How Can I Check If a Social Security Number Is Valid?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique method of identification for U.S. citizens. The majority of U.S. citizens have a SSN, and it is often required when you apply for a job. The owner or administrator of a business will need to validate an SSN that was provided to them by a potential employee. This can be accomplished through the Social Security Administration's Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS).
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Instructions
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Register with the Social Security Administration's Business Services Online website. This registration information, which includes your name, date of birth, social security number, phone number and email contact information, is required to verify your identity. You will be prompted to create a user ID and account password.
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Log in to the Business Services Online welcome page using the user ID and password you created.
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Click "Request Access and Activation Code." This action will prompt the SSA to send an access and activation code to you (if you are an employer) or to your employer (if you are an employee).
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Obtain the activation code for the SSNVS website from your employer or from your email.
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Log in to the Business Services Online welcome page. Enter your user ID, password, and the activation code.
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Enter the required information, which includes the Employer Identification Number (EIN,) Social Security Number, first and last names, any name suffixes and the date of birth on the screen that appears.
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Click "Continue" when all information fields are complete.
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Watch the screen for the SSN Verification Results page. This page will display the results of the Social Security Number verification.
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Check your SSN verification code to determine the validity of the SSN. A blank verification field with the first five numerals obscured indicates a verified SSN. A verification field with a code one indicates the SSN was never issued. A verification code of two indicates that the name and date of birth match but the gender does not. A verification code of three indicates that the name and gender match but the date of birth does not. A verification code of four indicates that the name and SSN match but the date of birth and gender do not. A verification code of five indicates that the name and SSN do not match and the date of birth and gender were not checked. A verification code of six indicates that the SSN was not verified for an unspecified reason.
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Tips & Warnings
The Social Security Administration cautions that while their online Social Security Number verification resources are available to all employers and third-party submitters, this information may only be obtained for wage-reporting or employment verification purposes.
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