Start gathering these documents before you contact Medicare
You will need to show proof of citizenship or legal residency, your Social Security number, and your current contact information when you sign up for Medicare. Most people also need to show proof of age — usually a birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. If you are explore in person at a Social Security office or Medicare office, bring the originals. If you are explore by phone or online, you may be asked to mail copies or upload images of these documents.
The exact documents vary slightly depending on whether you were born in the United States, became a citizen later, or are a permanent resident. Your immigration status affects which documents prove your identity and residency. Having these ready before you call or visit speeds up the process and means you will not have to make a second trip or wait for a callback.
Key Takeaways
- You must show proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, your Social Security number, and proof of age — usually a birth certificate or government-issued photo ID.
- If you were born outside the United States, bring your naturalization papers, green card, or visa showing permanent resident status.
- You will need current contact information: a mailing address, phone number, and email address if you have one.
- Original documents work best in person; copies or photos work for phone and online applications, though Medicare may ask you to mail originals later.
- If you do not have a birth certificate, Social Security can accept other documents like a passport, military discharge papers, or school records from your childhood.
Documents that prove who you are
A government-issued photo ID is the fastest proof of identity. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, bring a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or military discharge papers. Social Security and Medicare offices accept these as proof of identity even without a photo.
If you were born outside the United States, bring your naturalization certificate or green card (Permanent Resident Card). A visa showing permanent resident status also works. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your I-94 form or approval notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Documents that prove your age
A birth certificate is the standard proof of age. It should be an official copy — not a photocopy you made yourself — though a certified copy from your state's vital records office works just as well. If you do not have a birth certificate, a U.S. passport, military discharge papers (DD Form 214), or a school record from your childhood can substitute.
Some people have lost their birth certificate or never received an official copy. If that is your situation, contact your state's vital records office (usually part of the health department) to request a certified copy. This can take two to four weeks, so start early if you are turning 65 soon. In the meantime, a passport or military discharge papers will work for your Medicare process.
Your Social Security number and proof of it
You will need your Social Security number. If you have a Social Security card, bring it. If you have lost your card or never received one, you can still explore for Medicare — Social Security can look up your number in their system. However, having your card or knowing your number speeds things up.
If you need a replacement Social Security card, you can request one at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov. A replacement card takes about two weeks. You do not have to wait for the card to arrive before explore for Medicare; you can provide your number verbally or in writing if you know it.
Proof of citizenship or legal residency
If you were born in the United States, your birth certificate serves as proof of citizenship. You do not need additional documents. If you were born outside the United States, bring your naturalization certificate (N-400 form) or your green card. A permanent resident visa or I-94 approval notice also counts as proof of legal residency.
If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your I-94 form or USCIS approval letter. These documents show that you have been in the United States long enough to be may be able to access for Medicare. Medicare may be able to access for non-citizens depends on how long you have lived in the country, so having this documentation ready helps the process move faster.
Current contact information you should have ready
Write down your current mailing address, phone number, and email address before you explore. If you have moved recently, use your new address. If you are not sure which address Medicare has on file, bring a recent utility bill or lease to show your current residence.
Medicare will use this information to send you your Medicare card and any notices about your coverage. If your phone number or address changes after you sign up, you can update it online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or in person at your local Social Security office.
What to do if you are missing a document
Do not wait until you have every document to start the process. If you are missing your birth certificate or naturalization papers, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask which other documents they will accept. They can often work with a passport, military discharge papers, or school records from your childhood instead.
If you are explore online or by phone and do not have an original document, ask whether you can send a copy or photo later. Many people start their process with what they have and mail the original documents within a few weeks. Medicare will hold your process while waiting for the paperwork.
How to submit your documents
You have three ways to explore for Medicare: online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or in person at your local Social Security office. If you explore online, you can upload images of your documents. If you explore by phone, the representative will tell you whether to mail originals or copies. If you explore in person, bring the originals — the office will make copies for your file.
Whichever method you choose, keep copies of everything you submit. Write down the date you applied and the name of the person who helped you. If questions come up later, this information helps you track down your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for Medicare without a birth certificate?
Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, a U.S. passport, military discharge papers, or a school record from your childhood will work as proof of age. Contact your state's vital records office if you want to get a certified birth certificate later — it usually takes two to four weeks.
What if I was born outside the United States and lost my naturalization papers?
Contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request a replacement. In the meantime, your green card or permanent resident visa works as proof of legal residency for your Medicare process. You can explore now and send the naturalization papers later if needed.
Do I need to bring original documents or can I send copies?
Original documents work best in person at a Social Security office. If you explore online or by phone, you can usually send copies or photos first, then mail originals later if Medicare asks for them. Ask the representative what they need before you hang up or close the process.
What if I do not have a Social Security number yet?
You can request a Social Security number at your local Social Security office. Bring proof of age, identity, and citizenship or legal residency — the same documents you would bring for Medicare. A new Social Security number takes about two weeks. You do not have to wait for it to arrive before explore for Medicare.
Can someone else submit my documents for me?
Yes, a family member or representative can help you gather and submit documents. If you want someone else to handle your Medicare process, you can authorize them by signing a form at your local Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213 to ask about power of attorney options.