Originally Posted by Boraxo
Actually it increases the chance for fraud, because of the chance that it will get lost or stolen in the mail. Most i.d. theft occurs in low tech fashion by people rifiling through your mailbox or trash. That is why I use a PO box (and where my license was sent).
In many states DMV issues the license on the spot so at least they know it goes to the person who took the test and there is no chance of mail theft. Also no need for temporary i.d. which don't have pics and therefore can easily be used by someone else.
My guess is that CA doesn't want to spend the $ to outfit all the DMV offices with the appropriate machines. Idiotic but no doubt preserves some union jobs in a back office facility.
In some states (NY) it was a make-work project for a company located in a politically-connected elected official's district.
These types of things will become more common after the Real ID act takes effect.
In other states, it is part of the method to establish that you are actually a legal resident of the US and the State.