Learning What to Print on Your Checks

Don't Put Private Information on Your Checks

State and federal restrictions on the usage of Social Security numbers continue to evolve based on growing concerns about the risks of identity theft.

To protect yourself from identity theft and check fraud, do not automatically print your Social Security number (SSN), driver's license number or other unnecessary personal information on your checks. When you write a check the merchant should request and verify your identifying information.

Legislation has changed to prevent states from using a SSN as a driver's license number. If your license still uses your SSN as the identification number, you can request that it be changed. Remember, don't print your SSN on checks, business cards, address labels or other identifying information.