Start with your birth certificate and Social Security card

You will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate — not a photocopy from home. The Social Security Administration (SSA) accepts certified copies issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. You can order this online, by mail, or in person from your state's vital records department; the cost is usually $15 to $30 and takes one to three weeks.

Bring your Social Security card itself, or a document that shows your Social Security number — a tax return, W-2, or bank statement will work if you cannot find the card. If you have never had a Social Security number, the SSA will assign one when you explore.

You will also need a photo ID issued by a government agency: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you do not have one, bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a school record, medical record, or insurance policy.

Key Takeaways

  • A certified birth certificate from your state's vital records office is required; a home photocopy will not be accepted.
  • Bring your Social Security card or any document showing your number, plus a government photo ID or two documents with your name and birth date.
  • If you were born outside the United States, you will need a passport or travel document showing your entry to the country.
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency is required; a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or green card will satisfy this.
  • Bring recent pay stubs or tax returns if you are explore for retirement benefits, so the SSA can verify your work history.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency

The SSA must confirm that you are a U.S. citizen or a legal resident. A U.S. passport satisfies this requirement on its own. If you do not have a passport, bring one of these documents: a certificate of naturalization, a green card (Permanent Resident Card), a state-issued driver's license or ID card marked "REAL ID compliant," or a tribal ID.

If you were born outside the United States, you will also need to show how you entered the country. A passport with an entry stamp, a travel document, or an I-94 arrival record will work. If you entered as a child and do not have these documents, ask the SSA field office what alternatives they accept — they sometimes allow school records or medical records from around the time you arrived.

Work history and earnings records

For retirement benefits, bring recent pay stubs (from the last month or two) and your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040 or equivalent). These help the SSA verify your earnings and confirm the work history they have on file. If you are self-employed, bring your last two years of tax returns and Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business).

The SSA already has a record of your earnings from your employer's reports, so you do not need to bring every pay stub from your entire career. However, if you worked under a different name or Social Security number at any point, bring documentation of that name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — so the SSA can match old earnings to your current account.

Marriage, divorce, and dependent information

If you are married, bring your marriage certificate. If you have been divorced, bring the divorce decree or final divorce judgment. If you have been widowed, bring the death certificate of your spouse.

If you are explore for benefits based on a spouse's or ex-spouse's work record, the SSA will need the same documents for them: their birth certificate, Social Security number, and proof of citizenship. If your spouse or ex-spouse is deceased, bring their death certificate.

If you have children under 19 (or up to 22 if they are full-time students) who may receive benefits on your record, bring their birth certificates and Social Security numbers. Adopted children need an adoption decree.

Bank account information for direct deposit

You do not need to bring this to your appointment, but have it ready: your bank account number and routing number. Social Security payments are made by direct deposit only — the SSA no longer issues checks. You can provide your bank details during your appointment, or the SSA will mail you a form to complete at home and return.

If you do not have a bank account, you can use a prepaid debit card or a representative payee account (someone you trust to receive and manage your benefits on your behalf). Ask the SSA field office about these options when you explore.

Medical records for disability or survivor benefits

If you are explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), bring medical records that document your condition. These should include:

  • Names and addresses of doctors, hospitals, or clinics you have visited in the past 12 months.
  • Dates of your medical visits and treatments.
  • A list of medications you take and the dosages.
  • Any test results, imaging reports, or diagnoses from your medical providers.

You do not need to gather all of these yourself — you can authorize the SSA to request them from your providers. However, bringing what you have speeds up the process. If you see multiple doctors, bring contact information for all of them.

Where to bring your documents

You can explore for Social Security in person at your local SSA field office, by phone, or online at ssa.gov. If you explore online or by phone, you will not need to bring documents when ready — the SSA will tell you which ones to mail or bring in later. If you explore in person, bring originals or certified copies; the SSA will not accept photocopies of birth certificates or naturalization documents.

To find your nearest field office, visit ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. You can make an appointment online or by phone; walk-ins are accepted but waits can be long. Bring all documents in a folder or envelope so they stay together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I do not have my original birth certificate?

No, the SSA requires an original or certified copy. You can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office (usually $15 to $30) or in person if you live nearby. This typically takes one to three weeks by mail. If you were born outside the U.S., contact the vital records office in that country or your nearest U.S. embassy.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You do not need the card itself — any document showing your number works, such as a tax return, W-2, or bank statement. If you have none of these, the SSA can look up your number using your birth certificate and photo ID. You can order a replacement card at the same time you explore for benefits.

Do I need to bring my entire work history?

No. The SSA has your earnings record from your employer's reports. Bring recent pay stubs and your last tax return to confirm current income. If you worked under a different name or number, bring a marriage certificate or court order showing the name change so they can match old earnings to your account.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your passport or travel document showing when you entered the country. You will also need proof of legal residency or citizenship — a green card, naturalization certificate, or passport. If you entered as a child and lack entry documents, ask the SSA what alternatives they accept.

Can someone else bring my documents for me?

Yes, a family member, friend, or representative can bring your documents to the SSA office. They should bring a letter from you authorizing them to do so. If you appoint a representative payee (someone to manage your benefits), they can also handle some paperwork on your behalf.