I've been fine with the enhanced measures surrounding CCs lately. For many years, all it took to check in was a last name and an affirmative answer to "Are we keeping everything on the CC on file?" In the past year, I've been asked to swipe/insert my CC on the counter kiosk more frequently and that's fine.

Today, I was checking into a hotel I've visited a dozen times in the past two years. Rather than a cursory glance at my ID, the agent kept it and began typing into her computer. She handed my ID back and I asked, out of curiosity, what she had to type in as I'd never had that happen before. She said "your address sir". I asked if that was a new process and she said "no, the address in our system didn't match the address on your ID". I told her I'd lived there for almost a decade and had no issues checking into a different hotel last night." She looked at me as if I was questioning her competence and said "I'm just doing what I'm told to do. You can call Hilton Honors if you have any questions." I asked her what address was shown in the computer and she said "I don't know. I've already typed over it."

I decided to let it go. We continued the check-in process and she handed me the pre-printed reservation to sign indicating I was aware of the smoking policy. On the printout was my correct address. I showed her and she said "Yes, I see that. I had to change the city and key in your drivers license number."

I said "Drivers license number? That's new." She said "I'm not trying anything funny. Do you want to come around and see my screen? I'm just doing my job."

Again, I let it go. No good would come from me inquiring further.

So... does Hilton collect drivers license numbers?

Could this be an acceptable policy for a privately owned franchise?

Is this worth an email to Hilton?