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Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS) Handbook


Front cover of the SSNVS Handbook

Social Security Administration
Office of Systems Electronic Services
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Updated January 2025

SSNVS Handbook

Table of Contents

  • SSNVS Handbook Home
  • Contact Information
  • What is SSNVS and BSO?
  • System Requirements
  • Security
  • SSNVS/BSO Availability
  • Registration
  • Access to SSNVS
  • Logging into SSNVS
  • Using SSNVS
  • Submission File Format
  • Returned File Format
  • SSN Verification Results
  • Status and Retrieval Options
  • Status and Retrieval Results
  • What To Do If An SSN Fails To Verify
  • Logging Out
  • SSNVS News
  • Getting Help
  • Employer Reporting Information
  • Maintaining Your Registration Information
  • Glossary of Terms
  • Appendix A: Additional Verification Options
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