Is the document in English or does it include a written translation by an authorized translator?

Accept foreign evidence for an SSN card only if permitted under the SSN requirement factors for evidence (e.g., age, identity, and citizenship and alien status).

• •

  If yes, go to Step 2

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  If no (document is in a foreign language): Do not review a foreign document. Ask for other evidence of age and identity. For information on accepting foreign documents, acceptable translations, and requesting translation, see Authorized Translators Defined GN 00301.340, and Foreign Evidence GN 00307.000.

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, name change, and citizenship and lawful alien status).

• •

  If yes, go to Step 3

• •

  If no, attempt to obtain available evidence of the highest probative value based on the SSN requirement factors for evidence. If the document is unacceptable and there is no other evidence available, provide written notice to the applicant explaining why the application cannot be processed per RM 10215.110.

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.

Examine each document

Compare the document with a valid one

• •

  Compare when possible, the document with the characteristics of a valid one. 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 and determine if the document’s characteristics match those of a genuine document.

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  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 genuine document. Use the ACM and other DVW resources to determine which black-light security features exist.

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

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  Be alert for alterations and erasures.

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  Be aware that a document may not appear authentic for reasons other than those specified in POMS, the ACM , and other resources, especially 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 size and style of type 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 documents to each other

Compare the information on each document submitted to that on the other documents. Reconcile any discrepancies. Follow the Step 2 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 2 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 identify requirement factors in RM 10210.405. 

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

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  If no, go to Step 7.

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.