As of Monday, January 31, 2005, the Texas Racing Commission (TRC) will require a social security number to be submitted with any new or renewed license application. If the applicant doesn't have a social security number, then the applicant will be required to provide a notarized affidavit swearing that the applicant has never been issued a social security number.

This change in policy has been brought about due to an opinion issued on January 3, 2005 by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. In his opinion, the Attorney General stated that all state licensing authorities are required to request a social security number in connection with license applications.

On a related note, the TRC will be opening itslicensing office at Manor Downs on Monday, February 14, 2005 for the spring meet that begins on February 26, 2005.