Refusing to give a social security number for a passport applicaiton

M Renzulli wrote:
> I am going to be applying for a passport and would like to avoid giving my
> Social Security Number. I have done some research on the internet and have
> found a couple of sites stating that, despite the State Department's say-so,
> an SSN is not a requirement to obtain one.
> What was odd to me when reviewing the forms was that on one page of the
> DS-11 form it states giving an SSN is requried and an applicant WILL be
> subject to a $500 collected by the IRS yet on the actual form itself an
> applicant signs off on it states that if an applicant does not disclose
> their SSN they MAY be slapped with a $500 fine.
> Anyone know what the real deal is

I applied for and received a passport in '98 without using a social security account number. At the time, the USPS was accepting passport applications on behalf of the State Dept. Before the USPS would mail an application however, they required that it be checked over by a postal worker first. The postal worker I interacted with insisted I had to supply a number. I was equally insistent that I didn't.

After some back and forth where I had the opportunity to educate the postal worker regarding the specific requirements surrounding SSAN's in the Social Security Act, Title 42 of the U.S. Code I believe, along with the Privacy Act of 1974 and the felony penalty statute located at 42 USC 408(a)(8) for unlawfully compelling an individual to divulge a SSAN, she eventually saw things my way and accepted my application without a SSAN.

I received a passport about four weeks later without any additional hassles or threats of fines from the IRS. I've also not heard of anyone being fined for failure to provide a SSAN on a passport application but I haven't done an exhaustive search either.

I don't know how things may have changed over the past several years other then the fact that the USPS no longer accepts passport applications on behalf of the State Dept. My understanding at the time was the State Dept. couldn't care less whether or not a SSAN appeared on an application. The only reason why the IRS was involved was because they track an American citizen's finances while traveling overseas for income tax purposes. Specifically, the IRS attempts to determine whether or not an American citizen has foreign sources of income for tax reporting purposes.

Anyway, since the Social Security Act only requires foreigners working in the United States or individuals who have made application for federal benefits (social security, welfare, etc) to have a social security account number to begin with, I don't think you can (legally) be denied a passport for failing/refusing to supply a number on the application. Whether or not you'll get hassled by the IRS is unknown however.

If you're interested in general background information regarding social security account numbers and one man's ongoing experiment with living without one - check out:

http://www.cjmciver.org

"The Social Security Act does not require a person to have an SSN to live and work in the United States, nor does it require an SSN simply for the purpose of having one. However, if someone works without an SSN, we cannot properly credit the earnings for the work performed."

Terry

P.S. Here's the text of 42 USC 408(a)(8):

Whoever -
(8) discloses, uses, or compels the disclosure of the social security number of any person in violation of the laws of the United States; shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.

Here is another post from Terry where he says the State Department doesn't have the power to demand that you supply them with an SS number and he cites the laws.

> Mike's question pertains to authority. Does the State Department have statutory authority to require a SSN on a passport application and impose fines for failing to include this number?

* The short answer:

No. The State Department can neither require a social security account number or impose fines for failing to disclose one on a passport application.

The application instructions identify two governing statutes.

Under 31 USC 7701, the State Department can require an individual with a valid taxpayer identification number (not necessarily the same as a social security account number) provide it to them in the event the Department has to initiate debt collection action against the individual for failure to pay fees associated with the service. This is separate from the passport application itself and applies broadly across all federal government entities.

The imposition of fines is associated with 26 USC 6039E which can only be enforced by the IRS. Similar to 31 USC 7701, it has to do with providing a taxpayer identification number as opposed to a social security account number. The State Department only has authority to report individuals to the IRS for possible violations of the statute. The State Department cannot enforce it themselves.

With regards to Mike specifically, if he has a social security account number that was issued in accordance with 42 USC 205(c)(2)(A) and 42 USC (c)(2)(B)(i) and that number is the same as his taxpayer identification number then he must disclose the taxpayer identification number when making application for a passport or face possible fines from the IRS - not the State Department. Otherwise, Mike has no legal obligation to disclose a social security account number or make application for a number so that it can be included on a passport application.

* The long answer:

The Privacy Act of 1974 governs disclosure requests for SSAN's by all government entites:

Section 7 of Pub. L. 93-579 provided that: '(a)(1) It shall be unlawful for any Federal, State or local government agency to deny to any individual any right, benefit, or privilege provided by law because of such individual's refusal to disclose his social security account number.

'(2) the (The) provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply with respect to - '(A) any disclosure which is required by Federal statute, or

'(B) the disclosure of a social security number to any Federal, State, or local agency maintaining a system of records in existence and operating before January 1, 1975, if such disclosure was required under statute or regulation adopted prior to such date to verify the identity of an individual.

'(b) Any Federal, State, or local government agency which requests an individual to disclose his social security account number shall inform that individual whether that disclosure is mandatory or voluntary, by what statutory or other authority such number is solicited, and what uses will be made of it.'

I downloaded the passport application from the State Department to see by what statuatory authority it was requesting the disclosure of a SSAN. I found the following two privacy act statements on the instructions:

1.) "Section 6039E of the Internal Revenue Code (26 USC 6039E) requires you to provide your Social Security Number (SSN). If you have one, when you apply for a U.S. passport. if you have not been issued a SSN, enter zeros in box #5 of this form. If you are residing abroad, you must also provide the name of the foreign country in which you are residing. The U.S. Department of State must provide your SSN and foreign residence information to the Department of Treasury. If you fail to provide the information, you are subject to a $500.00 penalty enforced by the IRS. All questions on this matter should be directed to the nearest IRS office."

2.) "31 USC 7701 requires persons "doing business" with a federal agency to provide their Social Security Numbers to that agency. Because the U.S. Department of State collects fees for the provision of passport services to you, you are considered a person 'doing business' with the department...If the Department fails to receive full payment of the applicable fees, because, for example, your check is returned for any reason or you dispute a passport fee charge to your credit card, the U.S. Department of State will take action to collect the delinquit fees..."

In the first statement, the State Department indicates the governing statute for the SSAN request is located in title 26 and enforced by the IRS. Unfortunately, they misrepresent the statute. The statute requires a taxpayer identification number - not a social security account number. Further, the State Department neither enforces the statute directly nor imposes fines under the statute. Only the IRS has the authority to do this.

The text of 26 USC 6039E can be found at:

Cornell

You'll find no mention of the social security account number - only a taxpayer identification number for those who have one.

The second statement references 31 USC 7701 as the governing statute for the social security account number request. Once again, the Department misrepresents the statute's requirements by indicating it applies to a SSAN as opposed to a taxpayer identification number.

The text of 31 USC 7701 can be found at:

conrell

While many people's social security account number is the same as their taxpayer identification number, this is not true of everyone. Many other people do not have a social security account number, do not qualify for a social security account number, or were not issued a social security account number in accordance with 42 USC 205(c)(2)(A) as required by 26 USC 6109(d).

I'll email mmore on this later.

Terry

Subject: [lpaz-discuss] SSAN Requirements

It's instructive to see how weak the chains are that bind us in many circumstances.

One example is the recent thread regarding whether the State Department has the authority to mandate the use of social security account numbers (SSAN's) on passport applications. The underlying assumption being that everyone already has a validly issued SSAN with the only real question being whether this government entity can legally demand its disclosure. The far more interesting question (to me anyway) is who is required to have a SSAN to begin with. After all, if you haven't already been legally tagged by the government and aren't legally required to get tagged except under specific circumstances, the original question posed is mute.

Prior to 2000, I did a fair amount of research on this subject and gathered together much documentation. This documentation included a letter I wrote to the Director of the Social Security Administration in 1998 specifically requesting to know whether or not there was any law requiring an American citizen to obtain a number and if so, under what circumstances. I received a response from the agency that stated in pertinent part:

"The Social Security Act does not require a person to have a Social Security Number (SSN) to live and work in the United States, nor does it require an SSN simply for the purpose of having one. However, if someone works without an SSN, we cannot properly credit the earnings for the work performed."

True to the letter I received in 1998 from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the statute's show a SSAN is NOT required to live and work in the United States. In fact, the agency can only legally issue SSAN's to two classes of individuals. These include work-eligible foreigners lawfully admitted into the United States and individuals who apply for and/or receive federal benefits.

The specific statute in question is located at 42USC405(c)(2)(B)(i) - see http://www.law.cornell.edu/socsec/act/0205.htm:

42 USC 405(c)(2):

"(B)(i) In carrying out the Commissioner's duties under subparagraph (A) and subparagraph (F), the Commissioner of Social Security shall take affirmative measures to assure that social security account numbers will, to the maximum extent practicable, be assigned to all members of appropriate groups or categories of individuals by assigning such numbers (or ascertaining that such numbers have already been assigned):

(I) to aliens at the time of their lawful admission to the United States either for permanent residence or under other authority of law permitting them to engage in employment in the United States and to other aliens at such time as their status is so changed as to make it lawful for them to engage in such employment; (II) to any individual who is an applicant for or recipient of benefits under any program financed in whole or in part from Federal funds including any child on whose behalf such benefits are claimed by another person; and (III) to any other individual when it appears that he could have been but was not assigned an account number under the provisions of subclauses (I) or (II) but only after such investigation as is necessary to establish to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Social Security, the identity of such individual, the fact that an account number has not already been assigned to such individual, and the fact that such individual is a citizen or a noncitizen who is not, because of his alien status, prohibited from engaging in employment; and, in carrying out such duties, the Commissioner of Social Security is authorized to take affirmative measures to assure the issuance of social security numbers:

(IV) to or on behalf of children who are below school age at the request of their parents or guardians; and

(V) to children of school age at the time of their first enrollment in school."

One hangup that folks have regarding SSAN's is the false belief they must also have such a number for tax return purposes. A quick look at the pertinent statute though quickly alleviates this concern. Specifically, 26 USC 6109(d) states:

"(d) Use of social security account number The social security account number issued to an individual for purposes of section 205(c)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act shall, except as shall otherwise be specified under regulations of the Secretary, be used as the identifying number for such individual for purposes of this title."

Work-eligible aliens can apply for an ITIN (individual taxpayer identification number) but Americans cannot. The IRS has made no provisions to generate ITIN's for Americans who do not have a SSAN (which raises several interesting questions in and of itself for those keyed into such issues).

To make a long story short, if you don't want to be numbered like a piece of inventory and don't want to make it easy for government (and private) entities to track your every move then don't make application for federal benefits, don't use a Social Slavery Number, and challenge the validity of any such number already issued to you. Under such circumstances, both the Privacy act of 1974 and 42 USC 408 can be used to assist you in your efforts. Otherwise you're just strengthening the chains that bind you and making the Real ID Act that much easier to implement in the years to come.

"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong that will be imposed upon them, and these will continue until they are resisted with either words or blows or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress." - Fredrick Douglass 1857

What exactly are you willing to endure?

Terry

Read the excerpt below carefully:

Source

"Michael Cooke, executive director of the state's Department of Revenue, which oversees the DMV, has changed the rules for Colorado IDs four times since the new anti-immigration law went into effect Aug. 1 to counter fake documents.

"The face of fraud is changing so rapidly as people try to outwit our changes of policy," said Rick Archer, chief investigator for the Revenue Department.

DMV offices are seeing people attempting to use fraudulent Texas and Puerto Rico birth certificates, American Indian tribal ID cards, and even U.S. passports.

Cooke said the federal government does not require the use of a person's full legal name for the issuance of a passport. It also does not require "rigid proof" of identity or legal residency in the United States.

And, Cooke said, if an applicant can't produce some form of ID, he or she can still get a passport if friends or family members take an oath that they've known the individual for at least two years and that he or she is a U.S. citizen. "

From: Source

Red tape ensnares state's new ID law

Rules meant to foil illegal immigrants cause havoc at DMV

David M. Barreda © News

Phony papers bury state DMV offices

Rules hammered out on immigrant services

By April M. Washington, Rocky Mountain News September 25, 2006

When state Sen. Andy McElhany helped pass a tough anti-illegal immigration measure this summer, he never expected his family to get caught up in the red tape. Earlier this month, a Colorado Springs driver's license office refused to issue McElhany's 15-year- old daughter a learner's permit when she presented a passport to prove she is a bona fide Colorado resident and U.S. citizen.

"Our daughter is a legal citizen with a legal passport," said McElhany, R-Colorado Springs. "There is no reason to believe a 15-year-old has a fake passport."

But as of Sept. 6, U.S. passports, long believed to be a solid form of identification, are no longer being accepted without another document - such as a state-issued birth certificate or Social Security card - to get a driver's license or state ID.

Colorado's new immigration law, passed by the legislature in July, sets up strict identification checks meant to deny most public services to adult illegal immigrants. A Colorado driver's license or state identification card are the main forms of ID needed.

The problem, McElhany and others say, is that the rules to get a Colorado ID keep changing, practically on a weekly basis. Most residents are unaware of the changes, however, and confusion is rampant at many Division of Motor Vehicle offices.

"You need to have a policy in place, but you need to tell people what the policy is so they'll know what to expect to get an ID," McElhany said. "What's going on now is crazy."

Michael Cooke, executive director of the state's Department of Revenue, which oversees the DMV, has changed the rules for Colorado IDs four times since the new anti-immigration law went into effect Aug. 1 to counter fake documents.

"The face of fraud is changing so rapidly as people try to outwit our changes of policy," said Rick Archer, chief investigator for the Revenue Department.

DMV offices are seeing people attempting to use fraudulent Texas and Puerto Rico birth certificates, American Indian tribal ID cards, and even U.S. passports.

Cooke said the federal government does not require the use of a person's full legal name for the issuance of a passport. It also does not require "rigid proof" of identity or legal residency in the United States.

And, Cooke said, if an applicant can't produce some form of ID, he or she can still get a passport if friends or family members take an oath that they've known the individual for at least two years and that he or she is a U.S. citizen.

Since Aug. 1, about 1,700 people have been caught at DMV offices trying to pass fake papers, largely immigration documents. About 150 more attempted to use fraudulent birth certificates.

"The problem with passports and some birth certificates is that some states will take any documents," Cooke said. "In Colorado, our laws our tough and they're meant to be tough.

"We're taking the steps that are necessary to protect citizens from identity theft and to protect the integrity of the documents we issue."

When the law was enacted, it said anyone who wanted to get public benefits had to have one of four forms of identification: a Colorado driver's license or state ID, a Merchant Marine card or an American Indian tribal document.

Soon after, Cooke relaxed those requirements and issued temporary rules that were supposed to be in effect until March. Under them, people could get Colorado IDs and benefits by showing a number of documents, including a certified birth certificate, valid naturalization certificate or citizenship certificate, a U.S. passport, a court-issued adoption order, or a valid license or photo ID issued by one of 34 states.

On Aug. 28, Cooke excluded from acceptable documents birth certificates issued by cities, counties and hospitals from any state after DMV offices saw a spike in phony paperwork from Puerto Rico and Texas. Only state-certified birth certificates, along with other forms of ID, are acceptable.

A week later, Cooke ruled an applicant can't get a Colorado ID by solely showing a passport.

The new immigration law and a previous state statute gives the Revenue Department director full authority to make rule changes when the need arises.

Still, sponsors of the law accused Cooke of abusing her power and micromanaging the new law to the point that it's making it difficult for legal residents to get public benefits and a Colorado driver's license or ID card.

"Part of the problem is that Michael Cooke has made up her own laws," said Colorado Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, D-Coal Creek Canyon. "She has not been given the power to go over and above what the bill intended."

Rep. Bernie Buescher, D-Grand Junction, said he's received a flood of calls, some from senior citizens who can't put their hands on their birth certificates.

"I'm dealing with situations where older folks say that their birth certificates burned up in a fire in a podunk town . . . and they can't get a driver's license," Buescher said.

He thinks the legislature will have to "tweak" the law next year.

"I think we'll see a backlash of ordinary citizens finding it difficult to live their lives. That was not the intent of this legislation," Buescher said.

Dennis and Tanora Nubine moved from California to Colorado in July. After recently spending hours at the DMV in Aurora, they were told that some of their children's California birth certificates weren't good enough to prove they are U.S. citizens. And Tanora was told her hospital-issued birth certificate from Indiana needed to be state-certified.

That was after the DMV clerk punched a hole in her California driver's license, making it invalid to use here.

At the DMV office in Denver on West Mississippi Avenue, Anna Giorgianni was told her birth certificate, issued by the state of New York in 1958, and her photo ID weren't good enough.

She now prays that New York will send a new birth certificate soon.

"Do you know how hard it is to get something from New York in a short period of time?" she said. "I can't believe this is happening to me."

ID info

If you present these documents when getting a state driver's license or ID, you will need to present additional documents:

• U.S. passport
• Any Texas or Puerto Rico birth certificate
• Tribal ID card

For more information: Go to Colorado State Site

washingtonam@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-5086