If one is exempt from the requirement, one can present that evidence and serve it on relevant parties and perhaps even use that to get the license just to appease the Wardens. If one pays attention and sifts through all of the patterns one might notice that the SSN is most always 'requested' or 'required' where there is the potential for a person incurring liability due to charges or taxes. If a person is a resident, then the SSN might be well expected. In most or many cases, the fees they take are turned over to a Department of Revenue or Treasury. This might make a Secretary of State's office a revenue agency as far as fees are concerned.