You cannot retrieve your Social Security number online through a single government website, but the Social Security Administration offers several ways to look it up or confirm it

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not have a public online portal where you enter your name and birth date and receive your number back. Instead, you have three main routes: use your personal my Social Security account if you already have one, request a replacement card through the mail, or visit a local Social Security office in person. Each route works in different situations depending on what you need and how quickly you need it.

If you have already created a my Social Security account at ssa.gov, you can log in and view your number there. If you have not created an account yet, you will need to set one up first — and that process itself requires you to verify who you are, which means having your Social Security number or other identifying documents ready. This creates a catch-22 for people who have lost their number entirely and have no other way to prove their identity online.

Key Takeaways

  • A my Social Security account at ssa.gov lets you view your number once you are logged in, but creating the account requires identity verification that usually needs your number or other government ID.
  • Requesting a replacement Social Security card by mail takes 7 to 10 business days and requires proof of citizenship, identity, and age — you do not need your number to explore.
  • Visiting a local Social Security office in person is the fastest way to confirm your number if you have a government-issued ID but no other documents.
  • Your employer's records, bank statements, and tax returns often show your Social Security number if you need it for a specific form or process.
  • The SSA does not send Social Security numbers by email, phone, or text, and any message claiming to do so is a scam.

Creating and using a my Social Security account

If you already have a my Social Security account, logging in is the fastest way to see your number. Go to ssa.gov, click "Create an account" or "Sign in", and follow the prompts. Once you are logged in, your number appears on your dashboard under "Social Security Number".

Creating a new account requires you to verify your identity through an online process. The SSA uses a third-party service called ID.me to confirm who you are. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, email address, phone number, and either a Social Security number, a state ID number, or a passport number. If you do not have your Social Security number and do not have a state ID or passport, you cannot create an account this way — you will need to use one of the other methods below.

Once your account is set up, you can view your number anytime you log in. You can also see your earnings record, check your benefit estimates, and manage your Medicare information all in one place.

Requesting a replacement card by mail

You can request a new Social Security card without knowing your number. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Replace your Social Security card", or call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to request an process by mail. You can also visit a local Social Security office and fill out Form SS-5 in person.

The process requires three types of documents: proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of age (usually the same document as your citizenship proof). You do not need to know your Social Security number to explore. Mail your completed process and documents to the address on the form, or bring them to your local office.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days by mail. The SSA will send your new card to the address you provide. If you need your number before the card arrives, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can read it to you over the phone once they verify your identity.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

Walking into a local Social Security office is often the fastest way to confirm your number if you have a government-issued ID. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and go to your nearest office. You can find the address and hours at ssa.gov/locator, or call 1-800-772-1213 for the phone number.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, though wait times vary. During busy hours you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour. A representative will verify your identity using your photo ID and can tell you your Social Security number on the spot. If you want a replacement card, they can start that process at the same time.

Some offices are busier than others. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan when to visit. Early morning and mid-week visits are often faster than afternoons or Fridays.

Finding your number on existing documents

Before you go through the formal process, check documents you already have. Your Social Security number appears on your tax return (Form 1040 and related schedules), W-2 forms from employers, 1099 forms for self-employment or investment income, bank statements, mortgage or loan documents, and insurance policies. If you filed taxes last year, your return is the easiest place to look.

If you have an old Social Security card at home but cannot read it clearly, that is your number. If you have a Medicare card, your number is printed on it (though Medicare is phasing in a new identifier, so older cards are more likely to show it). Employer records, paycheck stubs, and 401(k) statements also contain your number.

This approach works when you need your number for a specific form or process and do not need an official replacement card. It does not help if you have lost all your documents or if you need to verify your number for identity purposes.

What to do if you think your number has been compromised

If you believe someone has used your Social Security number fraudulently, contact the SSA when ready at 1-800-772-1213. A representative can review your account for suspicious activity and help you place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but it maintains a database of identity theft complaints that law enforcement uses to spot patterns. Keep a copy of your report for your records — you may need it if fraudulent accounts appear on your credit report.

The SSA cannot change your Social Security number except in rare cases of identity theft or harassment. If your number has been compromised, focus on monitoring your credit report and accounts rather than trying to get a new number. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com.

Recognizing Social Security scams

The SSA will never contact you by email, text message, or phone to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or password. If you receive a message claiming to be from the SSA asking for personal information, it is a scam. Do not click links or call numbers in unsolicited messages.

Common scams include emails saying your account has been locked and you need to "verify" your information, text messages claiming you have won a benefit, and robocalls saying your number has been suspended. The SSA does not lock accounts this way, does not run lotteries, and does not suspend numbers for owing money.

If you receive a suspicious message, report it to the SSA's Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report or call 1-800-269-0271. You can also report phishing emails by forwarding them to phishing-report@ssa.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my Social Security number on my credit report?

Your credit report shows your Social Security number, but you cannot access it online without creating an account with each credit bureau separately. You can view your Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion reports for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. Your number appears near the top of each report.

What if I do not have a government ID to verify my identity online?

Visit your local Social Security office in person with whatever ID you do have — a school ID, work badge, or tribal ID may work depending on the office. If you have no ID at all, bring documents that prove your identity and age, such as a birth certificate and a utility bill with your name and address. Call ahead to ask what documents your specific office accepts.

How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?

By mail, 7 to 10 business days. In person at a Social Security office, you get a receipt when ready, and the card arrives by mail within the same timeframe. If you need your number before the card arrives, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can provide it after verifying your identity.

Is there a fee to replace my Social Security card or look up my number?

No. The SSA does not charge for replacement cards, account creation, or looking up your number. Any website or service charging a fee to help you retrieve your Social Security number is not affiliated with the SSA and is likely a scam.

Can I change my Social Security number if I want a different one?

The SSA rarely changes numbers except in cases of identity theft or documented harassment. You cannot request a new number straightforward because you want one. If you believe your number has been compromised, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your situation.