The Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS) allows employers to match their record of employee names and Social Security numbers with Social Security records before preparing and submitting Forms W-2. Making sure names and Social Security numbers on the W-2 match our records is important because unmatched records can result in additional processing costs for you and uncredited earnings for your employees. Uncredited earnings can affect future eligibility to (and amounts paid under) Social Security's retirement, disability and survivors program. When you can use SSNVS Employers can verify the names and Social Security numbers of employees only after they are hired. It cannot be used as part of the pre-hiring process. How to register to use SSNVS
- Employers must register for a PIN and password at Business Services Online at www.socialsecurity.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm.
- Social Security will send an activation code in the mail.
- Use the activation code, PIN and password at the Business Services Online site to begin using SSNVS.
NOTE: For more detailed instructions on registering and/or using SSNVS, get a copy of the SSNVS handbook at www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/ssnv.htm. How to use SSNVS
- Go to the Business Services Online website and log in.
- Choose Social Security Number Verification Service.
- You have two options:
- Direct keying of up to 10 names/Social Security numbers onto Social Security's website with immediate results; and
- Upload a file with up to 250,000 names/Social Security numbers with next business day results
- You will receive a response of all names/Social Security numbers that do not match Social Security's records.
Restrictions on using SSNVS
- Do not use SSNVS before hiring an employee.
--You may not verify someone's name and Social Security number until after you have offered him or her a job. --Social Security will review usage of SSNVS to ensure that employers are using it for the proper purposes. - Do not use SSNVS to take punitive action against an employee whose name and Social Security number do not match Social Security's records.
--A mismatch does not imply that you or the employee intentionally provided incorrect information. --A mismatch does not make any statement about an employee's immigration status and is not a basis, in and of itself, for taking any adverse action against an employee. Doing so could subject you to anti-discrimination or labor law sanctions. What to do if a name and Social Security number do not match
- Make sure you did not make a typographical error.
- You may ask to see the employee's Social Security card to ensure you have the correct information.
- If you cannot resolve the error, then ask your employee to contact the local Social Security office.
- You should have a consistent company policy and treat all employees the same.
Can third parties use SSNVS?If you are a tax preparer, accountant, payroll agent, payroll service or you process Form W-2 on another company's Employer Identification Number (EIN), you can verify names and Social Security numbers on behalf of your clients, but only for wage reporting purposes. You only need one PIN (even if you represent more than one company). If you need further help Visit our website for further information at www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/ssnv.htm
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Call the Employer Reporting Service Center at 1-800-772-6270.
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