Where and how to register for Social Security

You register for Social Security at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You can also walk into your local Social Security office in person. Online registration is the fastest route — you can start an account and request a Social Security number in one session if you're a U.S. citizen or may be able to access noncitizen. By phone, a representative will walk you through the same questions. In person, you'll fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) and show original documents to prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status.

The online process takes about 15 minutes if your documents are in order. You'll need a valid state ID or passport, proof of age (birth certificate), and proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status. If you're applying for a child, you'll need their birth certificate and your own ID. The Social Security Administration will mail your card to you within 1 to 2 weeks after approval.

If you don't have the documents they ask for, you can still apply in person at a local office — staff there can help you figure out what substitutes are acceptable. Bring whatever identity documents you do have, and ask what else they'll take.

Key Takeaways

  • You can register online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • Online registration requires a valid state ID or passport, proof of age, and proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status, and takes about 15 minutes.
  • Your Social Security card arrives by mail within 1 to 2 weeks after the Social Security Administration approves your request.
  • If you're registering a child, you'll need their birth certificate and your own ID.
  • You can apply in person without all documents if you bring what you have and ask staff which substitutes they will accept.

What documents you need to bring

The Social Security Administration requires proof of three things: your identity, your age, and your citizenship or immigration status. For identity, bring a valid state driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For age, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy). For citizenship, bring your U.S. birth certificate, passport, or Certificate of Naturalization. If you're a noncitizen, bring your green card, visa, employment authorization document, or other immigration paperwork showing you're allowed to work in the United States.

If you're applying for a child, bring the child's birth certificate and your own ID. You don't need to bring the child with you. If you're applying for someone else as their representative, bring a power of attorney or court order showing you have legal authority to act on their behalf.

If you're applying online, you'll upload images of these documents. Make sure the photos are clear, show the full document, and are in color if possible. If you're applying by phone or in person, bring the originals or certified copies — the Social Security Administration will not accept photocopies.

Registering online versus in person

Online registration is faster and requires no waiting room time. You create an account at ssa.gov, upload your documents, and answer questions about your identity and background. The system checks your information against government records and tells you within minutes whether you're approved. If approved, your card ships within 1 to 2 weeks. If the system can't verify your information, it will tell you to apply in person or by phone instead.

In-person registration takes longer but works if your documents don't match government records or if you don't have all the required documents. A Social Security representative can see what you have, ask follow-up questions, and sometimes accept alternative documents. You'll fill out Form SS-5 by hand, show your documents, and get a receipt. Your card still takes 1 to 2 weeks to arrive.

Phone registration is a middle ground. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online system, but you can explain your situation if something doesn't match. You'll still need to mail or bring original documents to a local office within a set time frame before your application is final.

Timeline from application to receiving your card

If you register online and are approved immediately, your Social Security card arrives within 1 to 2 weeks. If you register in person or by phone, the timeline is the same — 1 to 2 weeks from the date the Social Security Administration receives your completed application and documents. During that time, you can use your Social Security number for work or other purposes even though you don't have the physical card yet. The Social Security Administration will issue you a number the same day you register in person.

If your application is delayed because documents are missing or don't match records, the Social Security Administration will contact you by mail or phone. This can add 2 to 4 weeks to the process. If you need your card urgently, ask the local office whether they can issue a temporary number or letter confirming your number while you wait for the card to arrive.

Registering a newborn or child

You can register a newborn for a Social Security number at the hospital when you apply for a birth certificate, or you can register later online or in person. At the hospital, ask the staff whether they offer Social Security registration. If they do, you'll fill out a form and the hospital will submit it to the Social Security Administration. The number arrives by mail within 2 to 4 weeks.

If you didn't register at the hospital, you can register your child online at ssa.gov or in person at a local office. Bring the child's birth certificate and your own ID. You don't need to bring the child with you. The process is the same as for adults — your child's card arrives within 1 to 2 weeks.

Some parents register children early to open a bank account or start a college savings plan. Others wait until the child needs the number for school or work. There's no deadline, but registering early means you have the number on file if you need it.

What to do if you lose or damage your card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local office. You don't need to file a police report unless you suspect fraud. Online replacement is the fastest — you'll upload a photo of your ID and answer security questions, and a new card ships within 1 to 2 weeks. You can request up to three replacement cards per year.

If your card is stolen and you suspect someone is using your number, contact the Social Security Administration and also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have a valid visa, green card, or employment authorization document. Bring your immigration paperwork to prove you're allowed to work in the United States. Refugees and asylees can also register. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a Social Security number through the standard process.

Do I need a Social Security number before I can start a job?

Your employer will ask for your number, but you can start work and provide it later if you're in the process of registering. Tell your employer you've applied and give them your receipt or confirmation number. You have a grace period to provide the actual number once your card arrives.

What if my name has changed since I was born?

Bring your birth certificate and a document showing your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Social Security Administration will update your record and issue a new card with your current name.

How do I check the status of my application?

Log into your account at ssa.gov if you registered online, or call 1-800-772-1213 and provide your Social Security number or application receipt number. If you registered in person, you received a receipt with a number you can use to check status by phone.

Can someone else register on my behalf?

Yes, if you give them power of attorney or they have a court order showing legal authority. They'll need to bring that document along with your documents to the local office. For a child, a parent or legal guardian can register without additional paperwork.