Access to SSNVS

Before you can verify names and Social Security Numbers (SSNs), you will need to request access to SSNVS. Once access has been requested you will receive an activation code from SSA. You are required to enter the SSNVS activation code prior to your first use.

Request Access To SSNVS

NOTE

Self-employed Business Services Online (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.

To request access to SSNVS, after you have registered to use BSO, complete the following steps:

  1. Login to BSO.
  2. From the BSO Main Menu, select the Request New Services link. The Request Access to BSO Services web page will open with a description of available suite of services.
  3. Select the SSA Services Suite for Employers checkbox and select the Next button.
  4. Continue navigating through the wizard by selecting the Next button until the Do you want to verify Social Security Numbers Online? question displays. Click on the Yes button to request access to this function.
  5. Select the Next button until reaching the Request Summary web page and then select the Confirm button to view the Request Access to BSO Services Confirmation web page.

SSA will mail an activation code for SSNVS to your employer at the address the IRS has on file from the Form 941, Employer's Federal Tax Return or SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number.

If you are already registered to use BSO services, you may request access to SSNVS by selecting Account Maintenance from the BSO Main Menu web page and then selecting the Request Access to BSO Services link.

Activation Code

The activation code is an alphanumeric code sent by SSA to the employer or registered User Identification Number (User ID) holder when access to certain services are requested. This code must be entered on the Activate Access to BSO Services web page in order to grant the user access to the requested service.

The activation code mailed to your employer is usually received within two (2) weeks. The letter to your employer with the activation code instructs him or her to provide you with the activation code. The activation code is an added layer of security. You will not have access to SSNVS until you have activated the service by entering the activation code.

Activate Access to SSNVS

SSNVS requires the activation code that was mailed to your employer to be entered to activate your access to the SSNVS service prior to your first use.

Once you have received your activation code from your employer:

  1. Login to BSO.
  2. From the BSO Main Menu, select the Enter Activation Code(s) link. The Enter Activation Code(s) web page will open.
  3. Enter the activation code.
  4. Select the Activate button. A Confirmation web page will display indicating that SSA has approved your request.

You may then begin using your SSNVS services immediately.

Re-Request Activation Code

NOTE

The activation code for SSNVS is sent directly to your employer. Please check with your employer to verify that the activation code has been received.

If it has been 10 days or more since you requested access to SSNVS and your employer has not received your activation code from SSA:

  1. From the BSO Main Menu, select View Pending Services. The Re-Request Activation Codes web page will open.
  2. Check the box corresponding to SSNVS.
  3. Select the Re-Request button. A Re-Request Activation Codes Confirmation web page will display confirming SSA received your request.

Restrictions:

  • If it has been 60 days or more since you requested access:
    • Your activation code is invalid.
    • You may not re-request an activation code.
    • You must request access to SSNVS again using the Request Access to BSO Services web page.

NOTE

Once an activation code has been re-requested, the original activation code is de-activated and is no longer valid.

Remove Access to SSNVS

  1. From the BSO Main Menu, select View/Edit Services. The Remove Access to BSO Services web page will open.
  2. Check the box corresponding to SSNVS.
  3. Select the Remove button. A Confirmation web page will display indicating that SSA has approved your request.

If you remove access to any service(s) in error, you must re-request access via the Request Access to BSO Services web page.

SSNVS Handbook

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