The Social Security Administration issues all Social Security numbers in the United States

The Social Security Administration (SSA), a federal agency, is the only organization that issues Social Security numbers. You cannot get a Social Security number from any other government body, private company, or state agency. The SSA assigns numbers through its local field offices, which operate in every state, or through the process you follow when you first become may be able to access — typically at birth, when you arrive in the country, or when you turn 18.

Understanding who issues your number matters because it helps you verify your Social Security number is real, spot fraud, and know where to go if you need to replace a lost card or correct an error in your record. The SSA keeps the official record of your number and the name it was issued under, which is the version that appears on your Social Security card.

Key Takeaways

  • Only the Social Security Administration issues Social Security numbers; no state agency, bank, or private company can issue one.
  • You can verify your Social Security number is real by checking your Social Security card, tax documents, or your online account at ssa.gov.
  • If your card is lost, damaged, or has an error, you request a replacement through your local SSA field office or online at ssa.gov.
  • The SSA maintains the official record of your number and the legal name it was issued under, which you can view in your online account.

How the SSA assigns Social Security numbers

When you are born in the United States, your parents can request a Social Security number for you on the birth certificate application. The hospital or vital records office sends that request to the SSA, and the number is assigned automatically. You receive a Social Security card in the mail within two to four weeks.

If you were born outside the United States and later become a lawful permanent resident or citizen, you apply for a Social Security number at your local SSA field office. You will need your passport, visa, or other immigration documents, plus proof of your current address. The SSA verifies your immigration status with the Department of Homeland Security before issuing a number.

If you are a non-citizen work visa holder (such as an H-1B or L-1 visa holder), you can also apply for a Social Security number at a field office. You will need your passport, visa, and an employment letter from your employer showing the job requires a Social Security number.

How to verify your Social Security number is real

Your Social Security card itself is the first place to check. A real card has your name, Social Security number, and a signature line. It does not have an expiration date (unless you received it after 2011, in which case it may show an issue date). The card is printed on a specific material and includes security features that are difficult to counterfeit.

You can also verify your number through your online account at ssa.gov. Create a "my Social Security" account using your email address, Social Security number, and proof of identity (usually a driver's license or state ID). Once logged in, you can see your official Social Security record, including the name your number was issued under and your earnings history. This record is the SSA's official version of your number and the name attached to it.

If you receive a Social Security card in the mail that you did not request, or if you see a Social Security number on a document that does not match your card, contact the SSA immediately. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local field office. The SSA can tell you whether the number is real and whether someone may have used your number fraudulently.

What to do if your card is lost, damaged, or has an error

If your Social Security card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement through the SSA. You have two options: apply online at ssa.gov (if you have a driver's license or state ID and a my Social Security account) or visit your local field office in person.

If the name on your card is wrong — for example, if you changed your name through marriage or legal petition — you need to request a corrected card. Bring your Social Security card, proof of your legal name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of your current address. The SSA will issue a new card with the correct name and the same number.

If you believe someone else is using your Social Security number, report it to the SSA and the Federal Trade Commission. The SSA can place a fraud alert on your account, and the FTC can help you monitor for identity theft. You may also want to check your credit report through one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to see if anyone has opened accounts in your name.

The difference between your Social Security number and your card

Your Social Security number is a nine-digit identifier assigned to you by the SSA. Your Social Security card is the physical document that shows that number. The number itself never changes, but you can receive a new card if yours is lost, damaged, or has an error.

You are may have access to to receive one free replacement card per year, and up to three free replacements in a 12-month period if you can show you need them for a specific reason (such as identity theft). After that, the SSA may charge a fee for additional cards, though the fee varies by state.

Why the SSA is the only issuer

Congress created the Social Security Administration in 1935 as a federal agency to manage the Social Security program. The SSA is the sole authority for issuing Social Security numbers because the number is tied to your federal tax record, your work history, and your may be able to access for Social Security benefits. Centralizing this function in one agency prevents fraud and ensures that your number is unique and linked to your official government record.

Banks, employers, and state agencies may ask for your Social Security number, but they do not issue it. They use it to identify you and report information about you to the SSA or the Internal Revenue Service. If anyone claims they can issue you a Social Security number or that you need to pay for one, that is a scam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security number from my state's DMV or vital records office?

No. Only the Social Security Administration issues Social Security numbers. Your state's DMV and vital records office may help you apply for one, but the SSA is the only agency that assigns the number itself. If you were born in the United States, your parents can request a number on the birth certificate application, and the vital records office forwards that request to the SSA.

What if I lost my Social Security card and need a replacement right away?

You can request a replacement online at ssa.gov if you have a driver's license or state ID and a my Social Security account. Online requests usually take 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, visit your local SSA field office in person; they can issue a replacement card the same day in some cases, though this varies by location.

Is my Social Security number the same as my tax ID?

For most people, yes. Your Social Security number serves as your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for federal tax purposes. However, if you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, the IRS can issue you an ITIN instead. The ITIN is a nine-digit number used only for tax reporting and does not make you may be able to access for Social Security benefits.

What should I do if I think someone stole my Social Security number?

Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. The SSA can place a fraud alert on your account. Check your credit report through Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion to see if anyone opened accounts in your name. You may also want to file a report with local law enforcement.

Can I change my Social Security number if I do not like it?

The SSA rarely changes Social Security numbers. You can request a change only if you can show that your number was issued in error, that someone else is using your number, or that you have a religious or cultural objection to your number. The SSA will review your request and decide whether to approve it. Most requests are denied.