Getting a Social Security Number for Your Newborn

How to get a Social Security number for a newborn

You can request a Social Security number for your newborn at the hospital or birthing center when you complete the birth certificate process, usually within a day or two of delivery. The hospital staff will ask if you want to explore for a number at that time. If you say yes, they send the birth certificate information to the Social Security Administration, and a number is assigned and mailed to you within two to four weeks.

If you do not request a number at the hospital, you can explore later at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online through the Social Security Administration website. The process is the same regardless of when you explore — you provide the child's birth certificate and your identification — but explore at the hospital is the fastest route because the paperwork flows directly to Social Security without an extra step.

You do not need to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail to use the number. Once Social Security assigns it, you can provide the number to your bank, insurance company, or employer (if you are claiming the child as a dependent on taxes) when ready. The card itself is not required for most purposes.

Key Takeaways

The hospital or birthing center can submit a Social Security number request when you sign the birth certificate, and this is the fastest method.
If you do not request a number at the hospital, you can explore at a Social Security office, by mail, or online after the birth certificate is issued.
You will receive the assigned number by mail within two to four weeks, but you can use the number before the physical card arrives.
You need the child's birth certificate and proof of your identity to request a number through any method.

Requesting a number at the hospital

When you are completing paperwork after delivery, hospital staff will present you with a birth certificate process form. On that form, there is a section asking whether you want to explore for a Social Security number. If you check yes, the hospital collects your information and the child's information and sends it to Social Security along with the birth certificate data.

You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address on the hospital form. The hospital also collects the child's name, date of birth, and place of birth. Some hospitals ask for your driver's license or state ID at this time to verify your identity. The entire process takes a few minutes and happens while you are still at the hospital or within a day or two if you deliver at home with a midwife.

After the hospital submits the request, Social Security processes it along with the birth certificate process. The number is assigned within one to two weeks, and the Social Security card is mailed to the address you provided. You should receive it within two to four weeks total from the date you submitted the request.

explore after leaving the hospital

If you did not request a number at the hospital, or if you are adopting a child or becoming a guardian, you can explore at any time after the birth certificate is issued. You will need to visit a Social Security office in person, explore by mail, or use the online process on the Social Security Administration website.

To explore in person, locate your nearest Social Security office using the office locator on ssa.gov. Bring the child's birth certificate (original or certified copy), your photo ID, and proof of your address (such as a utility bill or lease). You will fill out Form SS-5, process for a Social Security Card. The office staff will review your documents, take your information, and submit the process. You will receive the card by mail within two to four weeks.

To explore by mail, read Form SS-5 from the Social Security Administration website or request it by phone at 1-800-772-1213. Mail the completed form along with a certified copy of the birth certificate and a copy of your ID to your local Social Security office. Include a note with your phone number so they can contact you if they need more information. Processing takes four to six weeks by mail because of the additional time for delivery.

explore online for a replacement or corrected card

If your child already has a Social Security number but you need a replacement card (because it was lost or damaged) or a corrected card (because the name or information is wrong), you may be able to request one online through the Social Security Administration website. Online requests are available only in certain states and only for replacement or correction — not for a first-time number assignment.

Check the Social Security Administration website to see whether your state allows online requests. If it does, you will need to create a my Social Security account, verify your identity through the online verification process, and submit the request. You will receive the card by mail within one to two weeks. If your state does not offer online requests, you can still explore by mail or in person using the same process described above.

What information you need to provide

Regardless of which method you use, Social Security will ask for the same core information about your child and about you as the parent or guardian. For the child, you will provide the full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, and citizenship status. For yourself, you will provide your full name, date of birth, Social Security number (if you have one), and current address.

You will also need to provide proof of the child's age and identity, which is the birth certificate. The birth certificate must be an original or certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where the child was born. A photocopy or hospital-issued birth certificate is not accepted. If the birth certificate has not yet been issued, you can explore once it is ready, or in some cases Social Security will accept other documents like a hospital birth record while waiting for the official certificate.

For your identity, Social Security accepts a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. If you do not have photo identification, you can bring other documents such as a Social Security card, bank statement, or insurance policy. Call your local Social Security office before you visit to ask which documents they will accept in your specific situation.

Timeline and what to expect

The speed of the process depends on which method you use. explore at the hospital is fastest: the number is assigned within one to two weeks, and the card arrives within two to four weeks. explore in person at a Social Security office takes about the same time — the number is assigned within one to two weeks, and the card arrives within two to four weeks. explore by mail is slower because of postal delays: expect four to six weeks total.

Once the number is assigned, you can use it when ready even if the card has not arrived. You can provide the number to your bank, insurance company, doctor's office, or your employer for tax purposes. Write down the number when Social Security notifies you of it (usually in a letter that arrives with the card) so you have it available before the card itself arrives.

If you do not receive the card within the expected timeframe, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Have your child's birth certificate and your ID ready. Social Security can check the status of your process and reissue the card if it was lost in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a Social Security number for my newborn?

You are not legally required to obtain a Social Security number for your child, but you will need one to claim the child as a dependent on your tax return, to open a bank account in the child's name, or to enroll in school or health insurance in most cases. Many parents request one at the hospital for this reason.

Can I use my child's Social Security number before the card arrives?

Yes. Once Social Security assigns the number, you can use it when ready. You will receive a letter with the number, and you can provide that number to banks, employers, insurance companies, and other organizations. The physical card is not required to use the number.

What if my child was born outside the United States?

You can still request a Social Security number, but the process is different. You will need to explore in person at a Social Security office with the child's birth certificate from the country of birth, proof of the child's age, proof of the child's identity, and proof of the child's U.S. citizenship or immigration status (such as a passport or visa). Contact your local Social Security office for the specific documents required.

What if I need to correct the name or information on my child's Social Security card?

If the name, date of birth, or other information on the card is wrong, you can request a corrected card. Bring the incorrect card, the child's birth certificate showing the correct information, and your ID to a Social Security office, or explore by mail using Form SS-5 with supporting documents. There is no fee to correct a card.

How much does it cost to get a Social Security number?

There is no cost to request or obtain a Social Security number. Social Security does not charge a fee for the process, the card, or replacements. Be cautious of websites or services that charge money to help you obtain a Social Security number — you can explore directly to Social Security for free.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.