The fillable SSA-3288 (07-2013) requires the consenting individual to provide a wet
signature. If an individual’s signature is by mark “X”, two witnesses to the signing
of the individual’s mark “X” must also provide wet signatures. Individuals may complete
all of the fillable boxes electronically but must download, print, and wet sign the
form before sending the form to us for processing.
Individuals may present a written consent document, including the SSA-3288, in person
or send it to us by postal mail, facsimile, or approved electronic means, as long
as the consent meets our requirements and bears a legible signature. Processing offices
must use their own judgment to determine whether to accept and process a consent document.
Otherwise, the processing office must return the consent document to the requester
if it is unclear, bears an unreadable signature, or appears to have been altered.