Is the document acceptable evidence and of the highest probative value available?

Accept the evidence only when permitted under the requirements for the evidence factor the document is establishing (i.e., age, identity, citizenship and lawful alien status). See GN 00307.000 for instructions about the acceptability of foreign evidence.

• •

  If YES, go to Step 2.

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  If NO, attempt to obtain available evidence of the highest probative value based on the SSN requirement factors for evidence.

Requirement factors for evidence:

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  RM 10210.020 for the number of documents required for an SSN card

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  RM 10210.085 for acceptable forms of evidence

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  RM 10210.250 for information on evidence of age

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  RM 10210.405 for information on evidence of identity

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  RM 10210.500 for information on evidence of citizenship

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  RM 10210.600 for information on evidence of lawful alien status in America Samoa

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  RM 10211.000 for information on evidence of lawful alien status

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  RM 10212.000 for information on evidence for name changes

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  RM 10210.170 Regional Office/Center for Programs Support International (RO/CPS Int) process.

a. Is the document in English or is English one of the languages used on a multi-lingual document?

OR -

b. Is there a written translation by an authorized non-SSA translator (as provided in GN 00301.350) to accompany the document?

• •

  If YES to either a or b above, go to Step 3.

• •

  If NO, (document is not in English and is not accompanied by an acceptable translation) review the document as provided in Step 3, prepare an SSA-533 and refer to GN 00301.365 and GN 00301.330 to request a translation of the document. See Note in Step 9.

  • –

    Enter the application in SSNAP, pending receipt of the translation as provided in RM 10205.310.

Examine each document

Compare the document with a valid document:

• •

  Compare when possible, the characteristics of the submitted document with the characteristics of a document known to be valid. Use the Administrative Confidential Memorandum (ACM ), the National Identity Document Database (NIDD ), the Docutector Site , which are all accessible on SSA’s Document Verification Website (DVW ), and POMS RM 10210.700 through RM 10210.710. For more information on the DVW and the resources found there, see RM 10210.405 and RM 10210.220.

  EXCEPTION: If you are completely familiar with all the features of a State-issued driver’s license or identity card, see RM 10210.425A.1 and RM 10210.425A.9 respectively.

• •

  Visually examine the document to detect erasures and alterations. Determine if the document’s characteristics match those of a valid document.

• •

  If the document contains black light security features, use a black light to detect alterations and determine if the document’s security features match those of a valid document. Use the ACM and other DVW resources to determine which black-light security features exist.

• •

  Consider if available, using a magnifying glass (e.g., jeweler’s loupe) to inspect security features described in the DVW document.

• •

  Be aware that a document may not appear authentic for reasons other than those specified in POMS, the ACM , and other resources, since there are continuously new instances of fraudulent activity.

Some characteristics of valid documents

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  The printed copy is evenly centered on the paper;

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  The font size and style are uniform;

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  The item numbers are in consecutive order with none missing;

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  If the subsection is lettered with a capital letter, all other subsections will have capital letters;

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  The print is clear and clean, not smudged;

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  The lines of print are even and regular;

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  The dates are consistent.

  EXAMPLE: The date the document was registered is always after the date of the event (to which the document attests).

• •

  There are no erasures.

Compare all submitted documents with each other

Compare the information on all of the documents. Reconcile any discrepancies. Follow the Step 1 requirement factors for evidence.

Ensure that the information on the SSN application is correct

Compare the information on each document the applicant submits with the information on the SSN application. Reconcile any discrepancies. Annotate the name of the authorized translator and pertinent document information in the “Remarks” block on the SSNAP Summary screen. List any additional evidence or documents the individual submitted not previously captured in SSNAP. Follow the Step 1 requirement factors for evidence.

Is the applicant’s identity questionable?

• •

  If YES, ask the applicant to submit more evidence of identity and resolve any discrepancies following the identity requirement factors in RM 10210.405. 

  • –

    If you suspect the applicant is using a fictitious identity, see RM 10205.300.

• •

  If NO, go to Step7.

Is the applicant’s age questionable?

• •

  If YES, see GN 00302.165 - GN 00302.180.

• •

  If NO, go to Step 8.

Was the document or stamp on the document issued by the Department of Homeland Security?

• •

  If YES, see RM 10210.560.

• •

  If NO, go to Step 9.