diff --git a/src/onegov/translator_directory/forms/mutation.py b/src/onegov/translator_directory/forms/mutation.py
index 6884497f7e..e980987e0d 100644
--- a/src/onegov/translator_directory/forms/mutation.py
+++ b/src/onegov/translator_directory/forms/mutation.py
@@ -281,7 +281,7 @@ def ensure_has_content(self) -> bool:
 
     social_sec_number = StringField(
         label=_('Swiss social security number'),
-        validators=[ValidSwissSocialSecurityNumber(), Optional()],
+        validators=[ValidSwissSocialSecurityNumber()],
         fieldset=_('Proposed changes'),
     )
 
diff --git a/src/onegov/translator_directory/forms/translator.py b/src/onegov/translator_directory/forms/translator.py
index 298bbc9668..6c7d39f596 100644
--- a/src/onegov/translator_directory/forms/translator.py
+++ b/src/onegov/translator_directory/forms/translator.py
@@ -367,7 +367,7 @@ class TranslatorForm(Form, FormChoicesMixin, DrivingDistanceMixin):
 
     agency_references = TextAreaField(
         label=_('Agency references'),
-        validators=[Optional()],
+        validators=[InputRequired()],
         render_kw={'rows': 3}
     )