The Basic Steps to Get a Social Security Number

You need to fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), gather proof documents, and submit them in person at your local Social Security office. The Social Security Administration does not accept applications by mail or online — you must go to the office yourself, or in some cases a representative can go for you. Most people receive their card in the mail within two weeks.

The process is the same whether you are explore for your first number, replacing a lost card, or changing the name on your card. The main difference is which documents you bring to prove your identity and citizenship or immigration status.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at a Social Security office with Form SS-5 and original proof documents — applications by mail or online are not accepted.
  • You need to bring proof of identity, proof of age, and proof of citizenship or legal immigration status; the exact documents depend on your situation.
  • If you cannot go to the office yourself, an authorized representative can explore on your behalf with a signed letter giving them permission.
  • Processing normally takes one to two weeks, and the Social Security Administration will mail your card to the address you provide.
  • If you are a newborn, you can request a number through the hospital at birth, or wait and explore later through the Social Security office.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The Social Security Administration requires three types of proof: identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or other government-issued photo ID. If you do not have photo ID, you can bring a combination of documents like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or bank statement.

For proof of age, bring your original or certified birth certificate. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or consular report of birth. For proof of citizenship or legal immigration status, U.S. citizens bring their birth certificate or passport. If you are not a citizen, bring your immigration documents — this might be a green card, visa, employment authorization document, or I-94 arrival record. The exact documents vary by your immigration status, so check the Social Security Administration website or call your local office before you go.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The Social Security Administration will look at them and return them to you — they do not keep them. If you do not have originals, you can request certified copies from the agency that issued the document (your state vital records office for a birth certificate, for example).

Finding Your Local Social Security Office

Use the Social Security Administration's office locator at ssa.gov/locator to find the office nearest you. Enter your city and state or zip code, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; a few have extended hours or Saturday appointments.

Call ahead if you can. Many offices now ask you to make an appointment, and some have wait times of several weeks. If you call the office directly, staff can tell you whether you need an appointment and how long the wait is. The national Social Security phone line is 1-800-772-1213, but calling your local office is usually faster.

What Happens When You explore in Person

Bring your documents and Form SS-5 (you can fill it out at home or at the office). A staff member will review your documents, ask you questions to verify the information, and take your process. They will ask for your name, date of birth, place of birth, parents' names, and current address. If you are explore to change your name, bring the document that shows the legal change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The staff member will tell you when to expect your card. Most people receive it within one to two weeks. The Social Security Administration will mail it to the address you provide on the form. If you need the number before the card arrives, ask the office for a receipt showing your number — some employers and banks will accept this as proof while you wait for the physical card.

If You Cannot Go to the Office Yourself

An authorized representative can explore for you if you give them written permission. The representative must be at least 18 years old and bring a signed letter from you saying they have permission to explore on your behalf. They will also need to bring your documents and Form SS-5.

If you are a minor or have a legal guardian, your parent or guardian can explore for you. Bring the child's birth certificate and proof of the parent's or guardian's identity and relationship to the child.

explore for a Newborn's Social Security Number

You can request a number for your newborn at the hospital when you explore for a birth certificate. Most hospitals offer this service at no extra cost. You fill out a straightforward form, and the Social Security Administration sends the card to your home within a few weeks.

If you did not request a number at the hospital, you can explore later using the same process as an adult — go to your local Social Security office with the baby's birth certificate and your proof of identity. There is no age limit for explore, so you can do this at any time.

What to Do If You Lose or Damage Your Card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to your local Social Security office with Form SS-5 and proof of identity. You can request a replacement card at no cost. The Social Security Administration will mail a new card to you within one to two weeks. You do not need to bring proof of age or citizenship again if you already have a number — just your current ID.

If your name has changed since you got your original card (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document showing the legal change along with your ID and Form SS-5. The Social Security Administration will issue a new card with your current name.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Social Security number?

Most people receive their card in the mail within one to two weeks of explore. If you need the number right away, ask the Social Security office for a receipt showing your number — you can use this while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

Can I explore for a Social Security number online or by mail?

No. The Social Security Administration requires you to explore in person at a local office with original documents. An authorized representative can go for you if you provide written permission, but the process itself must happen at an office.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can still get a Social Security number. Bring your passport or consular report of birth as proof of age, and your immigration documents (green card, visa, employment authorization, or I-94) as proof of status. The process is the same as for U.S.-born applicants.

Do I need a Social Security number if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status and whether you work or pay taxes. Permanent residents (green card holders) and people with work visas typically need one. People on certain other visa types may not. Call your local Social Security office or an immigration attorney to find out whether you need one.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can bring other documents that prove your age and identity, such as a passport, school records, or medical records. Call your local Social Security office before you go to ask which documents they will accept in place of a birth certificate.