1. (a) The social security number shall be obtained from all applicants for the purpose of additional identification. Texas Transportation Code, §521.142(e), provides that the department may require information necessary to determine the applicant's identity, competency, and eligibility.
2. (b) When a social security number is originally obtained, it is mandatory that documentation be provided to verify the number. Documentation may include the actual social security card issued by the United States government, income tax documents, W-2 tax forms, and payroll or other employer records. A facsimile (flea market) or metal social security card or list of numbers from an employer shall not be used.
3. (c) On all duplicate and renewal driver's license applications, the documented social security number shall be obtained where it is not currently a part of the driving record. After the social security number becomes a part of the driver's license record, all future duplicate and renewal of driver's license will be verified for correct social security number. Eligible renewal-by-mail applicants are required to provide a social security number certified by signature that the number provided on the application is true and correct.
4. (d) Applicants for an identification certificate will be asked to provide verification of SSN documentation. If the applicant fails or refuses to provide that social security information, the identification certificate will be issued without such documentation unless state or federal statute requires otherwise.

5. (e) Individuals who do not possess a social security number will be referred to the Social Security Administration to obtain such number.

   1. (1) An individual, ineligible to obtain a social security number due to immigration status, will be required to obtain a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA L-676) indicating their non-eligibility.
   2. (2) Upon presentation of the Social Security Administration letter demonstrating the applicant's ineligibility to obtain a social security number, the department will assign the applicant an alternate numeric identifier, to be used in lieu of the social security number. Thereafter, the driver's license application will be processed in accordance with existing policies, rules, and procedures.

Source Note:The provisions of this §15.42 adopted to be effective October 1, 1992, 17 TexReg 6483; amended to be effective March 4, 1999, 24 TexReg 1395.