Social Security Number

Every applicant must submit a social security number (SSN) for a driver license or commercial driver license (CDL). An SSN is not required for individuals applying for an identification card.   The SSN will not appear on the driver license and will be disclosed only to those entities that have statutory authority to receive the social security number, such as the Child Support Division of the Office of the Attorney General-State of Texas.

All original driver license applicants are required to show proof of the SSN before the driver license will be issued. For all duplicate and renewal driver license applications, documented proof of the SSN shall be obtained if the SSN is not currently part of the driver record. After the SSN becomes part of the driver record, all future duplicate and renewal transactions in a driver license office will be verified for the correct SSN. Should the SSN on record not match the number provided, the applicant will be required to provide acceptable documentation for verification.

The Department may verify the SSN through the Social Security Administration (SSA). If the SSN cannot be authenticated, the Department may deny issuance of the renewal, duplicate or original driver license until authentication is made through the SSA. If the driver license was previously issued, the Department may mail to the address on record a notice requiring the driver license holder provide documentation for verification. Failure to comply with this request within 30 days may result in the cancellation of the driver license.

Individuals who have applied for and been denied or who have never applied for, been issued or assigned a SSN may complete a Social Security Affidavit. The affidavit will be available at the driver license office and must be sworn to before an authorized Department employee. Providing a false statement to the Department in connection with this affidavit will result in cancellation of the driver license and may result in criminal charges. The affidavit is not acceptable for the issuance of a CDL, as all applicants for a CDL must have an SSN.

The social security number must be stated on the document that you present. Acceptable Documentation of the Social Security Number includes:

  1. Federal issued Social Security Card. (Metal Social Security cards or types sold at flea markets will NOT be accepted).
  2. Health Card (if member number represents Social Security Number).
  3. Pilot's license
  4. Military identification (Applies to active, reserve and dependent status).
  5. Peace officer's license - Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standard and Education.
  6. DD-214
  7. Medicare/Medicaid Cards
  8. Certified college/university transcript (designating number as SSN).
  9. Veteran's administration card (with social security number preprinted on card).

All documents submitted as proof of SSN are subject to final approval by the Driver License Office.  

To apply for a SSN or to replace a lost Social Security card, please contact the Social Security Administration online at www.ssa.gov or by telephone at 1-800-772-1213.