Driver’s licence suitable ID for postal box rental

An individual complained after Canada Post required him to supply his driver’s licence number in order to terminate the rental of his postal box.

Canada Post countered that it requires box renters to furnish personal identification in order to ensure that a box is not being used or closed fraudulently. The postal service also stated that it has used such recorded ID to investigate cases where illegal goods may have been shipped to rented mailboxes.

Our investigation determined that Canada Post has a statutory obligation to provide a secure postal service, and was collecting and using personal information for purposes consistent with that mandate. We found the collection of driver’s licence and other identification numbers to be reasonable, and dismissed the complaint as not well founded.