Jane wrote: >> Also, after going through the initial series of steps you can do online, you have to physically go to a USDA extension office near your home (fortunately there are plenty of them near mine) and identify the staff member who is authorized to verify your identity by looking at your photo ID, and then that person will input the verification into their system If you use the option of ordering the permits by mail, you don't have to go identify yourself to a USDA office. You just send in the form and they mail you the permits. It's not a huge hassle. For some reason I don't understand, the website encourages you to use online registration for the permit, even though it's a lot more complicated for everyone involved. Mike San Jose, CA