Where to start: the Social Security Administration office or online

You can request a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration (SSA) in person at a local office, by mail, or online if you meet certain conditions. The online option, called iSSN, is available only if you are applying for your first number, are at least 18 years old, have a valid state-issued ID or passport, and a U.S. mailing address. If you do not meet those requirements, you will need to visit an SSA office or submit an application by mail.

The fastest route for most people is the local SSA office. You walk in with your documents, hand them over, and leave with a receipt showing your application was filed. Processing typically takes one to two weeks. By mail takes longer — usually three to four weeks — because your documents have to travel and be verified by hand. Online through iSSN can be faster if you are may be able to access, sometimes producing a number within days.

To find your nearest SSA office, go to ssa.gov and use the office locator tool. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices now ask you to book one online first. Call ahead if you are unsure, because a few offices have changed their walk-in policies.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a birth certificate, proof of identity, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency — originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
  • The online iSSN option is fastest if you are 18 or older with a valid state ID or passport, but it is not open to everyone.
  • In-person applications at an SSA office usually process in one to two weeks; mail applications take three to four weeks.
  • Children under 18 need a parent or guardian to apply on their behalf, and the adult must bring their own ID and proof of relationship.
  • There is no fee to request a Social Security number, and you should never pay anyone to help you obtain one.

Documents you need to bring

The SSA requires three categories of documents: proof of age, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. For proof of age, bring your birth certificate — an original or certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. A photocopy will not be accepted. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can bring a hospital record, religious record, or school record that shows your date of birth, though the SSA prefers the birth certificate.

For proof of identity, bring a state-issued driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport. If you do not have any of those, the SSA will accept a school ID, employee ID, or military ID. The document must show your name and either your photograph or your date of birth. Again, originals or certified copies only — not photocopies.

For proof of citizenship or legal residency, U.S. citizens bring a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or certificate of naturalization. Non-citizens bring their passport and either a visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or green card. If you are applying on behalf of a child, you also need to bring proof that you are the parent or legal guardian — usually a birth certificate showing your name, or adoption papers, or a court order.

What happens at the SSA office

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called, then sit down with an SSA representative. They will ask you questions to confirm the information on your application form — your full name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship status, and whether you have ever had a Social Security number before. Answer honestly and completely. If you are unsure about something, say so rather than guessing.

The representative will examine your documents to make sure they are originals or certified copies and that they match the information you provided. They will make copies for the SSA file. You will not leave with your documents — the SSA keeps them as part of your application record. If you need the originals back (for example, if you need your birth certificate for another purpose), ask the representative before you leave, and they can sometimes arrange that.

Before you go, the representative will give you a receipt showing that your application was filed. Keep this receipt. It shows the date you applied and gives you a reference number. If you need to check on your application status, you will need this number. The SSA will mail your Social Security card to your address within one to two weeks.

Applying by mail

If you cannot visit an SSA office, you can mail your application. Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, fill it out completely, and mail it with certified copies of your documents to the SSA address listed on the form. Do not send originals — always send certified copies. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and phone number so the SSA can contact you if they have questions.

Mail your application to the SSA office that serves your state. You can find the correct address on the Form SS-5 itself or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Send everything by certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof it arrived. Processing by mail usually takes three to four weeks, sometimes longer if the SSA needs to verify your documents with another agency.

Keep a photocopy of everything you send, including the form and all documents. If the SSA loses your application or you need to follow up, you will have a record of what you submitted.

Using the online iSSN option

If you are 18 or older, have a valid state-issued driver's license or state ID card (not a passport), have a U.S. mailing address, and are applying for your first Social Security number, you may be able to use iSSN at ssa.gov. You will need to verify your identity using your state ID information, answer security questions, and provide your mailing address. The SSA will verify your information against state records.

If your application is approved, the SSA will mail your Social Security card to your address. The process can be faster than in-person or mail applications because everything is verified electronically. However, not all states participate in iSSN yet, and the system is not open to people applying for a replacement card or a new number after having had one before.

After you receive your card

Your Social Security card will arrive in the mail at the address you provided. Sign the back of the card in ink as soon as you receive it. Do not laminate it or alter it in any way — the SSA will not recognize a laminated card as valid. Keep your card in a safe place, like a wallet or home safe. You do not need to carry it with you every day.

Your Social Security number is now active and can be used for employment, opening a bank account, applying for credit, or filing taxes. If you lose your card, you can request a replacement by visiting an SSA office, applying by mail with Form SS-5, or using iSSN if you are may be able to access. There is no fee for a replacement card, and you can request up to three replacement cards in a year and ten in a lifetime.

Special situations: children, immigrants, and name changes

If you are applying for a child under 18, a parent or legal guardian must apply on their behalf. Bring the child's birth certificate, your ID, and proof of your relationship to the child. You do not need to bring the child with you to the office, though some parents do. The process is the same as for an adult, and the card will be mailed to your address.

If you are a non-citizen with a valid visa or work authorization, you can request a Social Security number. Bring your passport and your visa or employment authorization document. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your passport and your refugee travel document or asylum approval notice. The SSA will verify your status with the Department of Homeland Security before issuing a number.

If you have changed your name since your last Social Security card was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you can request a new card with your current name. Bring your current ID, your birth certificate, and proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SSA will issue a new card with your current name but the same Social Security number.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Social Security number?

In-person applications at an SSA office usually process in one to two weeks. Mail applications take three to four weeks. Online applications through iSSN can be faster, sometimes producing a number within days. The exact timing depends on how busy your local office is and whether the SSA needs to verify your documents with another agency.

What if I lost my birth certificate?

You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. That office's website will show you how to order by mail or in person. While you wait for the birth certificate, you can bring other documents that show your age, such as a hospital record, school record, or religious record, though the SSA prefers the birth certificate.

Can I get a Social Security number if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a valid visa, work authorization, refugee status, or asylum approval. Bring your passport and the document that shows your immigration status. The SSA will verify your status with the Department of Homeland Security before issuing a number. You do not need to be a citizen.

Do I have to pay for a Social Security number?

No. There is no fee to request a Social Security number, and you should never pay anyone to help you obtain one. If someone offers to get you a Social Security number for a fee, that is a scam. The SSA provides this service for free.

What if the SSA says I already have a number?

If you have ever worked in the United States or applied for a Social Security number before, you may already have one. The SSA can search their records by your name and date of birth. If you have a number but lost your card, you can request a replacement. If you believe the SSA made a mistake, ask to speak with a supervisor at the office.