How to Find People by SSN

An SSN is a good way to track down a person.

As Social Security numbers (SSNs) are quite specific, finding the person attached to the number should be fairly simple. If the person is still paying taxes and reporting to the government, it should be easy to track down the address associated with the person.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Stamp
• Envelope
• Paper
• Printer

Instructions

1. Write a letter to the Social Security Administration. You will need to include the name and the Social Security number of the person you are trying to locate as well as the reason you are seeking him out. Often employers send these letters to verify employee identification.

2. Look up online programs for seeking out people. There are a number of sites that will help you search out people via Social Security number. If you are an employer and you have many numbers to verify, joining the Social Security number Verification Service is your best bet for fast returns.

3. Hire a private investigation service. With a last name and a Social Security number, a private investigator has access to county and state records that a layman does not.

4. Write to the IRS with the Social Security number and name of the person. While the IRS often will not give out the address, you can send an official letter you need to get to the person. This process works if you are trying to serve a person with a 10-99 or W-2 employment record.

Tips & Warnings

• Any of these steps can yield an address associated with the Social Security number. You should choose the step that most fits why you are looking for the person.

• The reason it is no longer easy to track down an address associated with a Social Security number is identity theft. If the information were readily available, Social Security numbers would not be secure enough for bank accounts and IRS reporting.

• Do not trust random Social Security sites. The sites can host worms that then infect your computer. Stick with the sites recommended by the Social Security Administration.

References

• Social Security Administration

Resources

• US Search: Background Checks
• Veris: Social Security Verification Service