I use the form builder for making forms but sometimes replace the myformname.php with my own script to get things done a certain way. All the variables are available through $_POST or $_REQUEST.

Thank you. That certainly helps. I found the "hidden" number on the form builder. I used that to enter what will look like a random number. I combined that with a prefix they want on the number, and added the birth year and state address onto the number, so that it looks sufficiently "random." Since the person applying won't be seeing other people's email messages, I think it will suffice. I guess it's a little trick; let's hope it works! I just sent it off to my customer for another review.

I really appreciate your help. I'll let you know how it goes.

Oh, I was thinking you wanted a true random number. I use some code that generates one and you can name files and directories with it. It's truly random. For what your doing the all in approach should work fine.