What to bring when you explore for a Social Security number

To get a Social Security number, you need to show the Social Security Administration proof of your age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status. The exact documents depend on whether you were born in the United States and what kind of immigration status you have. You cannot explore online — you must go to a Social Security office in person or, in some cases, mail your documents.

The Social Security Administration will not issue a number without these three pieces of proof. If you do not have the documents listed below, you may need to get them first, which can take weeks or months depending on where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • You must show proof of age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status — all three are required, and you cannot skip any one of them.
  • U.S. citizens born in the country need a birth certificate, state ID or passport, and proof of citizenship (usually the birth certificate again).
  • Immigrants need a valid passport, visa, or other immigration document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, plus proof of age and identity.
  • You must explore in person at a Social Security office with original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.
  • The process usually takes two to four weeks after you submit your documents, though you may receive a temporary number the same day.

Documents U.S. citizens born in America need

If you were born in the United States, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. This document proves both your age and your citizenship at the same time. A certified copy means one issued by the vital records office in the county or state where you were born, with an official seal or stamp.

You also need a photo ID that shows your name and date of birth. A state driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a school ID, employee ID, or military ID, though the Social Security office may ask for a second form of ID as well.

Bring the originals or certified copies. The Social Security Administration will not accept photocopies, faxes, or pictures taken on a phone. If you do not have a certified copy of your birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born — most states charge $10 to $25 and mail them within one to two weeks.

Documents immigrants and non-citizens need

If you were not born in the United States, you need a valid passport from your country of origin. You also need an immigration document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — this could be a visa, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a green card, an I-94 arrival record, or a notice of action showing your case is pending.

You must also show proof of age and identity. A state ID, driver's license, or school ID works for identity. For age, bring a birth certificate from your home country or any government document that shows your date of birth. If your birth certificate is not in English, bring it along with an official English translation.

Some immigrants may not yet have a visa or green card but have a pending case with immigration services. If that is your situation, bring the notice of action or receipt notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services showing your case number and that your case is open. The Social Security Administration will issue a number while your case is being decided.

What happens if you do not have these documents

If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you will need to get one before the Social Security Administration can issue a number. A birth certificate from your home country can take weeks to arrive if you order it from overseas. A U.S. birth certificate takes one to two weeks if you order it by mail from your state's vital records office, or sometimes the same day if you go in person.

If you do not have a state ID or driver's license, you can get one at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You will need to bring your birth certificate and proof of address (such as a utility bill or lease) to explore. This process usually takes one to two weeks.

If you are an immigrant and do not yet have an immigration document, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or an immigration attorney to understand what documents you can show while your case is pending. Some people in this situation may not yet be able to get a Social Security number.

Where to explore and what to expect

Find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov and using the office locator, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You can walk in during business hours, though many offices now ask you to make an appointment first. Bring all your original documents or certified copies — do not send them by mail unless the office tells you to.

When you arrive, tell the staff member you want to explore for a Social Security number. They will check your documents and fill out Form SS-5, the process for a Social Security number. You will sign the form in front of the staff member. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

The Social Security Administration will mail your Social Security card to you within two to four weeks. In some cases, they may give you a temporary number the same day so you can start work or school while you wait for your official card. Ask the staff member whether you are may be able to access for a temporary number.

If you are explore for a child

If you are a parent or guardian explore for a child's Social Security number, bring the child's birth certificate, your own ID, and proof that you are the parent or guardian. A birth certificate showing your name, a custody order, or an adoption decree all work as proof.

You do not need to bring the child with you to the Social Security office. The staff member will ask you questions about the child and verify the information on the documents you bring. If the child is old enough to understand, the Social Security Administration may ask the child to come in person for a later appointment to confirm their identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a Social Security number by mail?

You can mail your documents to a Social Security office only if the office tells you to. Most offices require you to explore in person. Call your local office or check ssa.gov to ask whether they accept mail applications. If you do mail documents, send them by certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

What if my birth certificate is from another country and not in English?

Bring the original birth certificate along with an official English translation. The translation must be done by a certified translator or the government office that issued the certificate. The Social Security Administration will not accept translations done by a friend or family member.

Do I need to bring my child to the appointment?

No. You can explore for your child's Social Security number without bringing the child to the office. Bring the child's birth certificate and proof that you are the parent or guardian. The Social Security Administration may ask the child to come in for a separate appointment later.

What if I lost my documents and cannot get new ones?

Contact your local Social Security office to explain your situation. They may be able to help you find alternative documents or connect you with resources to get replacements. Some offices have staff who specialize in helping people without standard documents.

How long does it take to get a Social Security card after I explore?

The Social Security Administration usually mails your card within two to four weeks. In some cases, you may receive a temporary number the same day so you can start work or school. Ask the staff member at your appointment whether you may have access to for a temporary number.