What offense is committed when someone uses another's roofing license to apply for a building permit?

Using another person's roofing license to apply for a building permit constitutes identity theft because it involves taking someone else's personal information or credentials without their consent in order to misrepresent oneself for a benefit, such as obtaining a permit. Identity theft specifically refers to the unauthorized use of someone else's identifying information, which in this case involves the misuse of a roofing license, an official credential that identifies a licensed individual.

This act of using another's license indicates a deliberate intent to deceive authorities or individuals involved in the permitting process. It goes beyond merely committing fraud; identity theft encompasses the violation of an individual’s right to control their own personal information and the misuse of that information for personal gain or to carry out illegal activities.

In contrast, while fraud may involve deception for a benefit, it doesn’t specifically require the use of someone else's personal information, which is the core of identity theft. Other terms like forgery or impersonation, while related, do not fully capture the essence of unauthorized use of someone's identity to gain access to permits or services. Thus, identity theft is the most fitting classification for this scenario.