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A Social Security number (SSN) is a unique 9-digit identifier assigned by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to individuals in the United States. This number appears on your Social Security card along with your name.
Your SSN is essential for:
- Starting employment
- Filing taxes
- Opening bank accounts
- Applying for loans
- Obtaining a U.S. passport
- Claiming government benefits
For parents, getting an SSN for your child allows you to claim them as a dependent on tax returns, open bank accounts in their name, secure medical coverage, and apply for government services.
This guide covers how to get an original card, replace a lost card, or update information on your existing card.
All Social Security card services are completely free. Be wary of any third-party service charging fees for forms or application assistance.
Do You Need a Physical Card?
When the Number is Enough
In most situations, knowing your Social Security number is sufficient, and you don’t need the physical card. The SSA advises against carrying your card routinely due to risk of loss or theft. Store it securely with other important documents.
When You Need the Physical Card
You may need to present your physical card when:
- Starting a new job (for Form I-9 verification)
- Opening certain financial accounts
- Applying for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (requirements vary by state)
Only carry your card when you specifically need it for these transactions.
Getting Your First Social Security Card
Who Can Get a Card
U.S. Citizens: All U.S. citizens, whether born in the United States or abroad, can receive an SSN.
Noncitizens: Eligibility depends on your lawful status and reason for needing an SSN:
- Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders)
- Those with temporary lawful status and work authorization
- Those without work authorization but who need an SSN for a valid non-work purpose (like obtaining certain benefits required by law)
The SSA provides specific information for international students, foreign workers, DACA recipients, and survivors of domestic violence.
For Newborns
Having a baby? Arrange for your newborn’s Social Security card at the hospital. This process, called “Enumeration at Birth,” allows the state agency to electronically send your child’s information to the SSA, which then mails the card directly to you. It’s way easier than dealing with it later.
For Older Children and Adults
If you weren’t enumerated at birth, you’ll need to:
- Complete the “Application for a Social Security Card” (Form SS-5)
- Provide documents proving your age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status
- Submit your application online, by mail, or in person
Anyone 12 or older applying for their first SSN typically needs an in-person interview, even if a parent or guardian signs the application.
Required Documents
You’ll need at least two separate documents that must be either originals or certified copies from the issuing agency. Photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted.
Proof of Age:
- U.S. birth certificate (primary document)
- U.S. hospital record of birth
- Religious record showing age (established before age five)
- U.S. passport
- Final adoption decree with birth information
Proof of Identity:
- Current, unexpired documents showing your legal name and biographical information
- Preferred: U.S. driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or U.S. passport
- Alternatives may include: U.S. military ID, Certificate of Naturalization, employee ID, or certified medical records
Proof of U.S. Citizenship:
- U.S. passport
- Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570)
- Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561)
- Certificate of Report of Birth (DS-1350)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
For Noncitizens:
- Current, valid U.S. immigration documents
- Examples: Form I-551 (Green Card), Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document), Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) with unexpired foreign passport
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Card
Lost your card? It happens. Here’s how to get a new one for free.
Application Options
Online via my Social Security Account:
- Fastest method if you’re eligible
- Available in 43 states and the District of Columbia as of April 2025
- To use this service, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen aged 18 or older
- Have a U.S. mailing address
- Have a valid driver’s license or state ID from a participating state
- Not be requesting name changes or corrections
- Have a my Social Security account
Start Online, Finish In-Person:
- Begin the application at SSA.gov
- Schedule an appointment at your local SSA office
- Bring required original documents to your appointment
Complete Form SS-5:
- Download Form SS-5 from the SSA website
- Submit the completed form with required documents by mail or in person
Required Documents for Replacement
Proof of Identity:
- Current, unexpired ID (driver’s license, state ID, or U.S. passport preferred)
Proof of U.S. Citizenship:
- Only needed if not already in SSA records
- Same documents as for original applications
Proof of Immigration Status:
- For noncitizens whose status needs verification or updating
Replacement Limits
The SSA limits you to:
- 3 replacement cards per year
- 10 replacement cards in your lifetime
Cards issued for legal name changes or work authorization updates don’t count toward these limits.
Updating or Correcting Your Card
Common Reasons for Updates
You may need to update information on your card for:
- Legal name changes (marriage, divorce, adoption, court order)
- Date of birth or place of birth corrections
- U.S. citizenship status updates
- Immigration status or work authorization changes
How to Apply for Updates
The process is similar to getting a replacement card, but you can’t use the online service for any changes. You must:
- Submit Form SS-5 with supporting documents
- Apply by mail or in person at an SSA office
Required Documents for Updates
Proof of Identity:
- Standard ID requirements apply
Proof of the Change:
- For name changes: Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing both old and new names
- For birth date corrections: Early public record or birth certificate
- For citizenship updates: U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship
- For immigration updates: Current valid immigration documents showing new status
Form SS-5 Explained
The core application document for all Social Security card requests is Form SS-5.
Getting the Form
- Download it free from the SSA website
- All official SSA forms are provided at no charge
Completing the Form Accurately
- Use only black or blue ink
- Write clearly
- Fill in all required fields
- Make sure the application is signed
- Adults (18+) who are mentally and physically capable must sign for themselves
- For children under 18, either the child or a parent/guardian may sign
- If signing for someone else, provide evidence of your authority to sign and proof of identity for both people
- If printing the form, use standard letter size (8.5″ x 11″) or A4 paper
Submitting Your Application
Online Options
- my Social Security Account: For eligible replacement requests with no changes
- Start Applications Online: Begin the process at SSA.gov
- Social Security Video Connect: For certain transactions via video call from your personal device (limited availability)
By Mail
- Mail your completed Form SS-5 and original/certified documents to your local SSA office
- All documents will be returned to you
- Consider using tracked and insured mail service for important documents
- Find your local office using the SSA Office Locator
In Person
- Visit a local SSA office or Card Center
- Appointments are strongly encouraged or required
- Schedule using the SSA website
- Bring your completed Form SS-5 and all original documents
- Check office status before visiting
- Avoid peak times (early morning, early week, early month)
- Some offices offer Mobile Check-in Express using QR codes
Document Requirements
Originals or Certified Copies Only
The SSA has strict document requirements:
- Only original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency are accepted
- Photocopies and notarized copies are NOT acceptable
- All submitted documents will be returned to you
Common Acceptable Documents
| Proof Type | Common Examples | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | U.S. Driver’s License; State-Issued Non-Driver ID Card; U.S. Passport; U.S. Military ID Card; Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship | Must be current/unexpired. Needs name, identifying info, ideally photo. Secondary options exist if primaries unavailable. |
| Age | U.S. Birth Certificate; U.S. Passport; Religious Record (before age 5); Hospital Record of Birth; Final Adoption Decree | Primary is usually Birth Certificate. Alternatives exist if needed. |
| U.S. Citizenship | U.S. Passport; Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570); Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561); Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240) | Needed if citizenship not already established with SSA. |
| Lawful Noncitizen Status | Permanent Resident Card (I-551); Employment Authorization Document (I-766); I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (with unexpired foreign passport) | Must be current and unexpired. |
| Work Authorization | Often included on the immigration document (e.g., I-766 EAD, certain I-94 statuses). May need additional evidence like job offer letter. | Required for noncitizens needing SSN for employment. |
| Legal Name Change | Marriage Certificate; Divorce Decree; Court Order for Name Change | Must clearly show old and new names. |
| Valid Non-Work Reason | Letter or document from the government agency requiring the SSN | Needed for noncitizens without work authorization applying for a valid non-work reason. |
Double-check your specific requirements on the SSA website or by contacting the SSA directly.
Timeline and Card Delivery
Processing Time
- Typically 7-14 business days for delivery after processing; mail applications take 2-4 weeks total
- Processing may take longer if the SSA needs to verify documents with other agencies
- Incomplete applications will be delayed until you provide missing information
Getting Your Card
- Your card will be mailed via USPS to the address on your application
- It arrives in a plain government envelope
- Allow up to 14 business days from processing to receive your card
Checking Status
- If you applied online through my Social Security, you may be able to check your status there
- For mail or in-person applications, there’s no universal online tracking system
- If your card hasn’t arrived within the expected timeframe, contact the SSA
Cost
SSA Services are Free
- The Social Security Administration NEVER charges fees for:
- Original card applications
- Replacement cards
- Updates or corrections
- Application forms
- Processing applications
Watch Out for Fee-Based Services
- Be cautious of any website or company charging to help obtain a Social Security card
- These third-party services charge for assistance that you can get free directly from the SSA
- Always use the official SSA website or contact the SSA directly
Getting Help
SSA Website
- Visit the official SSA website
- Check specific sections like Social Security Numbers and Cards
- Access guides, FAQs, downloadable forms, and online services
Phone Support
- Call the national toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213
- TTY users call: 1-800-325-0778
- Representatives are available on weekdays during business hours
- Automated services available 24/7
Local Offices
- Visit or call your local Social Security office
- Find the nearest office using the SSA Office Locator
- Remember to schedule an appointment for office visits
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.