Social Security Number (SSN):

• A nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain noncitizens.
• Used for employment, taxes, Social Security benefits, and most government services.
• Required for most professional licenses and jobs in the U.S.
• Apply for an SSN

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN):

• A nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to people who need a U.S. taxpayer ID but aren’t eligible for an SSN.
• Used only for tax reporting and some government processes-not for work authorization or Social Security benefits.
• Commonly used by non-resident aliens, resident aliens, and dependents/spouses who can’t get an SSN.
• Apply for an ITIN

Important:
Florida may accept an ITIN for healthcare background checks if you can’t get an SSN, but always confirm with your licensing agency and check their official website for clarification.

😯What If I Don’t Have an SSN or ITIN?

According to the Florida Department of Health (Background Screening FAQs):

“If you are unable to legally obtain a social security number, you must provide an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Please be sure to provide your profession’s ORI number and other demographic information.”

If you don’t have either, you cannot complete the background screening until you obtain one of these numbers.

Exception: Nursing Exam & Temporary Medical License Applicants

There is a narrow exception for some applicants:

“If you are applying by exam for the Board of Nursing or for a temporary Medical license from the Board of Medicine, then you may complete a screening without providing a Social Security Number. This screening will not be entered into the Clearinghouse but will be accessible to us as long as you use a Department of Health ORI number. If you must complete the screening without a SSN, please email us at mqa.backgroundscreen@flhealth.gov with your TCN number so we can manually request and upload your results to your application file.”

What does this mean?

• You can get fingerprinted and have your background checked for exam eligibility, but your results won’t go into the Clearinghouse.
• You must use the correct Department of Health ORI number.
• After fingerprinting, email your Transaction Control Number (TCN) to mqa.backgroundscreen@flhealth.gov.
• You still need an SSN to be fully licensed. This exception is only for the exam or temporary license step.

What Happens When You Get an SSN Later?

The Florida Department of Health (main site) says:

“You will still need a social security number to be licensed by our agency. A social security number is a statutory requirement for licensure, and having your results retained in the Clearinghouse is a statutory requirement for licensure. You will not be granted a license until you are able to provide the Department with a valid social security number. Remember to send a copy of your Social Security Card to our team and to your board office once you have obtained one. We will verify that your fingerprint results have been added to the Clearinghouse and the board office will make sure our licensure system is updated.”

🔥What Should You NOT Do?

• Never use a made-up SSN, sequential numbers (like 555-55-5555 or 123-45-6789), or your passport number in the SSN field. This is prohibited and may be considered fraud.
• Don’t assume other states’ rules apply in Florida. Always check with your specific Florida licensing board or the Department of Health.

Step-by-Step: What To Do If You Don’t Have an SSN

1. Check if you’re eligible for an SSN.
   • If yes, apply as soon as possible: SSA Application
2. If not, apply for an ITIN:
   • IRS ITIN Info
3. If you qualify for the Board of Nursing/temporary medical license exception:
   • Use the correct Department of Health ORI number for your LiveScan.
   • After fingerprinting, email your TCN to mqa.backgroundscreen@flhealth.gov.
4. When you get your SSN:
   • Send a copy of your card to the Department of Health and your board office.