Where to apply and what you need to start

You apply for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration (SSA), not through a bank, employer, or online service. The SSA has two main paths: in person at a local Social Security office, or by mail if you are applying for a child and meet specific conditions.

To apply in person, find your nearest Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. Walk-in service is available, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You do not need an appointment, but some offices now use online scheduling. Bring the documents listed below — the SSA will not process your application without them.

By mail is only an option if you are a U.S. citizen applying for your newborn and can provide an original or certified birth certificate. You send the completed form SS-5 and your documents to your local Social Security office. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks by mail versus same-day or next-day service in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must apply in person at a Social Security office or by mail with an original birth certificate; there is no online application.
  • U.S. citizens need a birth certificate or passport; immigrants need a passport, visa, and immigration documents like an I-94 or I-797.
  • In-person applicants receive a Social Security card the same day or within one to two weeks; mail applications take 2 to 4 weeks.
  • You must be present in person unless you are applying for a newborn by mail with an original birth certificate.
  • There is no cost to apply for a Social Security number or card.

Documents you must bring as a U.S. citizen

The SSA requires proof of age, citizenship, and identity. For age, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A hospital birth record or baptism certificate does not count. If you do not have a birth certificate, the SSA can accept a passport, driver's license, or state ID card that shows your date of birth.

For citizenship, bring your U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you were born in the United States, your birth certificate serves as proof of citizenship.

For identity, bring a photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 12 months.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. The SSA will return your documents to you after verifying them.

Documents you must bring as an immigrant

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you need a valid passport from your country of origin, your current visa or immigration status document, and proof of your immigration record. The specific immigration document depends on your status.

If you have an I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), bring that. If you have an I-797 (Notice of Action), bring that instead. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your I-94 or I-766 (Employment Authorization Document). If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card (I-551). If you are on a work visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.), bring your visa and your I-797.

You also need a photo ID from your country of origin or a U.S. photo ID if you have one. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents showing your name and address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Bring originals — the SSA will not accept photocopies of immigration documents. The SSA will return your documents after verifying them.

What happens after you apply

If you apply in person, the SSA verifies your documents on the spot. If everything is correct, you receive a receipt and your Social Security number that same day. Your physical card arrives by mail within 1 to 2 weeks. If there is a problem with your documents, the SSA will tell you what is missing and you can bring it back.

If you apply by mail, the SSA processes your application at the local office. You receive a letter with your Social Security number within 2 to 4 weeks. Your card arrives separately by mail.

Once you have your number, you can use it to open a bank account, get a job, or file taxes. Your employer will ask for your number on your W-4 form. Your bank will ask for it when you open an account. You do not need to wait for the physical card to use your number — the receipt showing your number is proof.

Applying for a replacement card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at your local Social Security office. Bring the same documents you brought for your original application: proof of age, citizenship or immigration status, and identity.

You can also request a replacement by mail. Fill out form SS-5, include a photocopy of your ID, and mail it to your local Social Security office. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. You are limited to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime, though exceptions exist for documented theft or loss.

There is no cost for a replacement card. The SSA does not charge for Social Security numbers or cards under any circumstances.

What to do if the SSA denies your application

The SSA may deny your application if your documents do not match, if your immigration status cannot be verified, or if there is a problem with your identity. The SSA will send you a letter explaining the reason and what you can do next.

If the problem is a document issue — for example, your birth certificate name does not match your current name — you may need to bring additional documents such as a marriage certificate or court order showing the name change. If the problem is immigration-related, you may need to contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify your status before reapplying.

You can reapply at any time. There is no waiting period between applications. Bring the corrected or additional documents the SSA requested in the denial letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security number online?

No. You must apply in person at a Social Security office or by mail if you are applying for a newborn. The SSA does not have an online application. Websites claiming to offer online Social Security applications are not affiliated with the SSA.

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

In person, you receive your number the same day and your card within 1 to 2 weeks. By mail, the entire process takes 2 to 4 weeks. You can use your number immediately after receiving it — you do not need to wait for the physical card.

Do I need a Social Security number to work in the United States?

Yes. Your employer will ask for your Social Security number on your W-4 form. If you are an immigrant, you must have work authorization and a Social Security number to be hired legally. Some states allow you to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes if you do not have a Social Security number, but employers still require a Social Security number for payroll.

What if I was born outside the United States but am a U.S. citizen?

Bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, your passport, and a photo ID. If you do not have a Certificate of Citizenship, bring your birth certificate from your country of origin and your U.S. passport. The SSA will verify your citizenship status before issuing your number.

Can someone else apply for a Social Security number on my behalf?

No, except for newborns. Parents or guardians can apply for a newborn's Social Security number by mail using an original birth certificate. For anyone else, you must be present in person at the Social Security office.