How to get your child's first Social Security card

You apply for your child's Social Security card through the Social Security Administration (SSA), either in person at a local Social Security office or by mail. The process takes about two weeks if you apply by mail, or you can walk out with a temporary document the same day if you go to an office in person. You will need to bring your child, proof of your child's age and citizenship or immigration status, and proof of your identity.

Most parents apply when their child is born, often at the hospital before leaving. If you did not do that, you can apply at any time. There is no age limit — you can get a card for a teenager or adult child who does not yet have one.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an original or certified birth certificate, a passport, or a state ID showing your child's age and citizenship status.
  • You must bring proof of your own identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID.
  • In-person applications at a Social Security office usually take one visit and produce a temporary card on the spot; mailed applications take about two weeks.
  • If your child was born outside the United States, you will also need immigration documents such as a visa, green card, or adoption papers.
  • There is no fee to get a Social Security card.

Documents you need to bring

Bring an original or certified copy of your child's birth certificate. If your child was born outside the United States, bring a passport, visa, green card, or adoption decree showing citizenship or legal immigration status. A state ID or school record can work as a backup if the birth certificate is not available, but the SSA prefers the birth certificate first.

Bring proof of your own identity: a driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID. The SSA will not accept a copy — you must show the original. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that together prove your name and address, such as a utility bill and a bank statement.

If someone other than a parent is applying (a grandparent, guardian, or foster parent), bring a court order, custody agreement, or other legal document showing you have the authority to act for the child.

Applying in person at a Social Security office

Find your nearest Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. Walk in during business hours with your documents and your child. Bring the original birth certificate and your ID — do not mail them ahead.

You will fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) at the office. A staff member will review your documents, take your child's photo if needed, and give you a receipt. You will receive a temporary card on paper the same day, valid for work and school. The permanent plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.

Some offices allow you to make an appointment online before you go. Check the office locator to see if yours does. Walk-ins are accepted, but an appointment can shorten your wait.

Applying by mail

Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request one by mail. Fill it out completely and sign it. Make a copy of your child's birth certificate and your ID — do not send originals. The SSA will return copies to you, but originals can be lost in the mail.

Mail the completed form, copies of documents, and a cover letter with your name and phone number to your local Social Security office. Find the mailing address at ssa.gov/locator. The card will arrive by mail in about two weeks. You will not receive a temporary card this way, so if your child needs to work or start school before the card arrives, apply in person instead.

If your child was born outside the United States

Bring a passport, visa, green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or adoption decree along with the birth certificate. If the birth certificate is not in English, bring a certified English translation. The SSA will keep copies of these documents with your application.

If your child is not yet a U.S. citizen but has a visa or green card, the SSA can issue a card. The card itself does not prove citizenship — it is just an identification number. If your child later becomes a citizen, you do not need to reapply for the card; the number stays the same for life.

What happens after you apply

If you applied in person, you have a temporary card immediately. The permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks. If you applied by mail, the card arrives in about two weeks. Once it arrives, keep it in a safe place — you will need the number for school enrollment, doctor visits, and later for work and taxes.

Your child's Social Security number is now active. You can use it to open a bank account, get a library card, or enroll in school. The number does not change, so your child will use the same number throughout their life.

If you need to replace a lost or damaged card

If your child's card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a replacement using the same process: in person at a Social Security office or by mail. Bring the same documents. You will receive a new card with the same number. There is no fee and no limit on how many replacement cards you can get.

If your child's name has changed due to adoption, marriage, or court order, bring the legal document showing the change (adoption decree, marriage certificate, or court order) along with the original documents. The SSA will issue a new card with the new name but the same number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security card for my newborn at the hospital?

Yes. Most hospitals offer this service before you leave. Ask the hospital staff for the form. If you decline at the hospital, you can apply later at any Social Security office or by mail.

What if I do not have my child's birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where your child was born. They can issue a certified copy. While you wait, you can use a state ID, school record, or passport as backup proof of age, though the SSA prefers the birth certificate.

How long does it take to get the card?

In-person applications produce a temporary card the same day. The permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks. Mail applications take about two weeks total. Processing times vary by location and volume.

Do I need to bring my child to the office?

Yes, for in-person applications. The SSA needs to see your child and may take a photo. For mail applications, you do not need to bring your child, but the process takes longer.

What if my child is adopted?

Bring the adoption decree along with your child's birth certificate or passport. If the adoption is recent, the SSA may need to verify it with the court. The process is the same as for any other child.