SSN Trace After Randomization: What Employers Need to Know

SSN Trace has long been a standard component of employment background checks. However, changes implemented by the Social Security Administration more than a decade ago significantly altered how these results should be interpreted.

Many employers still believe an SSN Trace confirms where or when a Social Security number was issued. That assumption is no longer accurate and can lead to misunderstanding or compliance risk.

This article explains how SSN Trace works today, why it changed, and how employers should use the results responsibly in modern background screening.

What Is an SSN Trace in Employment Background Checks?

An SSN Trace, also referred to as Identity Verification, uses commercially available data sources to identify information historically associated with the Social Security number provided by an applicant.

Typical SSN Trace results may include:

• Names historically associated with the SSN
• Address history linked to those names and the SSN
• Possible aliases or alternate name variations

The purpose of an SSN Trace is to support the accuracy of background checks by identifying prior names and jurisdictions that may need to be searched. It does not verify identity, employment authorization, or citizenship.

How SSA Randomization Changed SSN Trace Results

In June 2011, the Social Security Administration implemented SSN randomization. Under this policy:

• Social Security numbers are no longer issued based on geographic location
• The issuance state can no longer be reliably determined
• Issue year estimates are often inaccurate

As a result, older assumptions about SSN structure are no longer valid. Any SSN Trace report that presents issuance location or year as definitive information should be carefully reviewed for accuracy and context.

Why Issuance Location Is No Longer Reliable

Prior to 2011, the first three digits of a Social Security number were associated with the state where the number was issued. That relationship no longer exists.

Today:

• SSNs issued anywhere in the United States may follow the same numbering patterns
• Geographic inferences based on SSN structure are unreliable
• Presenting issuance data without explanation can mislead report users

For this reason, responsible background screening providers either remove the issuance location entirely or clearly explain its limitations.

How VeriFirst Presents SSN Trace Results

VeriFirst has modernized how SSN Trace results are displayed to reflect current data standards and regulatory expectations.

Our SSN Trace reporting emphasizes:

• Name consistency and known variations
• Address history used to determine appropriate criminal search jurisdictions
• Date of birth alignment when available from commercial sources

When randomization parameters are present, we intentionally avoid:

• Implying confirmation from the Social Security Administration
• Presenting the issuance geography or issue year as factual
• Using pass or fail language

SSN Trace results are presented as informational identity intelligence that supports accurate background searches rather than as a verification tool.

How Employers Should Use SSN Trace Results

When used correctly, SSN Trace helps employers:

• Identify jurisdictions that should be searched for criminal records
• Discover prior names or aliases
• Reduce the risk of incomplete searches
• Improve overall screening accuracy and fairness

SSN Trace should not be used to:

• Verify ownership of a Social Security number
• Confirm identity or employment eligibility
• Make employment decisions on its own

Employment decisions should always be based on reportable records and consistent hiring policies.

Transparency Supports Compliance and Fairness

Clear explanations of what SSN Trace can and cannot do benefit both employers and candidates.

Transparent reporting:

• Reduces disputes and candidate confusion
• Supports compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act
• Helps employers respond confidently to audits
• Improves trust in the screening process

At VeriFirst, we believe clarity and accuracy are essential to responsible background screening.

Conclusion

SSN Trace remains an important part of employment background checks, but its role has evolved.

In a post-randomization environment, best practices include:

• Acknowledging data limitations
• Presenting SSN Trace results clearly and accurately
• Using identity intelligence to support thorough searches rather than assumptions

VeriFirst is committed to modern screening practices that prioritize accuracy, transparency, and compliance.