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Who Is The Issuing Authority Of A Social Security Card?

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Last updated on 5 min read
Financial Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

The issuing authority of a Social Security card is the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Since 1972, the SSA has issued all current cards after taking over from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Where is the issuing authority?

You’ll usually find it on a round seal printed near the center of the card.

Take a close look at the circular emblem—it’s got the issuing authority’s name embossed around the edge. On older cards, you might see “Department of Health, Education and Welfare” instead. That was the agency before the SSA took over.

What should be included in the issuing authority?

For identity documents, it’s the full name of the state or federal agency that created the credential.

If you’re filling out an I-9 form, you’ll list the state agency (like “State of Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles”) or a federal one (like “U.S. Department of State” for a passport). Just copy the name exactly as it appears on the card.

Who is the issuing authority for Texas identification card?

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division handles Texas ID cards.

This agency issues both driver’s licenses and ID cards, and their seal appears on the credential. It’s widely accepted for employment verification across the country.

What does issuing authority mean i 9?

On Form I-9, it’s the specific government agency that produced the document you’re using for verification.

Say you bring a U.S. passport—then the issuing authority is “U.S. Department of State.” If it’s a state driver’s license, it’s the state’s motor-vehicle agency (like “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation”). Type it in exactly as it’s printed.

What is the issuing authority on an ID?

The issuing authority on an ID is the state or territory agency that created it.

For a driver’s license or ID card, you’ll see the state name followed by the issuing bureau, such as “State of Florida, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.” I-9 and E-Verify systems require this exact wording.

What does issuance authority mean?

Issuance authority is the national agency responsible for creating and distributing the document.

In a passport, it’s usually the national passport office (like “Her Majesty’s Passport Office” in the UK or “U.S. Department of State” in the U.S.). This office confirms your identity and authorizes international travel.

Where do I find the issuing authority on my passport?

Flip to the photo page on a British passport—you’ll see “IPS” if it was issued between 2006 and 2010, or “HM Passport Office” for newer ones.

U.S. passports print “United States of America” and “Department of State” near the signature line. This isn’t embossed—it’s printed—and it stays valid for the full 10-year lifespan of the passport.

Is a copy of Social Security card valid for I 9?

Nope—only the original card or an SSA-issued receipt for a replacement works for Form I-9.

Federal law doesn’t accept photocopies. You’ve got to show the physical card or an official replacement receipt (Form SSA-7005) to meet employment eligibility rules.

Who is the issuing authority for Ohio driver’s license?

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), part of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, issues Ohio driver’s licenses.

Since 2016, all credentials include the agency’s name and embossed seal. Employers nationwide accept these for I-9 and E-Verify checks.

Who is the issuing authority for driver’s license in Georgia?

The Georgia Motor Vehicle Division, which falls under the Department of Driver Services, issues Georgia driver’s licenses.

The agency’s name is printed on the license and in its online verification portal. When employers run E-Verify, they’ll see this as the issuing authority.

What does issuing authority mean on passport?

It’s the government office or agency legally empowered to issue that travel document.

In the U.S., the Secretary of State delegates this power to the Bureau of Consular Affairs. In the UK, it’s HM Passport Office. The authority’s name is printed on the passport to prove it’s legit.

Who is the issuing authority for Minnesota driver’s license?

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services division issues Minnesota driver’s licenses.

Since August 2018, the redesigned card includes the agency’s name and a scannable barcode. This barcode links to the state’s verification system, which employers and law enforcement use.

How do I fill out AI 9 form?

Just enter the issuing authority exactly as it appears on the document you’re using.

In Section 2, write the employer’s name, the document title, its issuing authority, document number, and expiration date. Copy the wording from the credential precisely to avoid mismatches in E-Verify.

What is the issuing office?

The issuing office is the specific branch or office that physically produced your credential.

Say you got a U.S. passport in New York—then the issuing office is “New York Passport Agency.” If you got it overseas, it’ll list the consulate or embassy. This detail matters if your passport gets lost or stolen.

What do you mean by issuance?

Issuance is the entire official process of creating and handing over a credential after verifying your identity.

It covers everything: reviewing your application, taking your biometrics, running background checks, printing the card, and sending it to you. The issuance date on IDs helps figure out when you need to renew and track legal presence.

Is country of issue same as nationality?

No—they’re totally different. The country of issue is where the document was physically issued, while nationality is your citizenship.

Here’s an example: A U.S. citizen born in Mexico applies at the U.S. consulate in Monterrey. Their passport shows “Mexico” as the country of issue but “United States” as their nationality.

What does IPS authority mean on passport?

IPS stands for Identity and Passport Service, the UK agency that issued passports from 2006 to 2010 before becoming HM Passport Office.

If your British passport says “IPS” under Authority, don’t worry—it’s still valid until it expires. Newer passports now say “HM Passport Office.”

What is the country of issue?

The country of issue is the nation where the document was officially produced and released.

For insurance policies, it’s the jurisdiction of the underwriting company. For travel documents, it’s the country printed on the credential. Both details help determine tax, legal, and regulatory obligations.

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
Ahmed Ali

Ahmed is a finance and business writer covering personal finance, investing, entrepreneurship, and career development.