When and how the Social Security Administration assigns your number

The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns your Social Security number at birth or when you first enter the United States, depending on your citizenship status. Most babies born in U.S. hospitals receive a number automatically through a process called the Enumeration at Birth program. If you were born before this program started in 1988, or if you were born outside the U.S., you would have had to request a number separately.

The assignment happens without you doing anything — the hospital reports your birth to the state vital statistics office, which shares that information with the SSA. Within weeks, you receive a Social Security card in the mail. If you were born outside the U.S. and later became a citizen or permanent resident, you can request a number from your local Social Security office by bringing proof of identity, age, and immigration status.

Key Takeaways

  • Babies born in U.S. hospitals since 1988 receive a Social Security number automatically through the hospital's report to vital statistics.
  • If you were born before 1988 or outside the U.S., you had to request a number in person at a Social Security office.
  • The SSA uses your Social Security number to track your earnings record, which determines your future benefits.
  • You receive a physical Social Security card in the mail, and you should keep it in a safe place but do not need to carry it daily.

What happens at the hospital

When you are born in a U.S. hospital, the hospital staff collects information from your parents — your name, date of birth, and parents' names — and reports it to your state's vital statistics office. That office then shares the information with the SSA, which generates a unique nine-digit number for you.

This process is automatic and free. Your parents do not fill out a separate form or pay a fee. The hospital handles the reporting as part of the birth certificate process. A few weeks after birth, the SSA mails your Social Security card to the address your parents provided to the hospital.

If you were born before 1988 or outside the U.S.

People born before the Enumeration at Birth program started in 1988 had to request a Social Security number themselves, usually as teenagers or young adults when they needed one for work or school. If you were born outside the U.S., you still need to request a number in person at a Social Security office.

To request a number, you bring proof of your identity (a passport, driver's license, or state ID), proof of your age (a birth certificate), and proof of your immigration status (a green card, visa, or naturalization papers). The SSA staff will take your information, assign you a number, and mail your card within two to three weeks.

How the SSA uses your number

Your Social Security number is the SSA's way of tracking your earnings throughout your working life. Every time you work, your employer reports your wages to the SSA under your number. The SSA keeps a record of how much you earned each year, which it uses to calculate your retirement, disability, and survivor benefits later.

The number also connects you to your benefits account. When you reach retirement age, the SSA uses your earnings record to determine how much your monthly benefit will be. If you become disabled or pass away, your family members may be able to receive benefits based on your earnings record.

What to do with your Social Security card

Keep your Social Security card in a safe place at home — a locked drawer, safe, or file cabinet. You do not need to carry it in your wallet or purse every day. Most of the time, you only need to provide your number, not the physical card.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement from your local Social Security office or online through the SSA website. Replacement cards are free. If your name changes due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you should also request a new card with your updated name.

Protecting your number from misuse

Your Social Security number is sensitive information. Do not share it unless you have a clear reason — for example, when opening a bank account, explore for a job, or working with a healthcare provider. Be cautious about sharing it over the phone or online unless you initiated the contact and you trust the organization.

If you believe someone has stolen your number or is using it fraudulently, contact the SSA's fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271. You can also report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. The sooner you report it, the sooner the SSA can help protect your earnings record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Social Security number?

The SSA can assign you a new number in rare cases — for example, if someone is using your number to commit fraud or if you have religious or cultural objections to your current number. You must show evidence of the problem and request the change in person at a Social Security office. New numbers are assigned only when necessary.

What if I never received a Social Security card?

Contact your local Social Security office with proof of your identity, age, and citizenship. If you were born in the U.S., the SSA should have a record of your number even if you never received the card. The office can issue you a replacement card at no cost.

Do I need my Social Security number to get a driver's license?

Requirements vary by state. Some states require your Social Security number to issue a driver's license, while others do not. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what documents you need. If you do not have a Social Security number, some states offer alternative identification documents.

Can my child have a Social Security number before birth?

No. The SSA assigns numbers only after birth, when the hospital or vital statistics office reports your child's information. You cannot request a number before your child is born. The number is generated automatically after birth through the Enumeration at Birth program.

Is my Social Security number permanent?

Yes, your number stays the same throughout your life unless you request a change. The SSA uses the same number to track your entire earnings record from your first job through retirement. Even after you pass away, your number remains associated with your Social Security record.