When you apply for a Minnesota driver’s license or identification (ID) card, you are required by federal law to give us your full Social Security number (SSN) if you are eligible for one. This requirement enhances security, reduces the risk of identity theft or fraud, and protects the integrity of the issuance process.

Verifying your Social Security number

Make sure your information is accurate with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to avoid delays when we process your application for a license or ID card. We use the SSA Social Security Online Verification service to verify your SSN, name and date of birth. 

If you need to correct or update information with the SSA, do it several days before you apply for a license or ID card. If we cannot verify your SSN, you must contact the SSA to correct any problems before we can issue or renew your card. 

Privacy and your Social Security number

Your SSN is private information that is secure in the driver’s license information system and accessible only to those lawfully authorized to access it. 

Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) will assign you a unique license or ID number. SSNs are not stored in the barcode nor are they embedded or printed on a license or ID card. 

DVS will only share an SSN with governmental agencies that are legally allowed to access the information, such as:

• Minnesota Department of Human Services to administer child support enforcement programs or locate individuals to establish paternity.
• Minnesota Department of Revenue for tax administration.
• Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for purposes of workers’ compensation administration and enforcement.
• Minnesota Judicial Branch for purposes of debt collection.
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for purposes of license application administration.
• Social Security Administration for commercial driver's license or commercial learner’s permit identity verification.
• U.S. Selective Service Administration.

Note: DVS does not report personal information to immigration authorities. 

• Federal laws allow DVS to collect SSN 
  • 42 USC Section 405(c)(2)(C)(i) 
  • 42 USC Section 666(a)(13)(A)
• State law governs the way DVS uses SSNs
  • Minnesota Statutes, section 13.69.
• State and federal law relating to Driver License and ID Card SSN requirements
  • 6 Code of Federal Regulations Section 37.11 
  • Minnesota Statute 171.06
• State and federal laws relating to CDL SSN requirements: 
  • 49 Code of Federal Regulations Section 383.153 
  • Minnesota Statutes 171.161
  • Minnesota Rule 7410.4560
• Minnesota Department of Administration information on Social Security Numbers 
• U.S. Department of Justice information on Disclosure of Social Security Numbers