How to Check a SSN Number
If you are a business with employees, you need to know that their Social Security numbers (SSNs) are valid. A valid SSN ensures that your employee is authorized to work in the United States and is necessary for reporting wages earned to the IRS. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides an online tool for checking the validity of SSNs. It is available to businesses and third-party submitters to verify SSNs of current or former employees for wage reporting purposes.
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Instructions
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1
Register for the SSA's Business Services Online. Click on the "Welcome to Business Services Online" link (see Resources). Click the "Register" button about halfway down the page, accept the certification on the first page and create a login account. At the end of the registration process, you'll receive a user ID.
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Return to the "Welcome to Business Services Online" web page and log in to your account. The "Log In" button is located above the Register button.
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Click "Account Maintenance," then click "Request Access to BSO Services." The activation wizard will guide you through the process. After you have completed the request, an activation code will be mailed to you.
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Wait for the activation code to arrive. You should receive it within two weeks.
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Return to the "Welcome to Business Services" web page. Log in with your User ID, then click "Account Maintenance." Select "Access to BSO Services" and enter your activation code.
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Click the link to "SSN Verification."
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Type the SSN you want to check into the "Social Security Number (SSN)" text box. Type the person's first name into the "First Name" text box and the person's last name into the "Last Name" text box and then press "Enter." The system will verify the SSN and tell you if the number is valid.
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Tips & Warnings
You may be told to speak with an Employer Reporting Branch (ERB) representative during the registration process. You'll be given a phone number to call, where the representative will verify your information. After the phone call you should click "Complete Your Phone Registration" from the "Welcome to Banking Services Online" web page.
