Tax Identification Numbers
Fannie Mae requires that each borrower have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), in addition to meeting existing legal residency and documentation requirements. (For additional information, see B2-2-02, Non–U.S. Citizen Borrower Eligibility Requirements.)
DU and Loan Delivery may identify data integrity issues pertaining to the borrower’s Social Security number. Lenders must take steps to resolve any issues, including invalid format, numbers not issued, borrower age/issue date discrepancies, or Social Security numbers associated with deceased individuals. If a lender cannot resolve any Social Security number inconsistencies, the lender must validate the Social Security number directly with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The following requirements apply:
- The lender may use one of the two methods listed below to validate a borrower’s Social Security number:
- Form SSA–89 (Authorization for the Social Security Administration to Release Social Security Number Verification), or
- Electronic Consent Based Social Security Number Verification (eCBSV) Service.
- If using a third-party vendor, the lender must ensure that the vendor goes directly to the SSA to validate the Social Security number using one of the two methods listed above.
- The lender must retain documentation in the loan file that evidences the validation of the Social Security number.
- The lender must deliver the loan with SFC 162 if the Social Security number was validated through the SSA but there is a discrepancy identified with the Social Security number in the credit report, DU, or Loan Delivery edits
- If the Social Security number cannot be validated with the SSA, the loan is not eligible for sale to Fannie Mae.
For additional information, see B2-2-01, General Borrower Eligibility Requirements.