Free Guide to Getting a Social Security Number

What Is a Social Security Number and Why You Might Need One

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit identifier issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). The number appears in the format XXX-XX-XXXX. Since 1936, the SSA has issued these numbers to track individuals' work history and earnings throughout their lifetime. Originally created to manage Social Security benefits, the SSN has become a standard identifier used across many areas of American life.

Today, you may encounter requests for an SSN in several contexts. Employers use SSNs to report wages and tax withholdings to the Internal Revenue Service. Banks and financial institutions may request SSNs when you open accounts because federal law requires them to verify your identity for financial transactions. Schools sometimes ask for SSNs to track student loan borrowing and financial aid. Credit reporting agencies use SSNs to maintain credit histories and scores. Healthcare providers may use SSNs as patient identifiers, though this is becoming less common due to privacy concerns.

Non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents and individuals on work visas, may also need SSNs to work legally in the United States or access certain benefits. Children born in the U.S. are not automatically assigned SSNs—parents or guardians must request them. The SSN represents one form of identification but should not be confused with other documents like passports, driver's licenses, or state identification cards.

Understanding what an SSN is used for helps you recognize when requests for this number are legitimate and when they might be suspicious. Many scams involve criminals claiming to represent the SSA or threatening legal action related to SSN issues. Legitimate SSA communications typically come through official mail or the SSA website, not through unsolicited phone calls or emails.

Takeaway: An SSN is a nine-digit number used to track earnings and identify individuals for employment, banking, credit, and government programs. Recognizing legitimate uses helps you avoid sharing your number with scammers.

Who Can Obtain a Social Security Number

The SSA issues SSNs to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and certain non-citizens authorized to work in the United States. Authorization to work includes people on temporary visas such as H-1B workers, L-1 visa holders, and other employment-based visa categories. Refugees and asylees are also able to receive SSNs. Undocumented immigrants cannot obtain traditional SSNs, though some states have created alternative identification documents.

U.S. citizens born in the country can obtain an SSN at any age, but the process differs depending on whether you're a newborn or an adult. For infants, parents typically request an SSN when applying for a birth certificate or shortly after. The process is designed to be straightforward for newborns, with applications often submitted through hospitals or vital records offices. For children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, an SSN can be requested after the child receives a U.S. passport or certificate of citizenship.

Lawful permanent residents must have a green card or an approved Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-485) before requesting an SSN. The SSA will not issue a number until the person's immigration status has been verified through the Department of Homeland Security's systems. This verification process can take several weeks. Non-citizens with valid work authorization documents can also request an SSN, but they must show proof of their work authorization status.

Children adopted from abroad who are U.S. citizens can obtain SSNs once their citizenship has been established. Guardians of minors can request SSNs on behalf of children in their care if those children meet the requirements above. The SSA does not issue SSNs to people who are in the country temporarily on tourist or student visas unless they have specific work authorization.

Takeaway: U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and authorized workers can obtain SSNs. Lawful permanent residents should wait for DHS verification before requesting an SSN to avoid delays.

Documents You'll Need to Request a Social Security Number

The SSA requires specific documents to verify your identity and eligibility before issuing an SSN. The exact documents needed depend on your age, citizenship status, and whether you're a first-time applicant. For U.S. citizens, the SSA needs proof of citizenship, proof of age, and proof of identity. For non-citizens, the requirements are slightly different and include additional immigration documents.

Proof of citizenship for native-born U.S. citizens includes an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a Certificate of Citizenship. The document must show your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and the dates the document was issued and filed. Hospital-issued birth certificates and certificates with a raised seal or official stamp are generally accepted. For people born outside the U.S. to citizen parents, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Naturalization serves as proof of citizenship.

Proof of age typically comes from the same document used as proof of citizenship—such as a birth certificate or passport. If you cannot provide one of these documents, the SSA may accept a religious record created before age five, a school record, a medical record, or in rare cases, other documentation that shows your date of birth.

Proof of identity requires a photo identification document such as a state-issued driver's license, state identification card, or U.S. passport. For infants and young children without photo identification, the SSA may accept documents like a hospital birth record, medical record, or school record. Non-citizens must also provide proof of lawful immigration status, such as an unexpired green card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or approved I-485 form.

Original documents or certified copies are required—photocopies alone are not accepted. The SSA will examine the documents, make copies if needed, and return your originals to you. If documents are in a language other than English, the SSA may require a certified English translation. All documents should be current and not expired, with the exception of birth certificates and citizenship documents, which do not expire.

Takeaway: Gather an original or certified birth certificate, proof of identity with a photo, and proof of citizenship or immigration status before visiting the SSA. Keep originals—the SSA will return them after reviewing copies.

Where and How to Request a Social Security Number

There are three main ways to request an SSN: in person at a local Social Security office, by mail, or in some cases, online through the SSA website. The method you use depends on your situation, location, and preference. For newborns, many parents request an SSN through the hospital or vital records office at the time of birth registration, which is the fastest option.

To request an SSN in person, locate your nearest Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov or calling 1-800-772-1213. The website has a field office locator tool where you can enter your zip code to find offices near you. When visiting a Social Security office, bring all required documents in original or certified form. Most offices do not require appointments, but you can create an online account to request an appointment, which may reduce wait times. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday, with limited hours, so plan accordingly. Processing times for in-person applications are usually faster than mail applications—often within one to two weeks.

To request an SSN by mail, download and complete Form SS-5 from the SSA website. The form requests personal information including your full legal name, date and place of birth, mother's maiden name, and contact information. You must sign and date the form. Include copies of your required documents—never send original documents through the mail. Instead, send certified copies or certified photocopies. Mail the form and documents to the SSA address listed on the form (addresses vary by state). Processing by mail typically takes 2-4 weeks. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the SSA to return your documents.

Some people may be able to request an SSN online through a service called iSignup, available at ssa.gov, but this option is limited to certain situations and is not widely available for most applicants. Non-citizens and people born outside the U.S. generally cannot use the online option and must apply in person or by mail. The SSA website provides detailed instructions for each method, along with downloadable forms and checklists of required documents.

Takeaway: Apply in person at a Social Security