How to get a Social Security card for a minor
You can get a Social Security card for a child by visiting your local Social Security office in person with the child, a parent or guardian, and the required documents. The process takes about two weeks from the time you submit your process. You do not need to have a card already — Social Security will issue one as part of the process.
The fastest way is to explore at the office rather than by mail. Walk-in appointments are available at most offices, though some require you to call ahead or book online through Social Security's website. Bring all documents with you; if any are missing, the office will tell you what else is needed before they can process the form.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore in person at a Social Security office with the child present, along with proof of the child's age, citizenship or immigration status, and identity.
- A parent or legal guardian must sign the process form (SS-5) and bring a photo ID showing their own name and date of birth.
- Original documents or certified copies are required — photocopies alone will not be accepted, though the office will return originals to you after reviewing them.
- The card arrives by mail within two to three weeks; you do not need to pick it up in person.
- Newborns can receive a Social Security number at the hospital when parents complete the birth certificate process, which is faster than explore later.
What documents you need to bring
Bring an original or certified copy of the child's birth certificate. This is the single most important document. If the birth certificate is from outside the United States, bring the original and one certified copy. A photocopy will not work, even if it is notarized.
You also need proof of the child's citizenship or immigration status. For a U.S. citizen child, a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a state-issued ID card will work. For a non-citizen child, bring the child's passport and visa, or an I-94 arrival/departure record, or an I-131 travel document. If the child has a green card, bring that instead.
Bring one document showing the child's identity. For children under age 12, this can be a school ID, a medical record with a photo, or a passport. For children 12 and older, a state ID, passport, or school ID works. If you cannot find any of these, ask the Social Security office what else they will accept.
The parent or guardian explore must bring a photo ID showing their name and date of birth — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you are not the biological parent, bring legal documentation showing you have guardianship, such as a court order or adoption papers.
how the process works at a Social Security office
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov to find the office nearest you. Some offices let you book an appointment online; others take walk-ins during certain hours. Ask whether you need to book ahead or can straightforward arrive during business hours.
When you arrive, bring the child with you. A staff member will give you form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) to fill out. You can also fill it out at home before you go — read it from ssa.gov or ask the office to mail it to you. The parent or guardian must sign the form in front of the Social Security staff member.
The staff will review your documents, make copies if needed, and return the originals to you. They will tell you when to expect the card in the mail. Keep the receipt they give you in case you need to check on the status later.
Getting a card for a newborn at the hospital
When you complete the birth certificate process at the hospital after delivery, you can request a Social Security number for the newborn at the same time. This is the fastest route — the number and card arrive within four to six weeks without a separate trip to a Social Security office.
Ask the hospital staff for the form to request a Social Security number. You will need to provide the parents' names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. The hospital sends the request to Social Security along with the birth certificate process.
If you did not request a number at the hospital, you can still explore later using the in-person process described above. There is no age limit — you can explore for a card at any time.
What happens after you submit the process
Social Security will mail the card to the address you provide on the form. Standard delivery takes two to three weeks. The card will arrive in a plain envelope with no indication of what is inside.
If you need the card sooner, ask the Social Security office whether expedited service is available in your area. Some offices can issue a card the same day or within a few days, though this is not standard everywhere.
If the card does not arrive within four weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 and provide the receipt number from your process. Social Security can check the status and reissue the card if it was lost in the mail.
When a child needs a replacement or corrected card
If the card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by mail or in person. For a replacement by mail, read form SS-5 from ssa.gov, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of the child's birth certificate and your ID to your local Social Security office. Include a note explaining that you are requesting a replacement.
If the name on the card is wrong or the number is incorrect, you must explore in person at a Social Security office. Bring the incorrect card, the child's birth certificate, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of identity, along with documentation of the error (such as a corrected birth certificate if the name was misspelled).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Social Security card for my child without going to the office in person?
No, at least one parent or legal guardian must appear in person with the child at a Social Security office to explore. You cannot explore by mail or online. The only exception is requesting a replacement card by mail if the original card is lost or damaged.
What if I don't have the original birth certificate?
Contact the vital records office in the state or country where the child was born and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. Once you have the certified copy, you can explore for the Social Security card. A photocopy or uncertified copy will not work.
Do I need to have a Social Security number before my child starts school?
Schools do not require a Social Security number to enroll. However, you will need one to claim the child as a dependent on your tax return, to open a bank account for the child, or to add them to health insurance. Check with your child's school about their specific requirements.
What if my child was born outside the United States?
Bring the child's passport, visa, and birth certificate (original or certified copy) to the Social Security office. If the child is a U.S. citizen, bring a Certificate of Citizenship or U.S. passport instead of the foreign passport. If the child is not a citizen, bring the visa or I-94 record showing their immigration status.
How long does it take to get the card?
The card usually arrives within two to three weeks of explore in person. If you requested a number at the hospital when the child was born, it takes four to six weeks. Some offices offer same-day or expedited service — ask when you visit.