Documents Required to explore for a Social Security Number

To get a Social Security number, you need to show proof of age, citizenship or immigration status, and identity. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not issue a number without all three. The exact documents that work depend on whether you were born in the United States, are a U.S. citizen, or are here on a visa or other immigration status.

You cannot explore online or by mail. You must go in person to your local Social Security office with original documents or certified copies. Photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted. If a document is not in English, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of age (birth certificate, passport, or similar), proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of identity to your local Social Security office.
  • Original documents or certified copies are required — photocopies and notarized copies will not be accepted.
  • If you were born outside the United States, your immigration documents must show your current status and permission to work or live here.
  • The process takes about two weeks; the SSA will mail your Social Security card to the address you provide.
  • You do not need a Social Security number to open a bank account, but you will need one to work legally in the United States.

Proof of Age Documents That the SSA Accepts

The SSA will accept a U.S. birth certificate as proof of age. It must be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born, not a hospital birth certificate or a photocopy. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a state-issued ID card.

If you were born outside the United States, a foreign birth certificate works if it is an official document from the government that issued it. A U.S. passport, foreign passport, or visa also counts as proof of age. Religious records (such as a baptism certificate) are accepted only if you have no other document available and you sign a statement saying so.

Proof of Citizenship or Immigration Status

If you were born in the United States, your birth certificate serves as proof of citizenship. You do not need to bring a separate citizenship document. If you were born outside the U.S., you must show one of these: a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card).

If you are not yet a permanent resident or citizen, you can still get a Social Security number if you have a visa or other immigration document that shows you are authorized to work or live in the United States. Acceptable documents include an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), an I-94 arrival/departure record, an I-94A, a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document, a visa, or an I-20 or DS-2019 (for students). The document must show your current status and be valid or have been valid within the last two years.

Proof of Identity

A U.S. passport or passport card is the strongest proof of identity. If you do not have a passport, the SSA will accept a state-issued ID card, a driver's license, a foreign passport, a visa, or a military ID. School IDs, library cards, and credit cards are not accepted.

If you are explore for a child and do not have an ID document for them, the SSA may accept a medical record, a school record, or a vaccination record instead. Call your local Social Security office before you go to confirm what they will accept for a child without an ID.

Special Situations: Infants, Children, and Adoptions

For an infant or young child, you need the child's birth certificate, proof of your relationship to the child (usually your own ID), and proof of the child's citizenship or immigration status. If the child was adopted, bring the adoption decree or a court order showing the adoption is final. If the adoption is still pending, you cannot get a Social Security number yet.

If you are explore on behalf of a child and you are not the parent, you must bring a court order or other legal document showing you have authority to act for the child. A letter from a parent or a power of attorney is not enough.

What Happens After You Submit Your Documents

The SSA will review your documents at the office. If everything is in order, they will take your process and tell you when to expect your Social Security card in the mail. The card usually arrives within two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will receive a receipt showing your process was submitted.

If the SSA needs more information or has questions about your documents, they will contact you by mail or phone. Keep your receipt and any letters from the SSA. If your card does not arrive within four weeks, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

Where to Find Your Local Social Security Office

Visit ssa.gov/locator to find the office nearest you. Enter your zip code and the site will show office addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Many offices now require you to make an appointment before you visit. You can book an appointment on the same website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Bring all your original documents or certified copies. Do not mail documents to the Social Security office — they must be shown in person. If you cannot visit in person, ask the office whether they can arrange an appointment by video or phone; some offices offer this option for people who are homebound or live far away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security number if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a visa, work authorization, or other immigration document showing you are allowed to live or work in the United States. You must bring that document along with proof of age and identity. Permanent residents and people on temporary visas can both get Social Security numbers.

What if I was born outside the U.S. and do not have my birth certificate?

You can use a foreign passport, a U.S. passport, or a visa as proof of age instead. If you have none of these, contact your country's embassy or consulate to request a birth certificate or an official copy. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Do I need a Social Security number before I can start a job?

Your employer will ask for your Social Security number, but you can start the process of getting one before your first day. Once you submit your process, you will receive a receipt. Some employers will accept the receipt temporarily while you wait for your card to arrive.

How much does it cost to get a Social Security number?

There is no fee. The Social Security Administration does not charge for Social Security numbers or Social Security cards. If someone offers to help you get a number for a fee, that is a scam.

What if my documents are in another language?

Bring the original document and a certified English translation together. A certified translation is one completed by a professional translator and stamped or signed to confirm accuracy. The Social Security office will not accept a translation done by a friend or family member.