SELF LOCK

Self Lock helps protect you from employment-related identity fraud.

Self Lock is the unique feature that lets you protect your identity in E-Verify and Self Check by placing a "lock" on your Social Security number (SSN). This helps prevent anyone else from using your SSN to try to get a job with an E-Verify employer. If your locked SSN is entered in E-Verify to confirm employment authorization, it will result in an E-Verify mismatch, called a tentative nonconfirmation. With Self Lock, you’re always in control - you can unlock your SSN any time a new employer needs to verify your employment eligibility in E-Verify. Unless you use your myE-Verify account to remove the lock, your Self Lock will remain active for one year and can be renewed. The Self Lock feature is only available to myE-Verify account holders.

Why Use Self Lock

Employment-related identity fraud could mean that someone else is working under your identity and using your social security number. If this happens, someone else’s wages are being reported in your name to the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration and other authorities. By using Self Lock, you can block someone from committing this fraud if they gain employment with an E-Verify employer. Even if you are not in the workforce at this time, you may want to protect your social security number and identity with Self Lock.

How to Use Self Lock

To access Self Lock, you must be logged in to your myE-Verify account.

To lock your Social Security number (SSN), you must enter your SSN and date of birth (DOB). myE-Verify does not store your SSN when you create your account, so you must provide your SSN to "lock" it.

In addition, you must select and answer 3 challenge questions. It is important to select questions you can easily remember because you will need to answer them to verify your identity if you receive an E-Verify tentative nonconfirmation due to Self Lock.

If you are about to start a new job with an E-Verify employer, you should log into your account and unlock your SSN.