Verifying Social Security numbers with SSA and DOL
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Effective May 20, 2004, the Department of Licensing will begin verifying identity information (such as the Social Security number, SSN) that customers provide to ensure it matches data on record at the Social Security Administration. The effort is expected to enhance positive identification for licensed drivers, provide a check against identity theft, and improve security.
The Department of Licensing is required to collect Social Security numbers to comply with state and federal laws and help ensure the identity of those applying for a regular or commercial driver license or commercial permit. A new automated Social Security number verification system will be in place May 20 to compare name, date of birth, and Social Security number contained in DOL driver records with data on file with the Social Security Administration.
If the Social Security Administration information does not match the information provided to DOL, this system will not allow a permanent license to be issued.
Verifying Social Security numbers with SSA and DOLFrequently Asked Questions and Answers
Effective May 20, 2004, the Department of Licensing will begin verifying identity information (such as the Social Security number, SSN) that customers provide to ensure it matches data on record at the Social Security Administration. The effort is expected to enhance positive identification for licensed drivers, provide a check against identity theft, and improve security.
The Department of Licensing is required to collect Social Security numbers to comply with state and federal laws and help ensure the identity of those applying for a regular or commercial driver license or commercial permit. A new automated Social Security number verification system will be in place May 20 to compare name, date of birth, and Social Security number contained in DOL driver records with data on file with the Social Security Administration.
If the Social Security Administration information does not match the information provided to DOL, this system will not allow a permanent license to be issued.
What is changing?
When will this change go into effect?
Will the SSN appear on my driver license?
Is it mandatory or voluntary to provide DOL with my SSN?
When did DOL start collecting SSN's?
Is Washington the only state verifying the SSN to obtain a driver license?
What if I don't have a SSN?
What will happen if I refuse to provide my SSN?
Can I sign a declaration form if I refuse to provide this information?
Will I know before I leave the local licensing office if the information has been verified with SSA
What if SSA's information does not match the information I provide to DOL?
Can I take care of this problem over the telephone?
What documents will be required at the Social Security Administration in an attempt to correct my Social Security information?
If I am unable to get to the SSA, is there any way to resolve my SSN information with DOL?
What happens if I do not resolve the issue with my SSN information before the 45-day period?
Can I still get my driver license the same day if the SSN does not match the information provided by the SSA?
Can I extend my 45-day temporary license?
Does this affect the Internet duplicate driver's license on-line?
Who will have access to this information and how will it be used?
Will I be required to provide my SSN to receive an identification card?
What if the computer systems are down?
Will this process increase my wait time in the DOL office?
What is changing?
The Department of Licensing (DOL) is currently required to collect Social Security numbers (SSNs) to comply with state and federal laws and help ensure the identity of those applying for a regular or commercial driver license or commercial permit. A new, automated SSN verification system is now in place to compare name, date of birth, SSN information contained in DOL driver records with data on file with the Social Security Administration.
If the Social Security Administration information does not match the information provided to DOL, this system will not allow a permanent license to be issued. This verification will be performed whenever a DOL record is accessed.
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When will this change go into effect?
The SSN verification system will start verifying SSNs in May 2004.
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Will the SSN appear on my driver license?
No - SSNs will not appear on the face of the license or be contained in barcodes on the back.
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Is it mandatory or voluntary to provide DOL with my SSN?
DOL's collection of SSN information is mandatory under several state and federal laws. These laws assist in child support enforcement and for identification purposes. The following statutes govern the collection of your SSN by DOL:
State laws (Revised Code of Washington):
RCW 26.23.120 - Information and records -- Confidentiality -- Disclosure -- Adjudicative proceeding -- Rules -- Penalties
RCW 26.23.150 - Recording of social security numbers -- Compliance with federal requirement -- Restricted disclosure
RCW 46.25.070 - Application -- Change of address -- Residency
Federal laws (United States Code and Code of Federal Regulations):
42 USC 450
42 USC 666(a)(13)
49 CFR 383.153
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When did DOL start collecting SSN's?
The Department of Licensing has been collecting Social Security numbers for persons applying for commercial driver licenses since 1989. Personal driver license customers have been required to provide Social Security numbers since 2000. What is changing is that the numbers, date of birth and names will now be verified or matched with information contained in Social Security Administration records.
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Is Washington the only state verifying the SSN to obtain a driver license?
No, many other states have similar systems and all states eventually are expected to verify SSNs. Among the states already using the SSN verification system are Nebraska, Idaho, Ohio, Missouri, Alabama, South Dakota, Nevada, Rhode Island, Arizona, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee and California. More states are verifying the information as funding and resources become available.
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What if I don't have a SSN?
There is a declaration form that can be signed by those who have never been issued a SSN. This document requires a license holder or customer to sign, under penalty of perjury, a statement declaring that the customer has not been assigned a SSN. These forms will be scanned and kept on file.
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What will happen if I refuse to provide my SSN?
If you refuse to provide your SSN, DOL will not issue a driver license, commercial driver license or permit.
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Can I sign a declaration form if I refuse to provide this information?
Signing a declaration form is only an option for those to whom a SSN was never issued. DOL staff will not accept this form if there is evidence a SSN has been issued.
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Will I know before I leave the local licensing office if the information has been verified with SSA?
In most cases you will know before you leave the licensing office if there is a problem with your information. If system problems prevent contact with SSA, the verification request will be sent later. If this is the case, a licensing representative will inform you that this process may result in a notification by mail that the information couldn't be verified with SSA. You will have 45 days from the date your temporary license was issued to resolve the discrepancy between the DOL and SSA records.
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What if SSA's information does not match the information I provide to DOL?
If the information does not match, the following steps need to be taken:
Double check information entered into DOL record - If the licensing representative has entered your SSN correctly, there may be incorrect information on file with SSA.
Verify or correct information at SSA office - You will need to go into SSA and have them update their online record or provide you with a "SSN verification printout" containing the SSA seal. This information is normally resolved the same day. A brochure is available to help you locate your local SSA office.
Present updated information to DOL - After updating your information at SSA office or receiving a "SSN verification printout," you will need to return in person to a licensing office before the 45 days has been exhausted. After updating our record, we will be able to release your permanent license.
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Can I take care of this problem over the telephone?
The local driver licensing office cannot resolve any issue with your SSN information over the telephone. Also, the local licensing office cannot call SSA directly to resolve any issues with your information.
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What documents will be required at the Social Security Administration in an attempt to correct my Social Security information?
SSA recommends the following to correct a SSN problem:
Ask for a Replacement card (same SSN, same name) if your original card was lost or stolen. Proof of identity is required.
Ask for a Corrected card (same SSN, different name) if you have a card and need a name change. Proof of identity is required, including one or more documents which identify you by your old name and your new name. Examples include a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order that changes your name. Two identity documents can be accepted, one in old name and one in new name.
Ask for an Original card if you never had a Social Security number
If you were born outside the United States, the Social Security Administration will require proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.
To change information on your record other than your name, you will need to bring proof of identity and another document that supports the change. For example, you can present a birth certificate to change your date and/or place of birth or parents' names.
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If I am unable to get to the SSA, is there any way to resolve my SSN information with DOL?
The local licensing office will try to resolve the information at the counter if you can provide evidence that your SSN information is correct. You will be required to provide proof of your name, date of birth, and separate proof of your SSN (if one has been issued to you).
To correct a name, please provide one or more documents that identify you by old name on SSA records and new name. Two identity documents can be accepted if one is in the old name and one is in the new name.
All documents must be originals. DOL will not accept photocopies. A list of acceptable documents for establishing identity is available on the DOL Web site at: http://www.dol.wa.gov/ds/id.htm.
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What happens if I do not resolve the issue with my SSN information before the 45-day period?
The licensing office will only be able to provide a temporary license ONCE for a 45-day period. After the 45-day period, the customer's driving privilege will be cancelled. If your driver license is cancelled, the customer must reapply and provide the documentation required to verify their SSN.
If the customer cannot resolve the mismatch within 45 days or wishes to challenge the cancellation process, they may request a hearing. A request must be submitted within 30 days as stated in the Notice of Cancellation letter.
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Can I still get my driver license the same day if the SSN does not match the information provided by the SSA?
Yes, the driver licensing office will issue a temporary license allowing you to drive for 45 days. A notice of cancellation will be handed to you at the counter and mailed informing you that your information didn't match and you must resolve this discrepancy prior to the expiration of your 45-day temporary license in order for the permanent license to be issued.
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Can I extend my 45-day temporary license?
No, a second temporary license will not be issued until the SSN discrepancy is resolved.
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Does this affect the Internet duplicate driver's license on-line?
If the information on your record has been verified and matches the information at SSA, then there is no change. However, if the information has not been verified or does not match the information at SSA, you will not be able to get a duplicate driver's license over the Internet. You will need to go into a local driver licensing office to get a duplicate license.
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Who will have access to this information and how will it be used?
DOL takes its responsibility to protect personal information very seriously. Safeguards are in place to screen SSNs from anyone other than the driver or governmental agencies entitled to receive the information. Employees are required to follow the agency's Public Records Privacy Protection Policy, and are aware of the sensitivity of personal information such as the SSN.
DOL is required by law to report this information to the Department of Social & Health Services to comply with the federal child support enforcement.
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Will I be required to provide my SSN to receive an identification card?
No, a customer applying for an identification card, personal vehicle instruction permit or agricultural permit (original, renewal, or duplicate) is not required to disclose their SSN. DOL will attempt to collect and verify their SSN, but an identification card or permit will be issued whether or not the number is found to be valid with SSA.
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What if the computer systems are down?
The local licensing office will issue a temporary 45-day license. Once the systems are functioning, our system will attempt to verify your information. If the information matches, the permanent license will be mailed to the appropriate address. If the information does not match, you will receive a notification by mail telling you a discrepancy must be resolved or your license will be cancelled 45 days after the temporary license was issued.
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Will this process increase my wait time in the DOL office?
This process should not cause additional waiting time for our customers. In most cases, the information will be returned in less than one minute during the application or renewal process.
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Quick Clicks:
SSN Verification Brochure - English
SSN Verification Brochure - Spanish
Driver Licensing Office Locations
Driver Licensing FAQs
Identification Requirements
Fees
Driver Guide
Forms
New Laws
RCW 26.23.150
Telephone:
(360) 902-3900
TTY (360) 664-0116
Office hours:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Pacific Time),
Monday through Friday
Write:
Department of Licensing
Driver Responsibility
PO Box 9030
Olympia, WA 98507-9030
E-Mail:
drivers@dol.wa.gov
Friday, July 01, 2005
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