Is your state id the same as your social security number

Learn more about other documents that must be presented when applying for or renewing a driver license or ID card.

To enhance security, reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud, and to protect the integrity of the issuance process, an applicant for a driver license or ID card must present his or her Social Security card or other acceptable documentation containing the individual's full social security number (SSN). Such documentation must be unaltered originals, not copies.

An individual who is renewing a driver license or ID card will be asked by a License and Permit Specialist to verbally verify their SSN. If the SSN provided does not match the SSN in our records or if we do not have a SSN on file, the CSR will ask the individual to present proof of the SSN.

NOTE: A brochure listing all of the following documents is available for download.

   
Acceptable Documents

The Department requires one of the following primary documents for evidence of social security number for Texas driver license and identification card issuance. The document presented can be expired or unexpired but must have the individual's full SSN printed on it. Documentation must be unaltered originals, not copies.

  • Social Security Card
  • W-2
  • SSA-1099 Form
  • A non-SSA-1099 form, or
  • Paystub with the applicant's name and SSN on it.

Should an individual be unable to provide one of the documents listed above, the Department will accept any of the following documents as evidence of social security number.

  • Military identification (active, reserve, and dependent status)
    • Must contain applicant’s social security number
  • Certificate of release or Discharge of Active Duty (DD-214)
  • Certified college/university transcript designating number as SSN
  • Documents such as health insurance cards, Veteran's Administration cards, and pilot's licenses with identifiable SSN may be accepted.

Any of the following documents will be accepted to verify a SSN. The document presented can be expired or unexpired but must have the individual's full SSN printed on it. Documentation must be unaltered originals, not copies.

  • Social Security card
  • Pilot license
  • Military identification (active, reserve, retired or dependent status)
  • Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
  • DD-214
  • Medicare or Medicaid card
  • Health insurance card
  • Certified college or university transcript
  • IRS form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement
  • Form 1099-MISC
  • Pay stub (stub must include name and SSN)


Individuals Who Don't Have a SSN

To apply for a SSN, visit the Social Security Administration website.

Need a SSN replacement card? The Social Security Administration introduced the expansion of online services for residents of Texas available through its my Social Security portal at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Residents of Texas can use the portal for many replacement Social Security number (SSN) card requests. This will allow you to replace your SSN card from the comfort of your home or office, without the need to travel to a Social Security office.

Individuals who do not have a SSN, have never been issued a SSN, or are not eligible for a SSN can visit any driver license office and complete an affidavit attesting to such. Providing a false statement in connection with this affidavit will result in the cancellation of the driver license or ID card and may result in criminal charges. An affidavit is not acceptable for the issuance of a CDL.

NOTE: If you are not eligible for a SSN, then you are not eligible for a commercial driver license (CDL).

Privacy

Social Security Numbers are not stored in the bar code nor are they printed on a driver license or ID card. DPS will only share a SSN with governmental agencies that are legally allowed to access the information, such as the Child Support Enforcement Division of the Texas Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Selective Service Administration, and the Texas Secretary of State.

Statutory Authority

Federal laws allow DPS to collect SSNs: 42 USC Section 405(c)(2)(C)(i) and 42 USC Section 666(a)(13)(A).

State law governs the way DPS uses SSNs: Transportation Code Section 521.044.

State and federal laws relating to CDL SSN requirements: 49 Code of Federal Regulations Section 383.153 and Texas Transportation Code Section 522.021.

A social security number (SSN) is a tax code used by an individual, while a tax ID is a nine-digit tax code for a business entity. For a business entity, a tax ID is usually called an EIN. Just like an individual uses their social security number to uniquely identify themselves on their tax paperwork, a business entity uses it in the same way. It is a unique way for a business to be identified by the IRS on their tax forms.

To file taxes as a business instead of an individual, a tax ID is required. A tax ID number is necessary for tax forms and when business owners open a business account through a bank. Sometimes, suppliers and customers also need it to create an account with the business.

Small business owner are sometimes unsure if they need a tax ID number. Almost all businesses need a tax ID number. Also, if a small business is associated with certain organizations, it may be required to apply for a tax ID. Here are some examples of those associated organizations:

  • Non-profits
  • Farmers’ cooperatives
  • Certain types of trusts

However, not every business entity needs a tax ID number. An exception is a sole proprietor with no employees and no plans to hire employees. In this case, the sole proprietor can use their own personal social security number as a tax identification number because the person and the business are the same. Sole proprietors who do plan on hiring employees or have already hired employees are required to have a tax ID number, however.

If you own a business, chances are you will need a tax ID  in order to file taxes as a business as opposed to an individual. There are some exceptions, like some sole proprietors, but most fall under the category that requires a unique business identification code. You can easily get your tax ID through GovDocFiling. Click here to start!

ITIN Tax IDs

Although EINs and social security numbers are the types of tax IDs most discussed, there is a third type: individual taxpayer identification number, also known as ITIN. This is also a nine-digit number provided to individuals for taxpaying purposes. However, it differs in one main way: it is for those who are ineligible for social security numbers, which are generally immigrants or foreign nationals. Generally, this includes:

  • Dependents or spouses of a non-resident alien holder of a visa
  • Spouses or dependents of a resident alien or U.S. citizen
  • U.S. resident alien not eligible to obtain a social security number
  • Non-resident alien not eligible to obtain a social security number

Having an ITIN does not allow one to work; its purpose is for foreigners to file income taxes as required by law. An example might include a foreign individual that conducts business on U.S. soil that must file income tax on this business. Because this individual does not have a social security number, he or she will need to file for an ITIN instead in order to then file a tax return. However, businesses filing taxes in the U.S., even if their headquarters are abroad, will still have an EIN rather than an ITIN.

Format of a Tax ID

Tax IDs are nine digits long, but each category has a different format. A social security number will have the format of three numbers, a dash, two numbers, a dash, and the final four numbers, so it looks like XXX-XX-XXXX. An EIN number still has nine digits, but it follows a format that has two numbers, a dash, and the seven other numbers. It will look like XX-XXXXXXX. An ITIN will follow a similar format to a social security number, except it will always start with 9, and the second set of numbers in the range of 70-99.

Basically, the difference between a tax ID and social security numbers is the type of entity that applies for them. Businesses apply for EIN, while individuals use social security numbers, other than certain immigrants and foreign nationals who use an ITIN.

If you own a business, chances are you will need a tax ID in order to file taxes as a business as opposed to an individual. There are some exceptions, like some sole proprietors, but most fall under the category that requires a unique business identification code. You can easily get your tax ID through GovDocFiling. Click here to start!

What is my social security number?

You can find your Social Security number on tax documents and bank or financial statements. If you don't have any documentation, you can request a new Social Security card online with the Social Security Administration.

Is your social security number on your driver's permit?

4. Is the social security number printed on the driver's license, learner's permit or photo identification card? No. PennDOT does not include the social security number on any of our products.

What do I need to get a California state ID?

How to Apply for an ID Card.
Provide your social security number (SSN)..
Verify your identity with an acceptable identity document. ... .
Present acceptable residency documents (if you have never had a California DL/ID card)..
Pay the nonrefundable application fee (see below for information about reduced- and no-fee ID cards)..

What is an example of a SSN?

The Social Security number is a nine-digit number in the format "AAA-GG-SSSS".