Social Security Number Allocations

Most recently, we have detected an increase in intentionally falsified Social Security Numbers from applicants for employment, housing and volunteer positions (working with children). Theory: A Liar has nothing to lose if he or she is detected lying on an application or during an interview. You have every thing to lose if you don't discover the liar and actually reward him or her with a position. After all, you have no idea who you have really hired.

Recommendation: The first background verification check, even before an interview, should be a Social Security Number check.  Is this person for real or an impostor?  It is your right to know.  Suggested interview question to take step one to guard against identity theft:  "Where were you when you obtained your original social security card?"  If obtained at birth, which is a somewhat recent privilege, the card should reflect the individuals's place of birth.

Since 1972, social security numbers have been issued by the Social Security Administration's central office. The first three (3) digits of a person's social security number are determined by ZIP Code of the mailing address shown on the application for a social security number. Prior to 1972, social security numbers were assigned by our field offices. The number merely established that his or her card was issued by one of our offices in that state.  See also High Group List of SSN's.

THIS DATA IS STRICTLY FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES

The chart below shows the first 3 digits of the social security numbers assigned throughout the United States and its possessions.  See "Note" at bottom of page.

NOTE: The same area, when shown more than once, means that certain numbers have been transferred from one State to another, or that an area has been divided for use among certain geographic locations.
Any number beginning with 000 will NEVER be a valid SSN.
The information in our records about an individual is confidential by law and cannot be disclosed except in certain very restricted cases permitted by regulations.

* = New areas allocated, but not yet issued

** 700-728 Issuance of these numbers to railroad employees was discontinued July 1, 1963.