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My company hires legal aliens, who often do not have Social Security numbers. Do they need a number to work or just a work permit?

Everyone who works needs a Social Security number. As an employer, you are required to get each worker's name and Social Security number and to enter them on the employee's Form W-2. Use the Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS), an online service that allows registered employers and third-party submitters to verify employee names and Social Security numbers (SSN) against Social Security's records for wage reporting purposes.  You can use SSNVS without leaving your office or having your employees take time off from work to go to a Social Security office.  Another option is for employees to show you their Social Security card.

If your employee applied for a Social Security number but does not yet have it, indicate the number has been "Applied for" on the employee's Form W-2. When the employee receives his number, file Form W-2c, Corrected Wage and Tax Statement.


An employee who does not have a Social Security number may apply for one by completing the Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. Workers can get the form by downloading it from the Web, calling 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting the local Social Security office. Noncitizen workers can find more information in Social Security Numbers For Noncitizens (Publication No. 05-10096) and Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers (Publication No. 05-10107).