TN 99 (05-24)
RM 10205.120 How the Number Holder’s Name is Shown on SSN Card
The first and last name listed on the number holder’s (NH) SSN card must agree with the first and last name shown on the document submitted as evidence of
identity or legal name. A middle name or suffix is not considered part of the legal
name. It does not matter if the middle name or suffix is included, omitted, or incorrectly
shown on an SSN card.
For SSN purposes, a NH’s legal name consists of the first (or given name) and last
(or family name or surname) that is used to sign legal documents, deeds, or contracts.
The SSN card has two lines for the NH’s name with 26 spaces on the first line for
the NH’s first and middle names and 26 spaces on the second line for the last name
and suffix, if any. Neither the first or last names shown on the SSN card should be
reduced in length, unless it exceeds the 26-character limit. Therefore, omit middle
names, middle initials, and suffixes if they prevent you from showing as many characters
as possible for the first and last names.