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Form SSA-89: Authorization for Social Security Number Verification

Learn what Form SSA-89 is, who needs it, and how to properly authorize Social Security Number verification.

Authorization for Social Security Number verification form SSA-89

By: Stefan Petrov

Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Form SSA-89 authorizes the Social Security Administration to verify an individual's Social Security Number for a third party.

This one-page consent is commonly required for loans, employment checks, licensing, and other identity verifications.

1. Overview of Form SSA-89

Form SSA-89 is titled Authorization for the Social Security Administration To Release Social Security Number Verification.

The form lets an individual allow the SSA to confirm name, date of birth, and SSN to a specified Company or its Agent.

2. Who Needs To File Form SSA-89

Any individual asked by a Company to verify their SSN should complete Form SSA-89.

Common situations include applying for a mortgage, loan, credit card, employment background checks, or professional licensing.

3. When And How To File Form SSA-89

Complete and sign the form when the requesting Company asks for SSN verification.

Provide your printed Name, Date of Birth, SSN, reason for authorization, and the Company and Agent Name and Address if applicable.

Validity and Use

The consent is generally valid for a one-time use and effective for 90 days from the Date Signed unless a different timeframe is specified and initialed.

Return the signed form to the requesting Company; do not send it to the Social Security Administration.

4. Signature Requirements

A physical wet signature is required on Form SSA-89; electronic signatures are not accepted.

For minors or legally incompetent adults a Parent or Legal Guardian must sign and the Company must retain proof of relationship such as a birth certificate or court order.

Third parties like spouses, Appointed Representatives, Attorneys, or those with Power of Attorney are not permitted to sign on behalf of the individual.

5. Retention And Confidentiality

The requesting Company must retain the signed Form SSA-89 for five years from the Date of the client signature.

Companies must safeguard the form and the data it contains to prevent loss or unauthorized access.

6. Exemptions And Limitations

There are no general exemptions from completing Form SSA-89 when a Company requires SSN verification.

If the Company requires verification, the individual must sign the form following the rules on signature and identification.

7. Common Pitfalls And How To Avoid Them

Mismatch of information with SSA records can delay verification; always enter your details exactly as on SSA records.
Do not send the form to SSA; return it to the requesting Company to initiate the Consent Based Social Security Number Verification service.
Remember that electronic signatures are invalid for SSA-89 and will be rejected.

8. The CBSV Process And The Companys Role

Companies use the Consent Based Social Security Number Verification CBSV service to obtain verification from the SSA.

After receiving a valid SSA-89, the Company or its Agent submits the request through the CBSV system and receives confirmation of whether the provided data matches SSA records.

9. How To Submit And Timelines

Individuals do not submit the form to SSA; the requesting Company retains it and submits verification requests through CBSV.

Verification response times vary by Company practices but CBSV is intended to be prompt once the Company submits the request.

10. Best Practices For Individuals And Companies

For Individuals: review SSA records and update them if necessary before signing an SSA-89 to avoid mismatches.

For Companies: collect the signed SSA-89, verify identity documents where required, submit CBSV requests promptly, and retain the form securely for five years.

Item	Key Fact
Signature Type	Physical wet signature only
Validity	One-time use and generally 90 days unless specified
Retention	Company retains for five years

Additional Resources for Form SSA-89

Form SSA-89: Conclusion

Form SSA-89 is a concise consent document that enables Companies to verify SSN data with the SSA securely and legally.

Following the rules on signatures, accurate data entry, and proper retention helps both Individuals and Companies complete SSN verification smoothly.

01. What is the purpose of Form SSA-89?

Form SSA-89 authorizes the Social Security Administration to verify an individual's Social Security Number for a third party in various contexts like loans and employment checks.

02. Who should file Form SSA-89?

Any individual asked by a Company to verify their SSN, commonly during loan applications, employment verification, or licensing, should file this form.

03. Can electronic signatures be used on Form SSA-89?

No. Form SSA-89 requires a physical wet signature; electronic signatures are not accepted.

04. What is the role of the requesting Company in the SSA-89 process?

The requesting Company must retain the signed form for five years, submit verification requests via the CBSV system, and safeguard confidential information.

05. How long is Form SSA-89 valid for use?

Form SSA-89 is generally valid for one use and effective for 90 days from the date signed, unless otherwise specified.

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