Overview

There are two Internet verification options you can use to verify that your employee names and Social Security numbers match Social Security's records. You can:

• Verify up to 10 names and SSNs (per screen) online and receive immediate results. This option is ideal to verify new hires.

OR

• Upload batch files of up to 250,000 names and SSNs and usually receive results the next government business day. This option is ideal if you want to verify an entire payroll data base or if you hire a large number of workers at a time.

While the service is available to all employers and third-party submitters, it can only be used to verify current or former employees and only for wage reporting (Form W-2) purposes.

Why Should I Verify Names and SSNs

• Correct names and SSNs on W-2 wage reports are the keys to the successful processing of your annual wage report submission.
  
• It's faster & easier to use than submitting your requests on magnetic media or paper listings or even using Social Security's telephone verification option.
  
• Results in more accurate wage reports.
  
• Saves you processing costs and reduces the number of W-2Cs.
  
• Allows Social Security to properly credit your employees' earnings record, which will be important information in determining their Social Security benefits in the future.

Step by Step

• Register to Use SSNVS
  www.socialsecurity.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm Registration is required. Third-party preparers need only register once in their own firm's name. Complete the registration form and select your own password. Social Security will verify your identity against our records and display a PIN. Make note of the PIN.
  
• Request Access and Activation Code
  Return to www.socialsecurity.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm
  login in with your PIN and password and select "Request Access and Activation Code."
• Activation Code is Mailed to Your Employer
  Your employer should give you the activation code which allows you access to SSNVS.
• Login to Use the Service
  Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm, select Login, input your PIN, Password and your activation code and you will be able to use the service. 

More Registration Infomtion

NOTE: Self employed BSO users may use SSNVS only if they provided an Employer Identification Number (EIN) at the time of registration. To apply for an EIN, go to the IRS website: www.irs.gov/businesses/small/ 

The information you provide when you register allows Social Security to confirm your identity before issuing a PIN or to contact you, if necessary. You will be asked to provide the following:

• Type of employer/employee,
• Company EIN,
• Company or business name,
• Company phone number,
• Indication if you are a third-party submitter registering to do business on behalf of another company,
• Name as it appears on your Social Security card,
• SSN,
• Date of birth,
• Your preferred mailing address,
• Work phone number,
• Fax number (optional), and
• E-mail address (optional).

You will also be asked to enter your own personal password.

Your full name, Social Security Number, date of birth, and EIN will be verified against Social Security records.

If you have been hired to use SSNVS or BSO on behalf of an employer, you should provide information about your own company when you register.

If you have a reason to use BSO but are not a citizen of the United States (and you live outside the United States), leave the U.S. Social Security Number field blank. You will be allowed to continue without providing this information. If you register without providing a United States SSN, additional authentication will be required before you can use BSO services.

REGISTERING

When you have the above information ready, follow these steps to register online:

Go to the BSO Welcome page:
www.socialsecurity.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm