repost from NFR:

OK my SIL went to the DMV to get an i.d card and had her wallet stolen so she only had her passport as id. The DMV lady took her passport and told her...according to SIL of course that someone else had her name and she needed to keep it. DMV employee made a copy of it for her and then kept the original. I personally think this is odd, hence why Im going there today with her. Is this normal? is it allowed? Any help would be great. TIA