Social Security Number (SSN)

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

In order to enhance security, reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud, and to protect the integrity of the issuance process, individuals are required to verify their Social Security Number (SSN) when they apply for or renew their driver license. Verification of a SSN is mandatory for a driver license but voluntary for an ID card.

Individuals who apply for a Texas driver license must present their original social security card or other form of acceptable documentation when they are at the driver license office.

Individuals who are renewing their driver license will be asked by a Customer Service Representative (CSR) 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, then the CSR will ask the individual to present proof of their SSN.

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

   Acceptable Documents

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.

  • Social Security card
  • Pilot license
  • Military identification (active, reserve or dependent status)
  • Peace officer's license—Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standard and Education (TCLEOSE)
  • 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.

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 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 allows 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.