General Information

The Privacy Act of 1974 (U.S. Public Law 93-579, Sect. 7) requires that the university notify students that disclosure of a Social Security number is voluntary.

Pursuant to the 2003 State Code of the Commonwealth of Virginia, no student identification card may display the social security number as an identifier.

Effective with students entering Fall 2003 and beyond, a generated identification number will be utilized as the default unique identifier.

This generated number will be nine digits in length and will begin with the number, "9" (nine).

The generated student identification is defined as personally identifiable information by federal legislation, FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) (U.S. Public Law 93-579, Sect. 7), and is prohibited from disclosure except to education officials with legitimate educational interest.

State Code

For students who entered Virginia Tech prior to Fall 2003, the social security number was the default student identification number. Pursuant to this new state code, state agencies may transition the student identification changes. However, all changes must be completed no later than July 1, 2006.

It is Virginia Tech's transition plan to comply with this new legislation with each new entering class.

Procedure for Request

Any currently enrolled student who wishes to request a generated identification number may do so by following either of the two procedures below.

1. Complete a Request for a Generated Identification Number form.
2. Present your Hokie Passport, driver's license or other form of photo identification to our office.

OR

1. Obtain a Request for a Generated Identification Number form and mail the completed request to the Office of the University Registrar, 250 Student Services Building, Mail Code 0134, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061.
2. Provide a photocopy of your Hokie Passport, driver's license or other form of photo identification.
3. When mailing your request (USPS or overnight service), your request and supporting documentation must be notarized. Faxed requests cannot be accepted.

Students who change to a special student identification number should be aware that this change may impact their financial aid or student employment and should contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid or Personnel Services.