on my drivers license, I changed the cell phone bill back to paperless billing.
Luke_Porter
Explorer
Sep 04, 2013
I rented a Post Office Box at a Post Office in the FL Keys. They required the utility bill to show a residence in the Keys. They don't have enough PO Boxes for everybody that shows up and wants one for a month or so.
2oldman
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2013
I don't even get power bills. All auto-deduct.
packnrat
Explorer
Sep 04, 2013
it is not just for a po box. i had to prove my address in buying a pistol here in california by providing my pg&e bill.

so had to have a

state issue dl,

state issue carry permit,

state issue buyers card, ( right out of the hittler era german gun controls).

auto reg papers,

and a power company bill.

?

.
monkey44
Nomad II
Sep 04, 2013
rockhillmanor wrote:
First of all I would be VERY leery about sending all that info they are asking for. They should NOT be asking for that personal info from you.

Go to any UPS Store in any state. Pay for the box, they give you an address and no ID required period. They do everything a post office does only they are privately owned and can provide an address that you can use when a po box address is not accepted when doing business.

http://www.theupsstore.com/Pages/index.aspx

Because of the new stupid ID act, and the patriot act you can no longer get a real po box if you don't live in that state and have a DL license from that state, UPS Store remedies that.

I just had someone I knew that lived in Florida open a po box for me. They don't care what mail gets delivered to it just that the person that paid for it had a DL for that state. :R
-

Yes, I know, but this is about mail-forwarding, not about mail delivery. They need permission to forward your mail to you, otherwise, it just sits in the box, waiting.

BUT, as a proof of ID, the utility bill makes me laugh - it's not about where I live, it's about WHO I am, and a utility bill is a dumb idea ... anyone can easily make one up.
2oldman
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2013
monkey44 wrote:
. where exactly do they find these guys that write the laws anyway? In the morgue?
LOL.. yeah it seems that way sometimes. I worked for city gov't for many years and had to endure the rules and policies dictated by the oldest person there...simply because of seniority. Sometimes they just don't want to upset the old guard.
blangen
Explorer
Sep 04, 2013
A utility bill is more tied to a physical location. Homeland Security at work. They want to know more about who and where you are than what a Driver's License shows.