What a Social Security number is and who needs one
A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit identifier issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA), a federal agency. The number itself looks like XXX-XX-XXXX. The SSA assigns one to you, and it stays with you for life — you do not choose it or change it under normal circumstances.
You need an SSN to work legally in the United States, file taxes, open a bank account, get a credit card, take out a loan, or receive Social Security benefits later. Employers use it to report your wages. The IRS uses it to track your tax filings. Private companies use it to check your credit history. If you were born in the U.S., you likely received one as an infant; if you were born outside the U.S. or arrived later, you will need to request one.
Newborns can receive an SSN at the hospital when their birth certificate is filed, or parents can request one separately. Non-citizens, including immigrants and visa holders, can also receive an SSN if they have work authorization or meet other SSA criteria. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive an SSN under current law.
Key Takeaways
- A Social Security number is a nine-digit code issued by the Social Security Administration that you use to work, file taxes, and access financial services.
- U.S. citizens born in the country typically receive an SSN automatically; parents can request one at birth or afterward through the SSA.
- Non-citizens with work authorization or certain visa statuses can request an SSN by submitting Form SS-5 and proof of identity and immigration status to a local SSA office.
- The SSA issues SSNs for free; any service charging a fee to obtain one is not affiliated with the government.
- You can check your SSN, view your earnings record, and set up a personal account at ssa.gov without visiting an office.
How to request a Social Security number if you do not have one
If you were born in the U.S. but never received an SSN, or if you are a non-citizen who now needs one, you will file Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) with the Social Security Administration. You can read the form from ssa.gov or pick one up at your local SSA office.
Along with the completed form, you must bring original documents or certified copies to prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. For U.S. citizens, acceptable identity documents include a driver's license, passport, or state ID. For non-citizens, you will need your passport and a document showing work authorization, such as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), visa, or green card. The SSA will not accept photocopies unless they are certified by the issuing agency.
You submit the form and documents in person at your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest office and check hours on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Processing typically takes one to two weeks. The SSA will mail your Social Security card to the address you provide on the form.
What documents you need to bring
The specific documents required depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen or non-citizen. The SSA requires at least one original document for each category: identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status.
| Category | U.S. Citizens | Non-Citizens with Work Authorization |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID | Passport, national ID, or driver's license |
| Age | Birth certificate, passport, or driver's license | Birth certificate, passport, or visa |
| Citizenship or Immigration Status | Birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate | Employment Authorization Document (EAD), visa, green card, or I-94 arrival record |
All documents must be originals or certified copies. The SSA will not accept notarized copies or photocopies unless certified by the issuing agency. If you do not have an original document, you can request a certified copy from the agency that issued it — for example, your state's vital records office for a birth certificate, or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an EAD.
Getting a replacement card if yours is lost or stolen
If your Social Security card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement from the SSA at no cost. You will file Form SS-5 again and bring proof of identity and citizenship or immigration status — the same documents as a first-time request.
You can also request a replacement online through your personal account on ssa.gov if you are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older with a valid driver's license or state ID. This online route is faster: you will receive your card by mail within one to two weeks, and you do not have to visit an office. If you prefer to explore in person or do not meet the online requirements, visit your local SSA office with your documents.
The SSA limits you to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime. If you exceed these limits, you will need to visit an office and explain why you need additional replacements.
How to create a my Social Security account online
You can create a personal account on ssa.gov to view your Social Security number, check your earnings record, and manage your account without visiting an office. This account is called my Social Security.
To create an account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will need to provide your email address, create a password, and answer security questions. The SSA will then verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history or other personal information. Once verified, you can log in and see your SSN, view your lifetime earnings record, and request a replacement card online if you meet the requirements.
Creating an account is free and takes about 10 minutes. You do not need to visit an office or call the SSA. If you have trouble verifying your identity online, you can visit a local SSA office to set up your account in person.
Understanding your Social Security earnings record
Your earnings record is a history of all wages you have earned under your Social Security number. The SSA uses this record to calculate your future Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. It is important to check your record regularly to make sure the SSA has credited you for all the work you have done.
You can view your earnings record through your my Social Security account on ssa.gov. The record shows your total earnings for each year, broken down by employer. If you see an error — for example, wages that were not credited or credited to the wrong year — you can report it to the SSA. You will need to contact your employer or the SSA directly to correct the record, and you may need to provide pay stubs or tax returns as proof.
The SSA typically updates earnings records once per year, usually in March or April. If you recently changed jobs or received a raise, your new earnings may not appear until the next update cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own Social Security number?
No. The SSA assigns your number randomly when you request one or when you are born. You cannot select, request, or change your number under normal circumstances. If you believe your number was issued in error or has been compromised, contact the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.
What if I was born outside the U.S. and do not have a birth certificate?
You can use an alternative document to prove your age, such as a passport, visa, or national ID. Bring the document to your local SSA office along with your identity and immigration status documents. The SSA staff will review what you have and tell you if it is acceptable.
How long does it take to receive a Social Security card in the mail?
Standard processing takes one to two weeks after you submit your process in person. If you request a replacement online through my Social Security, it also takes one to two weeks. The SSA will mail the card to the address you provide on your process.
Is there a fee to get a Social Security number or card?
No. The SSA issues Social Security numbers and cards for free. Any website or service charging a fee to obtain an SSN is not affiliated with the government. The only official way to request an SSN is through the SSA directly, either in person at a local office or online through ssa.gov.
What should I do if my Social Security number has been used fraudulently?
Contact the SSA when ready at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. You should also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. Keep records of any fraudulent activity and monitor your credit report regularly.