Providing your social security number on your passport application is an IRS regulation. Failing to provide it can cause a delay or complete denial of your application.
All applicants for new and renewed U.S. passports are required to provide their social security number (SSN) under Section 6039E of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6039E). This is to ensure that all payments are properly collected, and that taxes are paid by any U.S. citizen living abroad. Failure to furnish proper information can lead to a $500 penalty from the IRS.
However, if you (or the child you are applying for) have not been issued a social security number, you may enter all zeros in that box on the passport application. Contact the Social Security Administration to request a number for you or your child as soon as possible. DO NOT enter zeros if you do have a social security number but don't know what it is-- doing so will likely cause a problem with your passport application.
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