Free Guide to Requesting a Social Security Number

Understanding What a Social Security Number Is and Why You Might Need One

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit identifier issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration. The number appears in this format: XXX-XX-XXXX. The Social Security Administration has issued over 453 million Social Security Numbers since the program began in 1936, making it one of the most widely used identification numbers in the United States.

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Originally created in 1935 as part of the Social Security Act, these numbers were designed to track earnings and benefits for the Social Security retirement program. Today, SSNs serve many purposes beyond retirement tracking. Banks use them to open accounts and monitor credit. Employers use them to report wages to the Internal Revenue Service. Schools may request them for student loan purposes. Healthcare providers use them for billing and medical records. The number has become a key identifier across numerous systems in American society.

Not everyone in the United States has a Social Security Number. Certain groups of people may need to request one, including:

• Newborns and children born in the U.S. who don't yet have one
• Immigrants who have been authorized to work in the country
• Refugees and asylees
• Individuals with valid visas who need the number for employment or tax purposes
• People who lost their Social Security card and need a replacement

Practical takeaway: Before pursuing a Social Security Number request, confirm whether you actually need one. If you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you likely need one for work, taxes, or banking. If you're unsure about your situation, the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov) contains information about who can receive an SSN.

The Official Process for Requesting a Social Security Number

The Social Security Administration manages all requests for new Social Security Numbers. The process involves submitting documents to prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. Understanding the official steps helps you prepare proper paperwork and know what to expect.

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For U.S. citizens, the typical process begins with gathering required documents. The Social Security Administration requires evidence of your age (such as a birth certificate), identity (such as a driver's license or passport), and citizenship (such as a U.S. birth certificate or passport). You then visit a local Social Security office in person to submit Form SS-5, which is the official application for a Social Security card.

For non-citizens, requirements differ based on immigration status. Lawful permanent residents must show their green card or other immigration documents. Refugees must show their I-571 document. Asylees must show their I-797 approval notice. Work-authorized immigrants must show their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) along with evidence of identity and age.

The timeline for receiving a Social Security Number varies. According to the Social Security Administration, you should receive your card within 2-4 weeks after submitting your application. Some cases take longer if documents need verification or if additional information is requested.

The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee for issuing a Social Security Number or card. Anyone who claims to charge you for obtaining an SSN is operating outside official channels.

Practical takeaway: Visit your local Social Security office in person with all required documents. You cannot complete this process entirely by mail or online. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator to check hours and any specific requirements for your situation.

Documents You'll Need to Bring

Having the correct documents ready before visiting a Social Security office saves time and prevents delays. The Social Security Administration has specific requirements for what counts as proof of age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status.

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For proof of age, the Social Security Administration accepts:

• Birth certificate issued by a state or U.S. territory (must be certified or certified as a true copy)
• Passport or passport card
• Hospital birth record from the time of your birth
• Adoption papers or decree
• Religious record created before age five showing age or date of birth

For proof of identity, acceptable documents include:

• Driver's license or ID card issued by a state or U.S. territory
• Passport or passport card
• Military ID card
• Employee ID card
• School ID card (for children)
• Adoption papers or decree

For proof of citizenship (U.S. citizens only), you may use:

• U.S. birth certificate
• U.S. passport or passport card
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of U.S. Citizenship

For non-citizens, acceptable documents include a green card, visa, Employment Authorization Document, I-797 approval notice, I-571 document, or other official immigration documentation showing your status.

Some documents need to be originals or certified copies. The Social Security Administration will review your documents in person and may make copies, but they return original documents to you. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring both the original and an English translation certified by an official translator.

Practical takeaway: Call or visit your local Social Security office before going in person to confirm exactly which documents they need for your specific situation. Requirements can vary slightly by location and by your citizenship status.

Special Circumstances and Different Situations

Not all Social Security Number requests follow the standard process. Different life situations require different approaches and sometimes additional documentation.

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For newborns, parents may request a Social Security Number at the hospital when the birth certificate is being created. This happens automatically in most cases. Hospital staff will explain the process and ask if you want a number assigned. If you decline at the hospital, you can request one later using the standard process. According to Social Security Administration data, approximately 99% of newborns receive a Social Security Number, either at the hospital or through a later request.

For adopted children, the process depends on whether adoption happened domestically or internationally. Domestic adoptions usually involve submitting an adoption decree along with other proof documents. International adoptions may require additional immigration paperwork. Children adopted internationally may first need to enter the country on a visa before requesting an SSN.

For people born outside the United States, the process requires proof of immigration status. Refugees must apply for an SSN within one year of arrival in the United States. Asylees may request one after their asylum is approved. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can request one at any time.

For people replacing a lost or stolen Social Security card, the process is similar but you may have additional options. The Social Security Administration allows you to request replacements by mail if you're age 18 or older and have had your card for at least one year. However, visiting an office in person remains an option.

For people who had a name change due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you'll need to show documentation of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree) along with standard identity and age documents. The Social Security Administration will issue a corrected card with your new legal name.

Practical takeaway: If your situation involves anything unusual—adoption, name change, previous immigration status, or lost documents—contact your local Social Security office to discuss your specific needs before gathering documents.

What Happens After You Submit Your Request

After you submit your Social Security Number request at a local office, the Social Security Administration begins a verification process. Understanding what happens next helps you know what to expect and whether additional action is needed from you.

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When you submit Form SS-5 and your supporting documents, the office staff will review everything to make sure it's complete. If something is missing or unclear, they'll tell you immediately. If everything is acceptable, they'll accept your application and give you a receipt. Keep this receipt until your card arrives.

The Social Security Administration then verifies your documents. For citizenship documents like birth certificates, they may contact the state vital records office to confirm the document is genuine. For immigration documents, they may verify information with U.S.