Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Information

A Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is required in order to set up your lifetime eLicensing account with us and to apply for a credential with us. NEVER make up a number as that is illegal and the application you submit to us is a legal document. This means that you may be committing identity theft of another person when you make up a 9-digit number and it is misrepresentation to obtain a credential with us. Either way, they both can carry significant consequences for you, so take the time to obtain your SSN or ITIN properly.

If you are here on a J1 Visa, then you need to obtain employment before DHS will issue you an SSN. Ask your employing school district to hire you as a para or in a role that doesn't require licensure with CDE. Then you can apply for your SSN for the J1 Visa and then you can apply with us.

If you are not here on a J1 Visa and you do not hold an SSN and are not eligible to hold one, then you have to apply for an ITIN before you can set up your account with us and apply. However, the IRS states, before you can apply for the ITIN you must first have attempted to obtain your SSN and be ineligible (you will need that for the ITIN).

How to start this process if you are not here on a J1 Visa:

• Start by clicking here to visit the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) website. Click the link under the section titled “Number for the first time,” where you will apply for a number with them.
  • From the SSA’s website, here is who can request an SSN:
    1. All U.S. citizens can request a Social Security number. Some noncitizens may be able to request a number if they work or attend school, or if they have a valid nonwork reason.

People who may need a new Social Security number include:

• Noncitizens
• International students
• Foreign workers
• Citizen children
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals applicants
• Domestic violence survivors

• If you are ineligible for an SSN, then you will apply for an ITIN with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Start by clicking here.
  • From the IRS website, here is who can apply for an ITIN:
    1. You do not have an SSN and are NOT eligible to obtain one, and
    2. You have a requirement to furnish a federal tax identification number or file a federal tax return, and
    3. You are in one of the following categories:
       • Nonresident alien who is required to file a U.S. tax return
       • Dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen/resident alien
       • Dependent or spouse of a nonresident alien visa holder
       • Nonresident alien claiming a tax treaty benefit
       • Nonresident alien student, professor or researcher filing a U.S. tax return or claiming and exception

Once you obtain either one of these numbers you can click here to create your lifetime eLicensing account with CDE. When you are ready to apply for a credential, you will be required to submit fingerprints specifically for CDE – you will be required to enter your SSN OR ITIN on your fingerprint card submission. Make sure to use the same number on both your account and your fingerprints.

SSN-holders

If you have your SSN, click here to set up your fingerprint appointment with one of the two approved CBI fingerprinting vendors. If you are out of state, click here and use IdentoGO as they have locations nationwide. If that vendor is not located in your state, then you will still select them, but click the bottom link on this webpage and click the mail in option (this should be a last resort as this comes with significant delays). Important note: This process is ONLY for individuals with an assigned SSN. If you only have an ITIN, do not submit fingerprints in this manner; instead follow the instructions below.

ITIN-holders

If you only have an ITIN, click here to submit a request to us and make sure that for the Nature of Inquiry, you select "COOL Account/Issues," and in the description indicate that you only hold an ITIN and need assistance with your account. We will then reach out to you and guide you through the fingerprinting process. This process is unique to ITIN-holders so it is important that you reach out to us and not submit fingerprints using the above process.