How Were Individuals Identified in the U.S. Prior to the Social Security Number (SSN)?

Contrary to common belief, the Social Security Number (SSN) was not initially designed as a primary identification tool. Instead, it was primarily created as an income tracking identification number for tax purposes. Over time, due to its convenience and the need for better proof of identity, it evolved into a de facto identifier.

The Evolution of the Social Security Number

One major issue that the SSN addressed was the widespread practice of claiming random dependents, such as children, to get tax write-offs 1. This fraudulent behavior necessitated a more reliable method of identification. In 1986, the laws were changed to require the listing of an SSN for children at age five or older 2. By 1990, the requirement was expanded to include children one year or older, making SSN a much more common and widely used identifier for minors 3.

The Story of the Social Security Number

Before the advent of the SSN, identifying individuals was primarily done through a combination of their name and birthday, though this method was not always foolproof. As our population grew and became more mobile, these identifiers began to show their limitations. While it is still highly uncommon for two individuals to share the same name and birthday and reside in the same state, nevertheless such occurrences did happen 4.

The Pre-SSN Identification System

In the early 20th century, people generally did not move around much. As a result, the need for unique identifiers was minimal. Local authorities managed vital records such as voting, military service, jury duty, marriage, births, deaths, taxes, property ownership, and more on a county or statewide basis. The only national effort was the census, which remained an enumeration of households and required minimal personal identifiers like name, birthday, and address 5.

Pre-SSN Identification Methods

Before the SSN, a physical representation of the individual, such as a wanted poster with a photo, might have been the only method to identify someone definitively. However, this approach, being quite unconventional, was not in regular use for official identification purposes 6.

Conclusion

The transition from the use of name and birthday to the adoption of the SSN highlights the importance of technological and societal changes in personal identification. The SSN has become a cornerstone of the U.S. identification system, underpinning numerous aspects of life from government services to financial transactions.

Note that by 1986, individuals were already required to list their dependents, but the requirement for SSN started being enforced more strictly. ?

Laws were updated to explicitly require the SSN for minors in this age group. ?

The requirement expanded to include children one year or older by 1990. ?

Two individuals sharing the same name and birthday is very rare but not impossible. ?

The census and other records used minimal personal identifiers as they were sufficient for the population size and mobility. ?

Wanted posters were primarily used for specific criminal cases rather than general identification. ?