You need proof of age, citizenship or immigration status, and identity
To get a Social Security card, the Social Security Administration requires three things: a document showing your date of birth, a document proving you are a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status, and a document with your name and photo or other identifying information. You do not need to be employed or have a job offer. You do not need to pay a fee — Social Security cards are free.
The exact documents that work depend on whether you were born in the United States, are explore as a child, or are explore as an adult immigrant. The Social Security Administration has a specific list of what counts for each category, and bringing the wrong document will delay your process.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring one document for age, one for citizenship or immigration status, and one for identity — they cannot all be the same document.
- A U.S. birth certificate is the easiest proof of citizenship and age combined, but you must order it from your state's vital records office, not from Social Security.
- If you were born outside the U.S., you will need your passport or visa along with proof of lawful status, such as a green card or employment authorization document.
- You explore in person at your local Social Security office, and you must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.
- Processing usually takes one to two weeks, and Social Security will mail your card to the address you provide.
Documents that prove age
A U.S. birth certificate is the strongest proof of age and is accepted by Social Security. You must order it from the vital records office in the state where you were born — not from Social Security, and not from an online service that claims to speed up the process. Each state charges a different fee, usually between $10 and $30, and mailing times vary. You can search for your state's vital records office on the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems website.
If you do not have a birth certificate, Social Security accepts other documents: a passport, a driver's license or state ID card, a hospital record from birth, or a religious record made before age five. If you are explore as a child under age 18, a parent or guardian can bring the child's original birth certificate or passport.
Documents that prove citizenship or immigration status
If you were born in the United States, your birth certificate serves as proof of citizenship. You do not need a separate citizenship document.
If you were born outside the U.S., you must bring a document showing your current immigration status. A U.S. passport is the easiest option. If you do not have a passport, you can bring a green card (Permanent Resident Card), an employment authorization document (EAD), a visa, or a document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services showing your status. Refugees and asylees can bring their approval notice from USCIS.
If you are a non-citizen national (a person born in American Samoa or Swains Island), bring a U.S. passport or a certificate of non-citizen national status issued by the State Department.
Documents that prove your identity
Social Security needs a document with your name and either a photo or other identifying details. A U.S. passport, driver's license, or state ID card all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a school ID, employee ID, health insurance card, or a document from a government agency (such as a library card issued by a city or county).
If you are a child under age 12, Social Security may not require a separate identity document — your parent or guardian can sign the process on your behalf. Ask your local Social Security office whether you need to bring anything beyond the age and citizenship documents.
What to bring to your appointment
Bring the originals of your documents or certified copies. Photocopies, faxes, or notarized copies are not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original and an English translation certified by a translator.
You must explore in person at a Social Security office. You cannot mail in an process or use an online form to get your first card. Find your local office on the Social Security Administration website by entering your zip code. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online; others ask you to call or walk in. Call ahead to confirm what documents the office needs, because requirements can vary slightly by location.
Bring your Social Security number if you already have one (for example, if you are replacing a lost card). If you do not have a number yet, Social Security will assign one during your visit.
Timeline and what happens after you explore
Processing usually takes one to two weeks. Social Security will mail your card to the address you provide on the process. If you need the card sooner, ask the office staff whether they can issue a temporary document or expedite the mailing.
If Social Security cannot verify your documents, they will contact you by mail or phone to ask for more information. Keep your receipt from your appointment so you can reference your case number if you need to follow up.
Special situations
If you are explore for a child's card and you are not the parent, you must bring proof that you have legal authority — such as a court order granting guardianship or custody. If you are explore on behalf of someone else as a power of attorney, bring the power of attorney document along with your own identity document.
If you are replacing a lost or stolen card, you do not need to bring proof of age or citizenship again — only your identity document. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your regular documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Social Security card if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you have lawful immigration status. You must bring a document showing your status, such as a green card, visa, employment authorization document, or USCIS approval notice. Refugees and asylees can bring their approval letter from USCIS.
Do I need to bring my birth certificate if I have a passport?
A passport proves both age and citizenship, so you do not need a separate birth certificate. You still need to bring a document for identity (such as a driver's license) unless you are a child under 12.
What if my birth certificate is from another country?
A foreign birth certificate counts as proof of age. You must also bring a document proving your U.S. citizenship or immigration status, such as a U.S. passport, green card, or visa. If the birth certificate is not in English, bring a certified English translation.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate before I can explore for a Social Security card?
Mailing times vary by state, usually between one and four weeks. You can order a birth certificate online or by mail from your state's vital records office. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. You do not need to wait for the birth certificate to arrive before scheduling your Social Security appointment — just bring it when you go.
Can I explore for a Social Security card by mail?
No. You must explore in person at a Social Security office. You cannot mail in an process or submit one online for your first card. If you are replacing a lost card, you can mail in the process form if you meet certain conditions — ask your local office whether you may have access to.