Where to Request a Social Security Number

You request a Social Security number from the Social Security Administration (SSA), not from a bank, employer, or government office. The SSA is the only body that issues these numbers. You can request one by mail, in person at a local Social Security office, or online if you meet certain conditions.

The fastest route for most people is the online process at ssa.gov/myaccount, which takes about 15 minutes and produces a decision within days. In-person applications at your nearest Social Security office take longer overall because of wait times, but you walk out with a receipt that same day. Mail applications take four to six weeks.

Which route you can use depends on your age and citizenship status. U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens can use the online form. If you are not a citizen, you must explore in person or by mail and bring original documents proving your immigration status.

Key Takeaways

  • The Social Security Administration issues Social Security numbers through ssa.gov, by mail, or at local offices — no other organization can issue one.
  • Online applications are fastest for U.S. citizens and take three to five business days; in-person and mail applications take longer but work for non-citizens.
  • You need proof of age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status; the exact documents depend on which route you choose.
  • Newborns can receive a number through the hospital at birth if you request it on the birth certificate form, which is simpler than requesting later.
  • If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, you may need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Citizenship before the SSA will issue a number.

Documents You Need Before You Request

The SSA requires proof of three things: your age, your identity, and your citizenship or immigration status. What counts as proof varies slightly by route, but the core documents are the same.

For age, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. If you do not have one, a hospital record of birth, adoption papers, or a religious record made before age five will work. For identity, bring a state ID, passport, or driver's license — something with your photo and signature. If you do not have photo ID, a school record, medical record, or employee ID can work instead.

For citizenship, U.S. citizens bring a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. Non-citizens bring their passport plus their visa, green card, employment authorization document, or other immigration paperwork. If you are explore for a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, bring the Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Citizenship.

Bring originals, not copies — the SSA will not accept photocopies. If you cannot bring originals, you can bring certified copies from the issuing agency. Do not send documents by mail unless you are using the mail process route; if you explore online or in person, you keep your documents.

explore Online Through Your Social Security Account

The online process is open to U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens (green card holders, visa holders, and employment authorization document holders). You create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov, then complete the process form within that account.

The form asks for your name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship status, and contact information. You upload images of your documents — your birth certificate and photo ID — directly into the form. The SSA reviews these within three to five business days and mails your Social Security card to the address you provided.

You do not need to visit an office or mail anything. If the SSA needs more information, they will contact you by phone or mail. If your process is approved, your card arrives within one to two weeks after approval.

explore in Person at a Social Security Office

Walk into your local Social Security office with your original documents and a completed Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card). You can read and fill out the form before you go, or fill it out at the office. Bring your proof of age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status.

You will receive a receipt that day showing your process was received. The SSA will mail your card within two to four weeks. If you need the card urgently, ask the office staff whether they can issue a temporary number on the spot — some offices do this, but it is not may provide.

Wait times at Social Security offices vary widely by location and time of day. Call ahead or check ssa.gov to find your nearest office and see current wait times. Early morning on weekdays is usually faster than afternoon or Friday.

Requesting a Number for a Newborn

The simplest way to get a Social Security number for a newborn is to request it at the hospital when you fill out the birth certificate form. Check the box on the birth certificate process that asks whether you want a Social Security number. The hospital sends the request to the SSA along with the birth certificate, and the number arrives by mail within two to four weeks.

You do not need to bring documents or fill out a separate form. The hospital verifies your identity and the child's birth, so the SSA has what it needs. This is faster and easier than requesting later.

If you did not request a number at birth, you can request one later using the same process as any other applicant — online, in person, or by mail. Bring the child's birth certificate, your photo ID, and proof of your relationship to the child (such as the birth certificate listing you as a parent).

explore by Mail

Complete Form SS-5 and mail it with copies of your documents to the address listed on the form. You can read the form from ssa.gov. Make copies of your birth certificate, photo ID, and citizenship or immigration documents — do not send originals.

Mail your packet to the SSA office that serves your state. The form lists the correct address. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and phone number so the SSA can contact you if they have questions.

Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the SSA receives your mail. Your Social Security card will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. If you do not hear back within six weeks, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

What Happens After You Request

Once you submit your process, the SSA reviews your documents and verifies your information. If everything matches their records, they approve your request and mail your card. If something does not match — for example, your birth certificate name differs from your ID — they will contact you by phone or mail to ask for clarification or additional documents.

You do not receive a number until your card arrives. The card itself shows your nine-digit number. Keep the card in a safe place; you will need the number for jobs, bank accounts, taxes, and other official purposes.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by returning to the SSA office, explore online, or mailing Form SS-5 again. Replacement cards are free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Social Security number before the card arrives?

No — you need the actual number, which is on the card. Some employers or banks may accept a receipt showing your process was submitted, but most will not. If you need the number urgently, ask the SSA office whether they can provide it in writing on the day you explore in person.

What if I was born outside the United States?

If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, you need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Citizenship before the SSA will issue a number. If you were born abroad to non-citizen parents, you need proof of your immigration status — a green card, visa, or employment authorization document. Non-citizens explore in person or by mail, not online.

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

Only if you work in the United States or need one for a specific purpose like opening a bank account. Non-citizens with work authorization can request a number. Non-citizens without work authorization cannot get a Social Security number, though they may be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS instead.

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

Online applications take three to five business days for approval, then one to two weeks for the card to arrive. In-person applications produce a receipt the same day, with the card arriving in two to four weeks. Mail applications take four to six weeks total. Newborns who request a number at birth receive it within two to four weeks.

What if my name has changed since my birth certificate?

Bring both your old birth certificate and a document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SSA will issue a card with your current legal name. You may also need to update your name with your employer, bank, and other organizations.