The FAA doesn't issue license numbers per se and like other Federal agencies they use our Social Security number. So tell me how you can get a license number with out a Social Security card issued to you.
This is a false statement, the FAA has been issuing liscence numbers for years, you should think about getting one, I did a few years back and it is free. As a result of airmans cert's being public knowledge anyone who knows your name could find your ss# and address, we can thank the internet for this. There is also a ticket for people living in forign lands who do not speak english and it prohibits them from using the liscence within the USA.
It is a liscence to learn and any stuck up LAME who thinks they are any better are arrogant idiots. Arrogence in this business get's people killed as a result of complacency.