RM 10212: Legal Names and Changes to the Numident
TN 5 (06-13)
A. How we change Numident data
We only “correct” or “change” information that is on a prior Numident record when there is a documented keying error.
In cases of a keying error, you must review the prior Social Security number (SSN) application; however, do not presume there was a keying error. If you cannot review the prior application, obtain a new application with proper evidence. The individual must submit evidence showing the correct data or information (e.g., a BC to correct an individual’s sex field information) with evidence established before the cycle date on the Numident entry where the keying error was made.
If an individual wishes to update information previously submitted to us, the individual must complete and submit an SSN replacement application with evidence supporting the update, and we will create a new record showing the new data and append it to the prior record(s) on the Numident.
Keying Errors: See Details
For instructions on date of birth (DOB) changes on the Numident, see RM 10210.295.
For instructions on correcting a coding error that resulted in an incorrect employment legend on the SSN card, see RM 10215.055.
B. How do you create a new Numident entry to update data on the Numident
1. Request evidence
Each individual requesting an update of information on a current Numident record must submit:
an SSN application for a replacement SSN or card;
evidence of identity to establish that he or she is the person on the record to whom SSA assigned the SSN; and
evidence to support the update per the chart in RM 10212.200B.2 in this section.
2. Obtain documentation
Use this table to determine the supporting documentation required for requested updates to the Numident and any additional actions needed.
NOTE: These procedures apply to updates only. In cases of keying errors, see the instructions in RM 10212.200A in this section.
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For this update |
Obtain this supporting documentation and follow any additional instructions |
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Sex field |
Accept any of the following:
NOTE: Do not accept passports with less than ten years of validity.;
NOTE: See RM 10212.200C in this section for a sample letter from a licensed physician that includes all required information to certify to the individual’s gender change. IMPORTANT: Surgery is no longer required to change the sex field on the Numident. However, if an individual presents an original or certified letter from a physician stating the individual has undergone sexual reassignment surgery, accept it as evidence to change the sex field when it meets the requirements in GN 00301.030 and contains sufficient biographical data (e.g., name, date of birth) to clearly identify the individual. NOTE: In some cases an individual’s sex may impact eligibility for benefits dependent upon spousal relationships. To make title II entitlement or title XVI eligibility determinations dependent upon marriage, follow the instructions in GN 00305.005B. Do not use sex field data on SSA records to make marital status determinations. |
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Date of birth field |
See Date of Birth Change on the Numident, in RM 10210.295. |
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Place of birth (PLB) field |
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Citizenship field |
Evidence of U.S. citizenship:
Interviewers should request and obtain from the individual, the U.S. citizenship document with the highest evidence level available (i.e., the document exists or the individual can obtain the U.S. document within 10 working days) before accepting a document of a lower level. You may use primary, secondary, third-level, or fourth-level evidence to change the citizenship data on a Numident record. EXAMPLE: If primary evidence of U.S. citizenship is not available (does not exist or the individual cannot obtain the primary evidence in 10 working days), then the interviewer may accept secondary evidence to change the citizenship data on the Numident record. |
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Parent's name field |
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3. Process the request
If you change the sex code on the Numident, and the individual is:
receiving Social Security benefits,
receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, or
a representative payee for his or her child,
change the sex immediately if it is different on the Master Benefit Record (MBR), the Supplemental Security Record (SSR), or in the Representative Payee System (RPS) to agree with the Numident. List all documents or evidence submitted to change the individual’s sex code on the Social Security Number Application Process (SSNAP) Summary screen.
NOTE: For instructions on determining whether a valid marital relationship exists, see GN 00305.005B.
When changing a parent’s name on a child’s Numident record, ask the parent if he or she is a title II beneficiary, an SSI recipient, or a representative payee. If so, review the MBR, SSR, or RPS record and initiate or complete actions necessary to update the record (e.g., correcting a parent’s name on the SSR record or ensuring that actions are taken to complete a new representative payee application).
In the “Remarks” block on the SSNAP Summary screen, list any evidence or documents the individual submitted to change the following fields on the Numident, if not previously captured in SSNAP:
sex field, or
PLB field, or
parent’s name field.
4. When to suppress an SSN card
Process the requested change but suppress the issuance of a replacement SSN card when the correction will not affect any data on the face of the SSN card (i.e., changes to the sex, DOB, PLB, or parent’s name fields on the Numident) and the individual is still in possession of the SSN card showing the correct information.
5. When to send written notice
Send a written notice if you are unable to provide an individual with an original or replacement SSN or card. Follow the appropriate instructions in:
RM 00299.020 Form SSA-L676 – Refusal to Process SSN Application, or
RM 10205.090 Form SS-5 Received and Additional Documentation is Needed, or
RM 10215.110 Policy on Providing Written Notice and Second Review When SSN or Card May Not Be Issued, or
RM 10215.115 Procedures for Providing Written Notice to an SSN Applicant.
See Details:
RM 10210.265 Kinds of Documents that Establish Age for an SSN Card
RM 10210.295 Date of Birth Change on the Numident
RM 10210.505 Primary Level Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
RM 10210.510 Secondary Level Evidence of U.S. Citizenship for a U.S. Born Applicant
RM 10210.520 Third Level Evidence of U.S. Citizenship for a U.S. Born Applicant
RM 10210.525 Fourth Level Evidence of U.S. Citizenship for a U.S. Born Applicant
RM 10215.055 Correct a Coding Error that Resulted in an Incorrect Employment Legend on the SSN Card
RM 10220.210 Evidence Requirements for Documentation of Harassment, Abuse, or Life Endangerment (HALE)
GN 00301.030 Acceptability of Documentary Evidence
GN 00301.080 Certification by Custodian of the Record
GN 00301.045 Validity of Documents
C. Exhibit – Sample Letter from Licensed Physician Certifying to the Individual’s Gender Change
(Physician’s Address and Telephone Number)
I, (physician’s full name), (physician’s medical license or certificate number), (issuing U.S. State/Foreign Country of medical license/certificate), am the physician of (name of patient), with whom I have a doctor/patient relationship and whom I have treated (or with whom I have a doctor/patient relationship and whose medical history I have reviewed and evaluated).
(Name of patient) has had appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition to the new gender (specify new gender, male or female).
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the forgoing is true and correct.
Signature of Physician
Typed Name of Physician
Date