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What do you do if a truck driver gives you the wrong Social Security Number—or doesn’t have one at all?
Can you still let them start work while you wait for the paperwork?
The short answer is no. Letting someone drive without a valid SSN or completed I-9 can cause big problems. You could face fines from the IRS, get in trouble with the DOT, or even lose your ability to operate.
In this article, we’ll show you what to do if a driver’s SSN is missing or wrong. You’ll learn how to check the number, what steps to take to fix it, and how to handle things if the driver doesn’t have an SSN yet—so you don’t put your business at risk.
Don’t Let a Driver Work Without an SSN and Completed Paperwork
Before any driver starts work, you need:
- A valid SSN from the employee
- A completed I-9 Employment Eligibility Form
- Driver background checks (required by law)
Hiring someone without these items is a compliance risk. No one should be behind the wheel—or on your payroll—until these are done.
Need help understanding this? Check out our article Incomplete Truck Driver Paperwork: How It Can Cost You Big.
Double-Check Your Records for SSN Mistakes
If you notice a mismatch or error in the SSN, the first thing to do is double-check your files.
Sometimes, the number was simply typed wrong during onboarding. Look at the copy of the SSN card the employee gave you when they were hired. If it doesn’t match the payroll record, correct it.
Have the Driver Confirm Their SSN with Proper ID
If the number in your files matches what’s in payroll but still looks wrong, ask the employee to confirm their SSN.
They should:
- Provide a copy of their Social Security card.
- Show another form of government-issued ID to verify identity.
Make sure both documents are clear and readable. This helps protect your business from fraud or audit issues.
Use SSA Tools to Make Sure the SSN Is Valid
When an employee gives you a corrected SSN, you need to make sure it’s valid.
You can do this by using the Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS) from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Once verified, update your payroll records.
This step helps avoid IRS penalties for mismatched or fake SSNs.
No SSN, No Job: Why This Rule Has Zero Exceptions
If an employee does not have an SSN yet, they must apply for one using Form SS-5 through the Social Security Administration (SSA). After applying, they’ll get a letter confirming their application.
Here’s what you must do next:
- Make sure the employee completes Form I-9 using acceptable temporary documents.
- Show another form of government-issued ID to verify identity.
If the SSN still seems suspicious or unverifiable, you may need to contact DHS directly through E-Verify or their helpline to ensure employment eligibility.
Final Word: No SSN, No Work—Here’s What to Do Next
No SSN means no payroll—and no driving. That’s the rule, and there are no shortcuts.
That may feel frustrating when you’re short on drivers or rushing to get someone on the road, but skipping these steps could cost you big in fines, tax issues, or even your ability to operate.
Remember, this isn’t just paperwork. It’s the law—and your business depends on following it.
If dealing with missing or incorrect SSNs feels overwhelming, you don’t have to manage it alone.
Your next step is to schedule a time to talk with a trucking payroll expert. We’ll help you make sure every driver is paid properly, every document is in order, and your company stays out of trouble.
We’re Superior Trucking Payroll Service, and we know what it takes to keep your fleet running smoothly—and legally. Let’s take payroll stress off your plate, so you can focus on the road ahead.
Written by Melisa Bush
With over 15 years of experience in the trucking industry, Melisa is well-versed in the complexities of trucking payroll and adept at navigating special circumstances. Before joining Superior Trucking Payroll Service, Melisa worked at a trucking company, where she managed driver miles and expenses for a fleet of 50 trucks. This hands-on experience gives her unique insight into the challenges our clients face when preparing their payroll data.
Melisa’s top priority is customer service. She strives to treat each client as an individual with genuine needs, rather than just another number in the system. Her goal is to alleviate the burdens of our clients and make their daily operations smoother.