Driver's License

SOCIAL SECURITY ON-LINE VERIFICATION

Threats of terrorism and the dramatic increase in identity theft have resulted in new security measures affecting many aspects of our lives. This office, like other motor vehicle departments across the country, is engaged in on-going efforts to improve the security and integrity of both the documents we issue and the issuance process.

The Illinois office of the Secretary of State is implementing a major initiative in ID security, by verifying Social Security Numbers with the Social Security Administration (SSA) before we issue new or renewal driver's licenses or identification cards.

On-line verification will occur at the first steps of application processing. It involves verification of name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If records cannot be verified, DL or ID cards will not be issued.

This is being done to prevent fraud and protect your identity, and to help ensure that driver's licenses and identification cards are properly issued. It will benefit the DL or ID holder and the many businesses and government and other agencies that have come to rely on the DL and ID in identifying persons they serve. Reducing fraud and improving ID security can benefit all of us, by reducing the high costs of identity crimes and by increasing safety and security in many settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Social Security Number On-Line Verification (SSOLV)?
Social Security Number verification involves the submission of identifying information to the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA runs this data against their master database, and informs the inquirer if the information matches.

What is the purpose of the program?
It is one of many fraud prevention and identification security efforts aimed at preventing identity theft, and preventing the issuance of a DL or ID to a person who may be using stolen or otherwise false identity documents. It will allow SOS to immediately verify that the Social Security Number presented to SOS is in fact the number issued to the person with that name and date of birth.

How does it change what happens in a facility?
For most applicants who are renewing, it will not change anything. The office has already verified the vast majority of SSN records, in preparation for going on-line with SSA.

All new applicants, and those people who are renewing whose records did not initially match, will have to verify name, date of birth and Social Security Number prior to receiving a DL or ID.

If the information cannot be verified on-line with the first attempt, identification documents will need to be reviewed. It will be important to have these documents with you. Information on what is needed will be included in your renewal notice, in the Rules of the Road, and at our web site at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

If the customer does not have the necessary documents with them, they may have to come back with the proper documentation before they can receive a DL or ID. In some cases, they may have to clear up records with SSA first.

How long does the process take?
The electronic verification itself should take a matter of seconds. However, unverified records will take additional time to process, and could require another visit to the facility. If the discrepancy requires a visit to your local Social Security Administration Office to correct records there, it could take several weeks.

This is all, however, time well spent to increase security, and to help protect your identity and ensure that licenses and identification cards are properly issued.

What kind of response is received to a verification request?
SSA responses will indicate that the information is verified or unverified. If unverified, it will indicate which information does not match.

What happens if an "unverified" response comes back?
A driver's license or identification card will only be issued if the SSN can be verified.

First, SOS will review your identification documents. This will ensure that all information has been entered correctly.

If your name does not match, acceptable documents will need to be reviewed. You might have to visit the local SSA office.

If your date of birth does not match, you will likely need to visit a SSA office to clear up any discrepancies there.

If an SSN is invalid or otherwise cannot be verified, a visit to SSA office will be necessary.

If there are system problems at SSA, an applicant may need to wait or return at another time.

Once these steps are completed, verification will be attempted again. Once verification successfully occurs, the driver's license or identification card issuance process can proceed.

How many people does SOS think will be "unverified"?
It is expected that only a small percent of people will have any discrepancies that might result in an unverified response.

Does an unverified response mean fraud has occurred?
No. It could be a case of fraud, but it could also be an error or discrepancy in a record at SOS or at SSA that needs correcting. In these cases, Social Security On-line Verification will help correct errors that might have otherwise gone undetected and caused inconveniences for the customer later.

What can an applicant do to prepare to successfully have their SSN record verified?
Two important steps should be taken. First, do not wait until your DL or ID expiration date is near to renew. If you are required to visit SSA to correct records, verification could take 4 weeks. Renewal notices are sent 60 days in advance. When you receive your notice, it will advise you to visit a facility as soon as possible.

Second, bring your renewal notice, and bring the acceptable identification documents needed to establish name, date of birth, and Social Security Number. The list of acceptable documents can be found in the Rules of the Road and on our web site at www.cyberdriveillinois.com

As a general rule, it is a very good idea for everyone to be sure that the information all agencies have is up to date and accurate. Check your records periodically and make sure your name, address and other information are correct. If you change your name, please correct your records at your local SSA office and at SOS as well. You can find locations of your nearest Social Security offices on the web at www.socialsecurity.gov.

What occurs once the record has been verified?
The driver's license or identification card issuance process will proceed. Once a record has been verified, you will not have to undergo the verification process again unless there is a change in your key information.

Is there a cost?
There is no additional cost to the customer.