If you are bringing more than $10,000 in cash (US or foreign cash, which does not include any kind of check or electronic transfer) to a bank for any reason, including to buy a cashiers check, in one or more related transactions, the bank must file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) which includes your Tax ID number (SSN for most people). You can see a copy of the report here:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/ffc104.pdf
Since the rules about "related transactions" and evading the reporting requirements are so nebulous, banks often report somewhat smaller amount to be on the safe side.
And a bank is required to file a Suspicious Activity Report for a transaction of any size that they deem to be suspicious. They need an SSN for that, too.
Other than that, there is no law requiring them to gather SSNs for cashiers checks. However, they are free not to do business with you if you refuse to cooperate and you are free to go somewhere else if they make unreasonable requests.
There is a lot of misinformation about the reporting requirements. The reason is that banks and casinos are subject to different rules than any other type of business. You will often read on the web (and elsewhere) claims that banks must report any transaction greater than $10,000. That is not true. Only currency transactions (not checks, not money orders, not wire transfers) need to be reported, unless they are a suspicious transaction. Rules for some other types of businesses require a broader range of transactions to be reported.
No, not anyone can require a social security number.In most cases, the general public will never need your social security number, but if someone does, be suspicious. Usually, only government or bank forms (and other types of official forms) are the only things that should require your social security number.For example, the grocery store cashier cannot require your social security number because you are buying too many apples.
Only if you are borrowing money from them. Some dealers will tell you it's for homeland security reasons and it's the "law" - even if you are paying with a cashier's check. That is nonsense. They want your SSN to do a credit check to see what your ability is to pay and how much so they can try to sell you a higher priced car. If they insist, demand that they cite the law. They won't be able to. Walk out and take your business to a dealer that does not employ liars.
social security number
Of the United States of America, Yes. You have to have a social security number to be a citizen and you have to be a citizen to be president.
yes
social security number
A Social Security Number or Taxpayer ID Number are generally required in order to obtain a mortgage loan.
There are an infinite number of words that can describe a cashier. You can describe a cashier as friendly or unorganized for example.
You are usually required to submit your social security number, your driver's license number, and your banking information. They may also need to validate your employment status.
Because the IRS requires the name of the responsible party for the EIN, and your Social Security number allows them to verify who you are and to locate you if you default on business taxes or are delinquent in filing required paperwork.
Your social security number and tax ID are required to open a business checking account.
You are not legally required to know your social security number, however, there are many situations in which you will need to know it; you cannot apply for a job or open a bank account without a social security number.