Social Security Number Address Trace (SSN Trace Report)

What is a Social Security Number Address Trace Report (SSN Trace)?

In the United States, a Social Security number is a nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents under section 205 of the Social Security Act.  A SSN Trace is a database search that provides the year, state of issuance, and address and name history of a particular social security number. It is a critical component of a background check and helps to uncover many more background details than a search by one name or one address. 

When run with criminal searches, the SSN Trace increases the accuracy of criminal reports because it can provide additional identifiers for records research, which may help link the applicant to any criminal information. The SSN Trace can also be used to identify additional jurisdictions in which to run reports, such as County or Federal searches, to provide a more thorough report.

How does it work?

The Social Security Address Trace, or SST, on Verified First files displays the name and addresses associated with a social security number for the last 7 years,  based upon credit information and US postal service records (subscriptions, utility bills, etc). We use this information to provide jurisdictions in which to run reports, and to help link the applicant to possible criminal information. The social security number does not signify someone’s eligibility to work in the US or their immigration status.

What does it mean if there’s someone else’s name on a SSN Trace? 

If you see a different name show up on a SSN Trace, there are a variety of reasons as to why that could have happened. The most common reason for an unrelated name on a SSN trace is due to data entry errors when entering the SSN on any applications or documents, but it could also mean that the candidate was recently married or simply changed their name (legally). A SSN Trace can also report “NO RECORDS FOUND” - this could mean that the applicant has very little or no address history, they might have recently been issued a social security number, or there could be a data entry error.

What the SSN Trace is NOT used for

The SSN Trace report may not be used as the basis for adverse action. It is used to verify or correct information, or as a tool for additional research. The SSN Trace does not signify someone’s eligibility to work in the U.S. - nor their immigration status. 

Social Security Number Randomization 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) changed the way Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are issued on June 25, 2011. This change is referred to as "randomization." The SSA developed randomization to help protect the integrity and extend the longevity of the SSN nationwide.

Who needs this search?

The Social Security Trace is the starting point for criminal searches.  Anyone running a criminal search will need to attach this search to it. 

Why run this search?

Because this gives us jurisdiction and address information as well as confirms the candidate’s name we are able to use that data to not only search additional jurisdictions in the County and Federal searches but also confirm that any discrepancies identified on criminal searches are verified based on the candidates name and address.   

If you have any further questions, or need a product enabled on your account, 
please contact Verified First Client Services for assistance.

Call 844-709-2708 or email ClientServices@VerifiedFirst.com