Where to apply and what you need before you start

You apply for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration (SSA), but you do not go to their office. Instead, you submit documents by mail to your state's SSA office, or in some cases you can apply in person at a local Social Security field office. The SSA does not take online applications for new Social Security numbers.

Before you apply, gather the documents that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. The exact documents you need depend on whether you were born in the United States, whether you are a U.S. citizen, and your age. A child under 18 needs different documents than an adult.

The process typically takes two to four weeks from the time the SSA receives your completed application, though it can take longer if documents are missing or unclear. You will receive your Social Security card by mail at the address you provide on your application.

Key Takeaways

  • You submit your application by mail to your state's Social Security office or in person at a local field office — there is no online application for new numbers.
  • U.S. citizens born in the country need a birth certificate, proof of identity, and proof of age; non-citizens need those plus immigration documents.
  • Children under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the application and provide their own identity documents.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks after the SSA receives your complete application, and your card arrives by mail.

Documents you need: U.S. citizens born in the United States

If you were born in the United States and are a U.S. citizen, bring or mail three types of documents: proof of age, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship.

Proof of age is usually your birth certificate. The SSA accepts certified copies issued by the state or county where you were born. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a hospital record of your birth, a baptism record, or a school record that shows your date of birth.

Proof of identity can be a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or school ID. The document must have your name, date of birth, and a photo. If you do not have a photo ID, the SSA accepts a hospital record, medical record, or insurance policy with your name and identifying information.

Proof of citizenship is your U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, or a Certificate of Naturalization if you were naturalized. If you were born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Birth Abroad.

Documents you need: Non-citizens and people born outside the United States

If you are not a U.S. citizen or were born outside the United States, you need proof of age, proof of identity, and proof of your immigration status. Immigration status documents include a valid passport, a visa, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a Permanent Resident Card (green card), or a Refugee Travel Document.

If you were born outside the United States but are a U.S. citizen, bring a U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization instead of immigration documents. If you do not yet have citizenship but have a valid visa or work authorization, bring that document along with your passport.

The SSA also accepts a state-issued ID card or driver's license as proof of identity, even if you are not a citizen. If you do not have one, bring a passport or national ID card from your country of origin.

How to apply by mail

Download Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) from the SSA website or pick one up at a local Social Security field office. Fill out the form completely, including your full legal name, date of birth, and the address where you want your card mailed.

Make copies of all your documents — do not send originals. The SSA will not return them. Include copies of your proof of age, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or immigration status. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form and provide a copy of their own identity document.

Mail the completed form and copies of your documents to your state's Social Security office. You can find the mailing address on the SSA website by entering your state. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and email address so the SSA can contact you if they need more information.

Keep copies of everything you send for your records. The SSA will send you a notice by mail when they receive your application and again when your card is ready to be mailed.

How to apply in person

Find your nearest Social Security field office on the SSA website by entering your zip code. Call ahead or check online to confirm the office is open and to ask whether you need an appointment. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to schedule a time.

Bring the original documents that prove your age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status. You do not need copies — the SSA will make them at the office. Bring the completed Form SS-5 or fill it out when you arrive.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own identity document. If you are applying on behalf of someone else, bring a power of attorney or guardianship document that shows you have legal authority to act for them.

Processing time is the same whether you apply by mail or in person: two to four weeks. The SSA will mail your card to the address you provide on your application.

What happens after you apply

The SSA will send you a notice in the mail confirming they received your application. If any documents are missing or unclear, they will contact you by phone or mail and tell you what to send. Respond as quickly as you can, because the clock restarts when they receive the additional documents.

Once the SSA approves your application, they will send you another notice and then mail your Social Security card. Your card will arrive at the address you listed on your application within one to two weeks after approval. Do not expect to receive it immediately after you apply.

If you do not receive your card within six weeks of applying, contact your local Social Security field office. Bring your application receipt or the notice the SSA sent you confirming they received your application.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a replacement using the same Form SS-5. You do not need to provide proof of age or citizenship again — the SSA already has that information on file. You only need to provide proof of identity and explain what happened to your card.

You can apply for one replacement card per year, and up to three in a lifetime, at no cost. If you need more than three replacements, contact the SSA to discuss your situation.

Replacement cards are processed the same way as new applications and take two to four weeks to arrive by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You need a valid visa, work authorization, or other immigration document showing you are authorized to work or live in the United States. Bring your passport and immigration documents along with proof of age and identity. The SSA issues numbers to non-citizens who have work authorization or other valid immigration status.

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

Processing takes two to four weeks from the time the SSA receives your complete application. If documents are missing or unclear, processing takes longer. You receive your card by mail at the address you provide, so add one to two weeks for delivery after approval.

What if I was born outside the United States but do not have a birth certificate?

Bring other documents that prove your age and place of birth, such as a passport, national ID card, school record, or medical record. The SSA accepts multiple types of documents. Bring whatever you have that shows your date of birth and country of birth.

Do I need an appointment to apply in person at a Social Security office?

Some offices require appointments; others accept walk-ins. Check the SSA website or call your local office before you go. Calling ahead saves you a trip if the office is closed or has a long wait time.

What if the SSA says my documents are not acceptable?

The SSA will contact you by phone or mail and explain which documents do not meet their standards. They will tell you what documents you can send instead. You have a chance to provide different documents — you do not have to reapply from the beginning.