You cannot legally obtain someone else's Social Security number without their permission or a legitimate legal reason
Social Security numbers are protected information. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not release them to the public, and most organisations that hold them are legally barred from sharing them. If you need someone's number for a lawful purpose — you are their employer, their healthcare provider, a court-appointed representative, or they have given you permission — the person themselves is almost always your fastest and most direct source.
If you are trying to find your own Social Security number, or you have a legitimate reason to request someone else's with their knowledge, the paths are straightforward. If you are trying to locate someone's number without their consent, the legal options are narrow and depend on your relationship to that person and the reason you need it.
Key Takeaways
- The person whose number you need is the best source — ask them directly, or ask the organisation they work for or receive benefits from.
- Employers, banks, healthcare providers, and government agencies can request Social Security numbers as part of their normal business, but they cannot share them with you without the person's permission.
- If you are a parent, guardian, or executor of an estate, you may have legal standing to obtain the number through the SSA or through court records, but you will need to prove your relationship.
- Searching for someone's Social Security number online through data brokers, background check sites, or public records databases is not a reliable way to find it — most do not publish full numbers.
- Using someone's Social Security number without permission is identity theft and is a federal crime.
Asking the person directly is the only straightforward path
If you need someone's Social Security number and you have a legitimate reason — you are processing their payroll, managing their medical records, or helping them with a government form — straightforward ask them. Most people will provide it if the request comes from a trusted source and they understand why you need it.
If the person is a minor and you are their parent or legal guardian, you may already have their number from their birth certificate or Social Security card. If you do not have it, you can contact the SSA directly with proof of your relationship and request their number.
If the person is deceased and you are their executor or next of kin, the SSA can provide the number if you submit a death certificate and proof of your relationship. This is often necessary to settle their estate or close accounts.
Contacting the organisation that holds the number
If you need someone's Social Security number for a specific transaction — a job offer, a loan process, insurance enrollment — the organisation handling that transaction can request it directly from the person. You do not need to find it yourself.
If you are an employer and a new hire has not yet provided their Social Security number, ask them for it. If you are a healthcare provider and need it for billing, request it from the patient. If you are a financial institution and need it to open an account, ask the account holder.
These organisations are required by law to keep Social Security numbers confidential. They will not give you someone else's number, even if you claim you need it. The only exception is if you have legal authority — you are a court-appointed representative, a conservator, or a power of attorney — and even then, you typically must go through the SSA or the court system, not the organisation directly.
What the Social Security Administration can provide
The SSA maintains Social Security numbers and can confirm whether a number belongs to a specific person, but only under certain circumstances. You cannot call the SSA and ask for someone's number.
If you are the person whose number you are looking for, you can visit your local SSA office with a photo ID and request a replacement Social Security card. The card will show your number. You can also create an account on ssa.gov and view your number in your online account.
If you are a parent or guardian seeking a child's number, you can contact the SSA with proof of your relationship and the child's birth certificate. If you are an executor or power of attorney, you can request the number with court documents or a notarised power of attorney form and proof of the person's identity.
The SSA does not provide numbers to third parties for background checks, employment verification, or any other purpose without the person's written consent or a court order.
Why data brokers and background check sites do not have full numbers
Many websites advertise that they can find Social Security numbers through public records searches or background checks. In practice, these sites rarely have full, current Social Security numbers. They may have partial numbers, old numbers, or numbers associated with public records like court filings or property records, but these are incomplete and often inaccurate.
Data brokers collect information from public sources — court records, property records, voter registration, business filings — but Social Security numbers are not public information. If a number appears in a public record, it is usually because someone filed a lawsuit, a lien, or a bankruptcy case, and even then, the number may be redacted or partial.
Relying on these sites to find someone's Social Security number is not a practical approach, and using information obtained this way without the person's permission is illegal.
Legal consequences of using someone's Social Security number without permission
Using someone else's Social Security number without their knowledge or consent is identity theft. It is a federal crime under the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act. Penalties include fines up to $15,000 and prison time up to 15 years, depending on the circumstances and what you do with the number.
If you use someone's Social Security number to open accounts, explore for credit, file taxes, or obtain benefits in their name, the penalties are more severe. The person whose number was stolen may also pursue a civil lawsuit against you for damages.
If you have obtained someone's Social Security number and are unsure whether you have the legal right to use it, do not use it. Contact a lawyer or the organisation you are working with to clarify your authority.
Situations where you may have legal standing to obtain the number
A few specific relationships give you legal standing to request someone else's Social Security number without their explicit permission, though you will still need to prove your relationship and your reason.
Parents and guardians: You can request your child's Social Security number from the SSA if you have proof of parentage or guardianship. You will need a birth certificate or court order and a photo ID.
Executors and administrators of estates: If you are managing someone's estate after their death, you can request their Social Security number from the SSA with a death certificate and proof of your role (such as a copy of the will or letters testamentary from the court).
Power of attorney or conservator: If you hold a valid power of attorney or are a court-appointed conservator, you may be able to request the number with the legal document and proof of the person's identity. Requirements vary by state and by the SSA office you contact.
Court-ordered access: If a court has ordered that you have access to someone's Social Security number as part of a legal proceeding, you can present the court order to the SSA or to the organisation holding the number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find someone's Social Security number if I know their name and date of birth?
Not reliably. Social Security numbers are not indexed by name or date of birth in any public database. If you search online, you may find partial numbers or outdated information, but full, current numbers are not publicly available. Your best option is to ask the person directly or contact the organisation they work for or receive services from.
What if I need someone's Social Security number for a background check?
If you are an employer or landlord conducting a background check, you must ask the person directly for their Social Security number. They have the right to refuse, though some employers and landlords may make it a condition of employment or tenancy. You cannot obtain it without their knowledge or consent.
Can I get my child's Social Security number if I do not have their Social Security card?
Yes. Visit your local Social Security office with proof of your relationship (birth certificate or court order) and a photo ID. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card. If your child is old enough, they can request their own card online at ssa.gov.
What should I do if I think someone has used my Social Security number?
Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to report the misuse. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. Check your credit report for unauthorised accounts and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus.
Is it legal for my employer to ask for my Social Security number?
Yes. Employers need your Social Security number for tax withholding, wage reporting, and background checks. You are required to provide it as a condition of employment. However, employers must keep it confidential and cannot share it with third parties without your permission.