SSN Trace API for Address & Identity Verification
Verify identity by tracing a Social Security Number. Submit an SSN and receive the full address history, linked phone numbers, name aliases, date of birth, and issuing state — structured JSON, built for compliance, KYC, and background check workflows.
From an SSN to a Full Identity Record
The SSN Trace API submits a Social Security Number and returns the full identity record associated with it — address history, name aliases, linked contact data, issuing state, and date of birth — in a single structured JSON response.
SSN Validation
Confirm that the Social Security Number is valid and linked to a real person. Returns the issuing state and year the SSN was issued, so you can detect inconsistencies with submitted identity claims.
Address History
Returns the full address history linked to the SSN, each with first and last reported dates. Use the date ranges and jurisdictions to determine which states or counties to search for criminal records.
Identity Verification
Verify submitted name and date of birth against the records linked to the SSN. If firstName and lastName are provided, only matching results are returned — flagging discrepancies automatically.
Alias Discovery
Returns all known name aliases associated with this SSN across historical records. Multiple name variations on the same SSN can indicate identity inconsistencies that require further review.
Linked Contact Data
Returns phone numbers and email addresses found to be associated with this SSN. Pass them to the Phone or Email Lookup API for deeper enrichment and cross-signal identity verification.
Jurisdiction Mapping
Returns county and state combinations from the address history. Use these jurisdictions to scope follow-on searches — such as state criminal records or county court checks — more precisely.
What You Send
The SSN is the only required field. Name fields and address year range are optional filters that narrow the results when provided.
Social Security Number
9-digit SSN in xxx-xx-xxxx format. Required. US Social Security Numbers only.
API Key
Your API key is passed in the request body. Always kept server-side — never exposed in frontend JavaScript code.
Optional Filters
First name, last name, and maxAddressYears filter results to matching records only.
Responsible Use Notice: SSN trace data is sensitive personal information. Use of this API is restricted to permitted compliance, background check, identity verification, and investigative workflows in accordance with applicable law including the FCRA where relevant. Customers are responsible for all compliance obligations.
What You Get Back
Every completed SSN trace returns a structured JSON record with the full identity picture associated with the submitted SSN.
Submit, Receive, Poll, Parse
The SSN trace runs through an async enrichment pipeline. Submit the SSN with your API key, hold the job ID, and poll when ready. Your backend keeps processing without waiting.
Submit SSN Request
POST the SSN and optional filters with your API key and methodName "ssn_trace". US SSNs only in xxx-xx-xxxx format.
Receive Job ID
The API responds immediately with a numeric job ID and status "progress". No waiting required at this step.
Poll for Completion
Query the monitor endpoint using the job ID. When status changes to "completed", the full identity record is ready.
Use the Record
Parse addresses for jurisdiction scoping, compare name and DOB, check isDeceased, and pass contact data to further enrichment APIs.
How to Make an SSN Trace Call
Send one POST request with the SSN and your API key. Get a job ID back straight away — no waiting. Poll once to pick up the full identity record when it's ready.
Set methodName to ssn_trace in the request body. Optionally include firstName, lastName, and maxAddressYears to filter results to matching records only.
Docs are currently on our existing portal and will move to the ClearCheck Data portal soon.
// 1. Submit SSN trace POST /api/developer/irbis_background_checks Content-Type: application/json { "key": "YOUR_API_KEY", "methodName": "ssn_trace", "ssn": "123-45-6789", "firstName": "John", "lastName": "Doe", "lookupId": 46 } // 2. Initial response { "id": 8821047, "status": "progress" } // 3. Poll for result GET /api/request-monitor/api-usage/8821047 // 4. Completed response { "fullName": "John Doe", "ssnLocation": "Washington", "dob": "1987-04-02", "isDeceased": false, "addresses": [...] }
Who Uses SSN Trace and Why
SSN trace is a foundational step in identity verification and background check workflows — giving organizations the address history and identity record they need before running further searches.
KYC & Onboarding
Verify that the SSN, name, and date of birth submitted during onboarding are consistent with official records. Discrepancies or deceased-status flags trigger additional verification steps before account approval.
Fraud Prevention
Detect synthetic identity fraud — where fraudsters combine real SSNs with false names — by comparing the name returned by the trace against the applicant's submitted name. A deceased SSN is an immediate hard block.
Risk Orchestration
Feed SSN trace results into your risk rules engine. Use address history, alias count, and name match status to automatically score and route applicants into the right decision queue.
OSINT & Investigations
Use the returned address history and jurisdiction list as the starting point for deeper investigation. County and state pairs from the trace directly scope which criminal records and courts to search next.
E-commerce Verification
For high-value transactions requiring identity confirmation, an SSN trace provides a structured identity record that goes beyond email and phone signals — including full name, DOB, and address match.
Compliance Screening
For regulated industries requiring identity verification before service delivery, SSN trace provides the structured record needed to document that identity was confirmed against official government-issued data.