New York State DMV - Internet Office Transactions
Social Security Number Verification

Frequently Asked Questions

Read This Information First

If you did not receive a letter from the NYSDMV that instructs you to verify your SSN, you cannot verify your SSN on-line.

You cannot cancel this transaction.

FAQs About The Requirements and Restrictions For This On-line Transaction:

FAQs About The Error Messages For This On-line Transaction:


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FAQs About The Requirements and Restrictions For This On-line Transaction


Who can use this on-line transaction?

If you did not receive a letter from the NYSDMV that instructs you to verify your SSN, do not verify your SSN.

You are eligible to verify your SSN on-line if:

  • you received a letter from the NYSDMV that instructs you to verify your SSN, and
  • you have a NYS driver license, a NYS learner permit, or a NYS non-driver photo ID card that is not expired or is expired less than two years.

You are not eligible to verify your SSN on-line if:

  • you did not receive a letter from the NYSDMV that instructs you to verify your SSN, or
  • you do not have a NYS driver license, a NYS learner permit, or a NYS non-driver photo ID card, or
  • you have a NYS driver license, a NYS learner permit, or a NYS non-driver photo ID card that is expired more than two years.


How do I use this on-line transaction?

Before you use this on-line transaction to verify your SSN:

The instructions to verify your SSN on-line are listed below. Each page of this on-line transaction will provide you with specific instructions.

  • Enter the Client ID Number and the Document Number that are displayed on your NYS photo document.
  • Verify your information, and then enter your Social Security Number and your e-mail address.
  • Certify the statement about your personal information.
  • Submit your information.
  • Receive the confirmation messages which explain that the DMV processed your transaction. The confirmation messages contain your transaction number.
  • Record your transaction number for future reference.

If the DMV cannot process your on-line transaction, an error message will provide you with immediate instructions. To get help during the transaction, you can refer to the FAQs.


What do I need to complete this transaction?

To verify your SSN on-line, you must have these items:

  • Your current NYS photo document (driver license, learner permit, non-driver photo ID card) that displays your Client ID Number and the Document Number.
  • Your Social Security Number.
  • A valid e-mail address. Make sure that your spam-blocking software allows you to receive the confirmation message from the DMV. Your e-mail program must be able to receive e-mail from addresses that include the domain: dmv.state.ny.us.
  • A pen or pencil and paper or another method to record your transaction number or an error message code. Some browsers can erase your transaction information if you try to print or reload the confirmation message or the error message.

Does this transaction require a fee?

No. You do not pay a fee to verify your SSN.


Is this on-line transaction always available?

You can verify your SSN only during the following hours. Do not try to verify your SSN during other hours.


Is this on-line transaction secure? How does the DMV protect my personal information?

The SSN Verification is an on-line transaction that protects your personal information with secure socket layering (SSL). No other person can see your SSN, and the DMV does not disclose your SSN. Read the DMV Privacy and Security Statement.

You can also visit a local DMV office to verify your SSN, or you can verify by telephone (1-518-486-9786). When you verify by telephone, the instructions are available in English and in Spanish.


How do I know if this on-line transaction was completed successfully?

If the DMV verifies your SSN, your web browser will display a confirmation message. The DMV will also send an e-mail message to you that contains the same information. Make sure that you record your transaction number that is included in the confirmation messages.


What is a transaction number? Why do I need a transaction number?

When the DMV verifies your SSN, a transaction number that identifies your on-line transaction appears in the confirmation messages. You can use the transaction number to identify your transaction if you need to contact the DMV.


I lost my NYS photo document, and I do not know my Client ID Number or my Document Number. What can I do?

You can visit a local DMV office to apply for a duplicate photo document and to verify your SSN. Make sure that you bring these documents:


I did not verify my SSN during the period of 15 days mandated by the DMV letter. What can I do?

If you received a letter from the DMV that instructs you to verify your SSN, you cannot complete a DMV transaction that is related to your NYS photo document until you verify your SSN. For example, you cannot renew your driver license if you did not verify your SSN. You must verify your SSN on-line, at a local DMV office, or by telephone (1-518-486-9786). When you verify by telephone, the instructions are available in English and in Spanish.


I need to verify my SSN and renew my driver license. Can I complete these on-line transactions at the same time? Can I complete both of these transactions by telephone?

You must verify your SSN before you can renew your driver license. You can verify your SSN on-line, or by telephone when you call 1-518-486-9786. When you verify by telephone, the instructions are available in English and in Spanish. If you comply with the other requirements for the renewal of your driver license, you can renew your driver license on-line, by mail, or at a DMV office. You cannot renew your driver license by telephone.


Can I verify my SSN if I have a driver license or a learner permit that is suspended or revoked?

Yes, if you have a driver license or a learner permit that is suspended or revoked, you can verify your SSN. If you have your current NYS photo document that shows your Client ID Number and the Document Number, you can verify your SSN on-line, or by telephone. If you do not have your NYS photo document, you must visit a DMV office to verify your SSN. Make sure that you bring these documents:


I plan to move to another state. What can occur if I do not complete the SSN verification with the NYSDMV before I move?

You cannot complete a DMV transaction that is related to your NYS photo document until you verify your SSN. For example, if you did not verify your SSN and you return to NYS, you cannot renew your NYS driver license. The NYSDMV recommends that you verify your SSN before you move to another state.

FAQs About The Error Messages For This On-line Transaction


I received the error message, "Transaction Locked". How can I verify my SSN?

You must visit a local DMV office to verify your SSN. Make sure that you bring these documents:


I received an error message which explained that the name on my NYS photo document does not match the name that is on file with the Social Security Administration. How do I correct my name?

If the name on your NYS photo document does not match the name on file with the Social Security Administration, you must visit a DMV office to correct your name. Bring the SSN verification letter that you received from the DMV, your current NYS photo document, your Social security Card, and one of the following documents to prove that you changed your name:

The DMV web site lists the locations of local DMV offices.


I received an error message which explained that the date of birth on my NYS photo document does not match the date of birth on file with the Social Security Administration (SSA). How do I correct my date of birth?

Compare the date of birth on your NYS photo document to the date of birth on your original proof of date of birth.

If the dates match on your two documents, contact your local SSA office. You can get the telephone number for your local SSA office at the SSA web site, the government section of your local telephone directory, or by telephone (1-800-772-1213). The TTY number for hearing impaired persons is 1-800-325-0778.

If the dates do not match on your two documents, you must visit a DMV office to correct your date of birth on your NYS photo document and to verify your SSN. Make sure that you bring these documents:

The DMV web site lists the locations of local DMV offices.


I received an error message which explained that I must visit a local DMV office to verify my Social Security Number. What do I bring to the local DMV office to verify my SSN?

Bring all of the following to the local DMV office:


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