What form of identification is typically required to get set up in a company's payroll system?

The requirement for a social security card when setting up in a company's payroll system primarily relates to the need for proper tax documentation and verification of an individual's identity. The social security card provides a unique identification number that the employer uses for tax reporting purposes, as it links the employee to their earnings and the taxes withheld. This number is essential for the government’s records and ensures that employees can receive their benefits.

In contrast, while a driver's license, employee ID, or passport can serve as forms of identification, they do not replace the necessity of the social security number for payroll purposes. A driver's license may verify identity, but it does not provide the tax identification needed by employers. An employee ID is an internal company reference and not a government-issued identification. A passport can confirm identity and citizenship but is not specifically designed for social security documentation. Thus, the social security card is the most critical element necessary for accurately establishing someone within a payroll system.