Your Social Security number is a nine-digit identifier the government uses to track your earnings, taxes, and benefits

A Social Security number (SSN) is issued by the Social Security Administration and stays with you for life. It appears on your Social Security card and is used to link your work history, tax records, and any benefits you receive to your name. The number itself has no meaning — it is not coded by birth date or location — but it is the key that connects your identity to your government and financial records.

You need an SSN to work legally in the United States, file taxes, open a bank account, get a mortgage or car loan, and receive Social Security benefits when you retire or become disabled. Employers use it to report your wages to the IRS and Social Security. Private companies use it to check your credit history. If you were born in the U.S. or are a lawful permanent resident or authorized worker, you can obtain one.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Social Security number is a nine-digit identifier issued by the Social Security Administration that connects your earnings, taxes, and benefits to your name.
  • You need an SSN to work legally, file taxes, open bank accounts, and receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
  • You can request an original Social Security card at a local Social Security office by providing proof of citizenship or immigration status, proof of age, and proof of identity.
  • If your card is lost or stolen, report it to Social Security and the Federal Trade Commission, then monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts.
  • Social Security numbers are targets for identity theft, so protect yours by not sharing it unnecessarily and checking your Social Security statement annually.

How to get a Social Security number if you don't have one

To request an original Social Security card, visit your local Social Security office in person. You will need to bring three types of documents: proof of citizenship or immigration status (such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card), proof of age (such as a birth certificate or passport), and proof of identity (such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID). If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must explore on your behalf.

You can find your nearest Social Security office at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Processing usually takes one to two weeks. Social Security cards are issued free of charge. If you are not a U.S. citizen but are authorized to work, you will need to show your work authorization document (such as an Employment Authorization Document or green card) instead of a citizenship document.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card

If your Social Security card is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to your local Social Security office and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of citizenship or work authorization, the same documents required for an original card. You can also request a replacement by mail if you have a state-issued ID or passport — Social Security will mail you a form to complete and return with copies of your documents.

If your card was stolen, also report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and to your bank and credit card companies. Check your credit report from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for accounts you did not open. You can request a free credit report once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you find fraudulent accounts, dispute them with the credit bureau and the company that opened the account.

Understanding your Social Security statement

Your Social Security statement shows your earnings history and estimates of the benefits you may receive at different ages. You can view your statement online at ssa.gov by creating a my Social Security account. The statement lists your reported earnings year by year and shows how much you have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes.

Review your statement annually to check for errors. If you see earnings that are not yours or earnings that are missing, contact Social Security when ready — errors can lower your future benefits. If you spot unauthorized earnings, it may indicate identity theft. The statement also shows estimates of retirement benefits at age 62, full retirement age (which varies by birth year), and age 70, as well as estimates of disability and survivor benefits.

Protecting your Social Security number from theft

Your Social Security number is a target for identity theft because it can be used to open credit accounts, file false tax returns, or commit fraud in your name. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet or share your number unless necessary. Employers, banks, and government agencies need it, but many businesses that ask for it (such as doctors' offices or retailers) do not legally require it.

Shred documents that contain your SSN before throwing them away. Use strong passwords on accounts that contain your number, such as your bank and my Social Security account. Be cautious of emails, calls, or texts claiming to be from Social Security — the agency does not contact people by phone or email to ask for personal information. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from Social Security, report it to the Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

What happens if your number is compromised

If you believe your Social Security number has been stolen or misused, create an account at identitytheft.gov and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC will create a recovery plan and send you a letter you can use to dispute fraudulent accounts. Contact your bank and credit card companies and ask them to place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts.

Check your Social Security statement for earnings you did not report — if a thief is using your number to work, those earnings will appear there. Contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 to report the fraud. If the thief has filed a tax return using your SSN, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Keep records of all calls and correspondence, including dates, names, and what was discussed.

How your Social Security number connects to your benefits

When you work, your employer reports your wages to Social Security using your SSN. Social Security credits those earnings to your account. You earn credits toward retirement benefits, disability benefits, and survivor benefits based on how much you earn and how long you work. Your SSN is the link that ensures the earnings are recorded under your name and not someone else's.

When you reach retirement age or become disabled, Social Security uses your SSN to look up your earnings record and calculate your benefit amount. If you have a spouse or children, they can receive benefits on your record using your SSN. Survivor benefits are paid to your family members if you die, and Social Security identifies them through your SSN. Errors in your earnings record can reduce your benefits, which is why checking your statement annually matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Social Security number?

Social Security can issue you a new number, but only in limited situations such as identity theft, domestic violence, or religious or cultural objections to the number. You must provide evidence of the reason and show that you have been harmed by keeping your current number. Contact your local Social Security office to discuss whether you meet the criteria.

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

Requirements vary by state. Some states require an SSN to issue a driver's license, while others allow you to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other proof of identity. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what documents you need.

What should I do if Social Security sends me a letter saying I have a new number?

You should not have received a new number unless you requested one. If you receive an unexpected letter, contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213 to verify whether it is legitimate. It may be a scam. Do not respond to the letter or provide personal information until you have confirmed it is real.

Can someone use my Social Security number without my permission?

Yes, which is why identity theft is a serious risk. A thief can use your SSN to open credit accounts, file tax returns, get a job, or commit fraud. If you suspect this has happened, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and to Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 as soon as possible.