Where to find your Social Security number if you've lost track of it

Your Social Security number appears on several documents you may already have at home. The fastest way to find it is to check your Social Security card itself, a tax return, a W-2 form from an employer, a bank statement, or a mortgage or loan document. If none of those are available, you can request an official record from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The SSA keeps a record of your number and can send you a replacement card or a letter stating your number. You do not need to remember your number to request these items — you only need to prove your identity with documents the SSA accepts.

If you are looking for someone else's number (a child, a spouse, or a dependent), the process is similar but requires proof that you have a legitimate reason to know it, such as being a parent, guardian, or power of attorney.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Social Security number is printed on your Social Security card, tax returns, W-2 forms, and most bank or loan statements.
  • The Social Security Administration can send you a replacement card or a letter with your number if you cannot find it in your records.
  • You can request a replacement card or number verification in person at a local SSA office, by mail, or through an online account at ssa.gov.
  • Proof of identity — such as a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate — is required to request your number from the SSA.
  • If you need someone else's number, you must show proof of your relationship to them or your legal authority to access that information.

Documents that show your Social Security number

Start by checking places where your number is routinely printed or stored. Your Social Security card is the most direct source, but many people keep it in a safe place and forget where. Look in a safe, a filing cabinet, or a drawer where you keep important papers.

Tax documents are another reliable source. Your Social Security number appears on every federal tax return you file, on W-2 forms from employers, on 1099 forms for self-employment or investment income, and on tax transcripts from the IRS. If you filed taxes in the past few years, you can find your number on those forms or request a transcript from the IRS.

Financial institutions print your Social Security number on statements and account documents. Check bank statements, credit card statements, mortgage documents, loan agreements, and investment account statements. Your number also appears on insurance policies, including health insurance cards and auto insurance documents.

If you have a child and need their Social Security number, check documents from the hospital where they were born, adoption papers, or school enrollment forms. Parents and guardians typically receive a copy of a child's number when it is issued.

How to request your number from the Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration offers three ways to request your number or a replacement card: in person, by mail, or online through your personal account.

In person: Visit your local Social Security office with proof of identity and proof of citizenship or legal residency. The SSA accepts a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID as proof of identity. For citizenship, bring a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. Staff will verify your information and can issue a replacement card on the spot or send one by mail within one to two weeks. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

By mail: Complete Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) and mail it with copies of your identity documents and citizenship proof to your local SSA office. The address is listed on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks. You can read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov.

Online: If you are between 18 and 79 years old and have a driver's license or state ID from a participating state, you can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov and request a replacement card online. The card will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. Not all states participate in this program yet, so check the website to see if yours does.

What documents the Social Security Administration accepts as proof

The SSA has strict rules about which documents prove your identity and citizenship. Bringing the wrong documents will delay your request or result in rejection.

For identity: The SSA prefers a driver's license or state ID card. If you do not have either, acceptable alternatives include a U.S. passport, military ID, employee ID from a federal, state, or local government agency, or a school ID card. The document must have your photo, your name, and an issue or expiration date.

For citizenship or legal residency: A U.S. birth certificate is the most common proof. Other acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must show proof of legal residency, such as a green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or visa.

All documents must be originals or certified copies. The SSA will not accept photocopies or notarized copies unless the document is a foreign birth certificate, in which case a certified copy is acceptable.

Requesting your number if you were born outside the United States

If you were born outside the United States, the process is the same, but you will need additional documents. Bring your passport or travel document, your birth certificate (original or certified copy), and proof of legal residency or work authorization in the United States.

If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card (Form I-551). If you have a work visa or temporary status, bring your employment authorization document (EAD) or visa. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your documentation from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Processing times are the same whether you were born in the United States or abroad: one to two weeks in person, two to four weeks by mail, or one to two weeks online if you have a driver's license from a participating state.

Requesting someone else's Social Security number

You can request another person's Social Security number only if you have a legitimate reason and can prove your relationship or authority. The SSA recognizes parents and guardians requesting a child's number, spouses requesting each other's numbers, and people with power of attorney or guardianship over an adult.

If you are a parent requesting your child's number, bring your own identity documents and proof of your relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate or adoption papers. If you are a guardian, bring guardianship papers from a court. If you hold power of attorney, bring the power of attorney document and your own identity proof.

The person whose number you are requesting does not need to be present, but the SSA will verify that you have legal authority to access that information. If you cannot prove your relationship or authority, your request will be denied.

What to do if you cannot find your documents

If you do not have an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or citizenship document, you can request one before you go to the SSA. Birth certificates are issued by the state or county where you were born. Contact the vital records office in that location to request a certified copy. This usually takes one to three weeks and costs between $10 and $30.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have your original birth certificate, contact the government office in your country of birth. If you are a naturalized citizen and have lost your Certificate of Naturalization, you can request a replacement from USCIS by filing Form N-565.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, the SSA will accept other identity documents listed above. You do not need a driver's license to get your Social Security number.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you explore in person at a Social Security office, the card is usually mailed within one to two weeks. If you explore by mail using Form SS-5, processing takes two to four weeks. If you explore online through your my Social Security account, the card arrives within one to two weeks. Exact timing varies by location and current processing volume.

Can I get my Social Security number without a birth certificate?

Yes. The SSA accepts other documents as proof of citizenship, including a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or military discharge papers. If you were born outside the United States, a passport or visa is sufficient. You do not have to have a birth certificate specifically.

What if I lost my Social Security card and need to know my number right away?

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative. They can verify your identity over the phone and read your number to you. You will still need to explore for a replacement card in person, by mail, or online if you need a physical card.

Do I need my Social Security number to request a replacement card?

No. You only need to prove your identity and citizenship. The SSA will look up your number in their records using your name, date of birth, and other identifying information. You do not have to remember your number to request it.

Can I request my child's Social Security number if I am not the custodial parent?

No, unless you have legal guardianship or custody papers. The SSA requires proof of your legal relationship to the child. If you share custody, both parents have the right to the child's number, but you must show custody or guardianship documentation to the SSA.