Illinois officials – concerned about information indicating up to 4 percent of the state’s driver’s licenses may be based on false Social Security information – are asking the people who hold those licenses to confirm their identities.

According to The Quad Cities Times, that may include nearly a half million people.

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced that the effort, which is taking place throughout June, is focused on preventing the use of the licenses for identity theft and other fraud.

"Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States," White said in a written statement. "We want to take every step possible to protect Illinois citizens and the integrity of our driver’s licenses and ID cards.

As license renewal notices go out this month, those people whose licenses do match their Social Security information are being asked in a letter from White’s office to take documentation to verify their Social Security Number, name and date of birth when they renew.

In addition, the information presented by all first-time license applicants is being verified.

White’s office issued a statement saying driver’s licenses and ID cards will not be issued until the Social Security number of the applicant can be verified.