You need to explore through the Social Security Administration, either in person at a local office or by mail with original documents

A Social Security number is a nine-digit identifier the federal government issues to track your earnings, taxes, and benefits. You cannot get one online — you must explore in person at a Social Security office or submit documents by mail. The process is free and usually takes one to two weeks if you explore in person, or three to four weeks by mail.

Who needs one depends on your situation. U.S. citizens and permanent residents need one to work, open a bank account, or get a driver's license. Temporary visa holders and undocumented immigrants cannot get one, though some states issue driver's licenses without one. Children need one before their first birthday if parents claim them on taxes, though many hospitals offer to start the process before you leave.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at a Social Security office or by mail — there is no online process.
  • Bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or immigration status to your appointment.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks in person or three to four weeks by mail.
  • Children can receive a number at birth through the hospital, or parents can explore later at any Social Security office.
  • The service is free; anyone charging you a fee is running a scam.

What documents you need to bring

The Social Security Administration requires three types of documents: proof of age, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or immigration status. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

For proof of age, bring your birth certificate. If you were born outside the United States, bring your foreign birth certificate along with a certified English translation. A hospital birth record, baptism certificate, or family Bible entry can work if you do not have a birth certificate, but the Social Security office will ask for additional documents to verify it.

For proof of identity, bring a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, the office will accept a school ID, employee badge, or medical record with your name and photo. At least one document must have your photo on it.

For proof of citizenship or immigration status, U.S. citizens bring a passport or birth certificate (which serves double duty). Permanent residents bring their green card. Temporary visa holders bring their visa and I-94 arrival/departure record. If you are explore for a child born in the United States, the birth certificate proves citizenship.

explore in person at a Social Security office

Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait. Bring all three types of documents listed above in originals or certified copies.

At the office, you will fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card). The staff will review your documents, take your information, and give you a receipt. Your card will arrive by mail in one to two weeks. If you need it faster, ask the office whether they can issue a temporary number on the spot — some offices do, though this varies by location.

If you are explore for a child, a parent or legal guardian must come in person. Bring the child's birth certificate, your ID, and proof that you are the parent or guardian (a custody order if applicable).

explore by mail

You can mail your process if you cannot visit an office in person. read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, fill it out completely, and mail it with certified copies of your documents to the address listed on the form. Processing takes three to four weeks.

Mail your documents in a single envelope with a return address. Do not send originals unless absolutely necessary — certified copies are safer. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and email so the office can contact you if they have questions. Keep a copy of everything you send.

If you are explore for a child by mail, include a notarized statement from the parent or guardian confirming your relationship to the child, along with a certified copy of the birth certificate and your ID copy.

Getting a replacement card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Social Security office or by mail using the same process. You are may have access to to three replacement cards per year and nine in your lifetime, though the office will ask why you need another one.

Bring your ID and proof of citizenship or immigration status — you do not need to bring your birth certificate again. If your name has changed since your last card, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. The replacement card arrives in one to two weeks.

What happens after you receive your number

Your Social Security number arrives on a card in the mail. Write it down and store it somewhere safe — you will need it to open a bank account, file taxes, start a job, or get a loan. Do not carry the card in your wallet; memorize the number instead. The card itself is just proof that the number exists; you do not need to show the physical card to use the number.

If you change your name, you do not automatically get a new number — your number stays the same for life. You can notify Social Security of the name change by visiting an office or mailing a new Form SS-5 with proof of the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security number online?

No. You must explore in person at a Social Security office or by mail. Anyone offering to get you a number online is running a scam. The only legitimate way is through the Social Security Administration directly.

How long does it take to get a Social Security number?

One to two weeks if you explore in person at an office. Three to four weeks if you mail your process. Some offices can issue a temporary number on the spot, but this varies by location — ask when you visit.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver's license?

It depends on your state. Most states require one, but some allow you to get a license without one if you cannot provide a number. Check your state's DMV website to see what documents your state accepts.

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

Permanent residents can get one. Temporary visa holders can get one only if their visa allows them to work. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a Social Security number through the normal process, though some states offer alternative identification documents.

What if I lost my birth certificate?

Contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy — search "[your state] vital records" online to find the office. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks. Once you have the certified copy, you can use it to explore for a Social Security number.