You cannot look up your Social Security number online through any official channel

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not offer a way to retrieve your number through the internet. If you have lost or forgotten your Social Security number, you must contact SSA directly by phone, mail, or in person at a local office. This is intentional — SSA treats your number as sensitive information and will not display it on a website or in an email, even if you prove your identity online.

If you need your number for a form, job application, or financial account, the fastest route is to call SSA's main line at 1-800-772-1213. Have your birth certificate, state ID or passport, and proof of address ready. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.

Key Takeaways

  • SSA will not show you your Social Security number through any website, app, or online portal — you must call, visit an office, or mail a request.
  • The fastest way to retrieve your number is to call 1-800-772-1213 with your birth certificate and state ID ready.
  • If you need your number for a job or financial account and cannot reach SSA quickly, ask the employer or institution whether they can look it up on their end or accept a different identifier temporarily.
  • You can create a my Social Security account online to view your earnings record and benefit statements, but this does not display your number.

What you can do through my Social Security online

SSA does operate my Social Security, a password-protected account you can create at ssa.gov. Once you set up the account with your email and identity verification, you can view your earnings record, see estimates of your future benefits, and check whether you have already claimed benefits. You cannot retrieve your Social Security number through this account.

Creating a my Social Security account requires you to verify your identity using information from your credit file or by uploading a photo ID and proof of address. The verification process takes a few minutes. Once approved, you can log in anytime to check your information — this is useful if you need to confirm your earnings history or see what SSA has on file, but it will not show you your number.

Calling SSA to retrieve your number

Phone is the most direct route. Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or late in the week. Have ready: your birth certificate or passport, a state ID or driver's license, and a piece of mail showing your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement work).

The representative will ask you to confirm your name, date of birth, and place of birth. They will then provide your Social Security number over the phone. Write it down immediately — SSA will not repeat it multiple times. If you need it in writing, ask the representative whether they can mail a letter to your address on file; some offices will do this, though it adds one to two weeks.

Visiting an SSA office in person

If you prefer to retrieve your number face-to-face, you can visit a local Social Security office. Bring the same documents you would need for a phone call: birth certificate or passport, state ID, and proof of address. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour, especially on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Some offices now offer online appointment scheduling; if yours does, book a time slot to reduce your wait. The representative will verify your identity and provide your number on the spot. Ask for a written record if you need one for a job or financial institution.

Requesting your number by mail

If you cannot call or visit an office, you can mail a request to SSA. Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) and mail it with copies of your birth certificate, state ID, and proof of address to your regional SSA office. Find the correct address at ssa.gov/locator.

Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. This is the slowest option and is best used only if you have no phone access or cannot leave home. Include a cover letter stating that you are requesting your Social Security number, not a replacement card, so SSA processes it correctly.

If you need your number urgently for a job or account

If an employer or bank is asking for your Social Security number and you cannot reach SSA immediately, contact the employer or institution directly. Many will accept a temporary identifier — such as your state ID number or employee ID — while you retrieve your Social Security number. Some employers can even look up your number through their payroll system once you are hired, though this is less common.

Do not provide a guessed or made-up number. If you genuinely cannot retrieve it within a few days, explain the situation to the employer or institution and ask what documents they will accept as proof that you have requested it from SSA. Most will wait a week or two rather than hold up hiring or account opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my Social Security number on my tax return or W-2?

Your W-2 from an employer will show your Social Security number in box a. If you have filed taxes, you can also view your number on your tax return. However, if you have lost your number and do not have access to old tax documents, this does not help — you still need to contact SSA directly.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or state ID?

SSA can still help you, but the process takes longer. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain what documents you do have. SSA may ask for alternative proof of identity, such as a passport, school records, or medical records. Be prepared to visit an office in person if phone verification is not possible.

Is it safe to share my Social Security number online after I retrieve it?

Only share your number with trusted institutions — employers, banks, government agencies, and healthcare providers. Never share it via email, text, or unsecured websites. If someone calls claiming to be from SSA and asks for your number, hang up; SSA does not initiate contact by phone to ask for personal information.

How long does it take to get my number if I call SSA?

You will receive your number during the phone call itself. The entire call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Write it down immediately so you do not forget it. If you need a written confirmation, ask the representative whether they can mail one; this adds one to two weeks.