Is it okay to put your social security number on job application?

Question

I went in with my friend today at her work place. The application asked for my SSN and my driver license number. This will be my first job so i don't really know what not to put or what to put. I gave them all the info they needed including my SSN and driver license. Is that okay?

Answer 1

I would not do it on just an application, just the new hire documents but on the other hand, how bad do you want that job

Answer 2

yea they need that info for employee records. don't worry, they wouldn't have asked for that info. if they didn't need it.

Answer 3

i wouldnt...just right available upon request.  

Answer 4

Yes.  It's one of the few places it's ok to give it out.

Answer 5

I make it a practice never to give out those two pieces of information unless I am sure I have the job

Answer 6

I don't like to but you have to.

Answer 7

A SSN number is used to verify your ability to work and so you can pay taxes, the employer can request it either on a application or when you are in your orientation. Either way it is the employers responsibility to protect it and after 1 year they are required to destroy the document if you are not a active employee. You could decline but they most likely would not hire you just because you are going against there system. The company I worked Human Resources for always asked for this information during the final interview for the one that they picked or we picked up during the first day of orientation.  

Answer 8

yes you have to give your ssn

Answer 9

Yea dude they use your social to verify identity, background checks, and tax purposes. With today's identity theft problems I understand being concerned about it but you're not gonna get a legit job without a social.  

Answer 10

Yes, I think every application asks for it.  Legally they cant give your information out.  

Answer 11

Wow, what a load of BAD answers -- and a couple of good ones.

A prospective employer has NO RIGHT to your SSN until you are actually HIRED!  You should NEVER put your SSN on a job application.  If they ask for it, simply write "Upon Hire" and leave it at that.  Employers cannot run background checks until they make a conditional offer of employment and get your express written permission.  And they cannot verify eligibility for employment in the US until AFTER they hire you.  

They'd have no need for your driver's license number unless driving were part of the express duties of the position being offered.  And again, they don't need it until you are hired.

Don't give out personal information until it is absolutely necessary.  And don't depend upon employers to protect that information ESPECIALLY if you are not hired!  They will retain the job application if you're hired, but if you're not it may wind up in the dumpster out back.  Identity thieves are infamous for "dumpster diving" and you don't want your data out there!

Answer 12

its necessary

Answer 13

Yes you have to or you won't get hired. The government requires it.

Answer 14

No. There is no need to share your SSN with anyone.

Answer 15

I do not fill in those blanks until I'm about to hand my application to someone in HR.

Answer 16

Yeah, they have to have your SSN my sister is a manager at a store, they all have that one them. It's safe. =]  

Answer 17

You're in safe hands.  This is part of the Federal Government's Privacy Act.  The employer will not reveal any of your personal information.

I am sure that you were given a copy of your Privacy Rights.  This is a law that must be signed by you, and give you a copy of it.

Don't worry about your personal information.  They have to have your SSN to pay in your taxes withheld on your pay check. A copy of your Drivers License Number is for their insurance records.  They probably will check your driving record, because at some time, your job will entail delivering flowers.

Please enjoy your job.  It's lots of fun interacting with the public.