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

A Social Security number (SSN) or an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) is required to set up your lifetime COOL (eLicensing) account and to apply for a Colorado educator credential.

NEVER make up this number, as this is illegal. Too, any application submitted to CDE is a legal document and entering a number not officially assigned to you could result in your committing identity theft and/or misrepresentation to CDE and fraudulent actions to obtain a credential. As such, it is imperative that you take the time to obtain your SSN (issued by the Social Security Administration) or ITIN (issued by the Internal Revenue Service) properly. All U.S. citizens may request an SSN; some noncitizens may be able to request a number if they work or attend school or if they have a valid non-work reason.

J1 visa holders need to obtain employment before you can be issued an SSN.

If you do not hold a J1 visa and do not hold an SSN and are not eligible to obtain one, you must apply for an ITIN. However, the Internal Revenue Service stipulates that you must first attempt to obtain an SSN and be deemed ineligible prior to applying for an ITIN.

How to start the process:

Visit the Social Security Administration's website and select the link under the "Number for the First Time" section, where you will apply for an SSN.

People who may need a new Social Security number include:

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

If you are deemed ineligible for an SSN, then you will need to apply for an ITIN with the Internal Revenue Service.

You may apply for an ITIN if:

1. You do not have an SSN and are not eligible to obtain one; and
2. You have met the requirement to furnish a federal tax identification number or file a federal tax return; and
3. You fall 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 an exception

Once you obtain either of these numbers, you may then create your lifetime COOL account. When you are ready to apply for a credential, you will be required to submit fingerprints and will need to enter your SSN or ITIN on your submission. This number must match the number used in your COOL account.

Ready to submit fingerprints?