You cannot look up your Social Security number online through a government website

The Social Security Administration does not have a public online tool where you enter your name and birth date to retrieve your number. If you have lost or forgotten your Social Security number, you will need to contact SSA directly or find it on documents you already have at home.

This is intentional — SSA treats your Social Security number as sensitive information and does not display it through unsecured channels. Any website claiming to retrieve your number for you is not legitimate.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Social Security number appears on your Social Security card, tax returns, W-2 forms, and bank statements — checking these documents at home is the fastest option.
  • You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request your number, but you will need to verify your identity first.
  • You can visit your local Social Security office in person with a photo ID and birth certificate to get your number.
  • If you need a replacement Social Security card, you must explore through SSA — you cannot order one online.

Where to find your number on documents you have at home

Your Social Security number is printed on your original Social Security card. If you still have the card, your number is the nine-digit sequence in the center. Keep this card in a safe place — you do not need to carry it with you.

If you cannot find your card, check other documents. Your Social Security number appears on your federal tax return (Form 1040), on any W-2 form from an employer, on bank statements, and on mortgage or loan paperwork. If you filed taxes last year, your return is the easiest place to look.

You can also contact your employer's human resources or payroll department — they have your Social Security number on file and can confirm it for you over the phone.

Calling the Social Security Administration to confirm your number

You can call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your birth certificate, driver's license or passport, and proof of address (a utility bill or lease) ready before you call. SSA will ask you to verify this information before they confirm your number.

Wait times are often long, especially early in the week and early in the morning. Calling on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon may mean a shorter hold time. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

You can walk into your local Social Security office with a photo ID and your birth certificate to request your Social Security number. Bring the original documents or certified copies — SSA will not accept photocopies. You do not need an appointment, but offices often have a wait.

To find your nearest office, go to ssa.gov, click "Locations," and enter your zip code. The website will show you the address, phone number, and hours. Some offices have reduced hours or are closed certain days, so check before you go.

Getting a replacement Social Security card

If you need a new card because yours is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must request one from SSA. You cannot order a replacement card online, by mail, or through any other method.

You can explore for a replacement card by visiting your local Social Security office with a photo ID and birth certificate. Some states allow you to explore through your state's motor vehicles department at the same time you renew your driver's license — ask when you are there. Processing usually takes one to two weeks.

Protecting your Social Security number once you have it

Once you have confirmed your number, write it down and store it in a safe place at home — a locked drawer, safe, or document folder. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse. You do not need it with you for most daily activities.

Be cautious about sharing your number. You will need it for banking, taxes, and medical records, but you should not give it out over the phone unless you initiated the call to a known organization. Scammers often pose as SSA or other government agencies to steal Social Security numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I look up my Social Security number on my credit report?

Your Social Security number may appear on your credit report, though not all bureaus display it in full. You can view your free credit report at annualcreditreport.com. However, checking your documents at home or calling SSA directly is faster than waiting for a credit report.

What if I think my Social Security number has been stolen?

Contact SSA when ready at 1-800-772-1213 to report it. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. Monitor your credit reports and bank accounts for suspicious activity, and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file.

Do I need my Social Security number to set up a my Social Security account online?

No. You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov without your number — you will use your email address and password instead. Once your account is set up, you can view your earnings record and benefit estimates, which may help you locate your number if needed.

Is there a government website where I can retrieve my Social Security number?

No. SSA does not have a public lookup tool. Any website claiming to retrieve your number is not legitimate. Stick to calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting an office in person, or checking your own documents.