Verification of Social Security Number

Verification of Social Security Number
For an Iowa Driver's License or ID Card

To help prevent another person from obtaining a license or ID with your name on it, the Iowa DOT must verify the Social Security number (SSN) of each applicant.

Your name and date of birth will be electronically verified with the Social Security Administration (SSA) at the time of issuance. If unable to verify electronically, issuance of your license or ID card application may be delayed. If your name has been changed and the name change has not been reported to the SSA, please report the change to your local SSA office several days before applying for a driver’s license or ID card.

To ensure the Iowa DOT has your correct SSN, verification is limited to the following documents:

Social Security card. A metal version of the card is not acceptable.
Previous Iowa license or ID card if the SSN was used as the license number.
IRS or state tax document completed by the governmental agency. A W-2, 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, and related forms completed by the taxpayer are NOT acceptable.
Financial statement showing the SSN.
Payroll stub showing the SSN.
Military ID card showing the SSN.

If applying for a first-time Iowa commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must present your actual Social Security card. This will insure that the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) is updated correctly.

If you are a temporary foreign national not authorized for employment, verification of a Social Security number may be waived for a non-commercial driver’s license or an ID card. You must, however, present your immigration documents so the Iowa DOT can record the USCIS number in lieu of the SSN.

Iowa law requires a number other than the SSN be used for licenses and ID cards. A number will be assigned as your license or ID number. You must still disclose your SSN to the Iowa DOT, and the Iowa DOT will maintain that number as part of its records, but your SSN will not be listed on your license.