You can get a Social Security card for your newborn at the hospital, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office
The fastest route is usually to request the card while you are still at the hospital after birth. Most hospitals in the United States offer this service as part of newborn paperwork, and you can say yes or no when staff ask. If you do not get one at the hospital, you can apply by mail using Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) or visit a Social Security office in person with your child and required documents.
You will need to prove your child's age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status. A birth certificate is the standard document for age and identity. For citizenship, a U.S. birth certificate serves as proof; for non-citizens, you will need a passport, visa, or other immigration document. You will also need to show your own identity and Social Security number.
There is no fee for a Social Security card. Processing takes roughly two to four weeks by mail, or you may receive a card the same day if you apply in person at an office, though this varies by location.
Key Takeaways
- Requesting a card at the hospital during birth is the simplest option and requires no separate trip or paperwork.
- If you miss the hospital window, you can mail Form SS-5 with a birth certificate and proof of your identity, or visit a Social Security office in person.
- Your child's birth certificate serves as proof of both age and U.S. citizenship if the child was born in the United States.
- Processing by mail takes two to four weeks; in-person applications at some offices may produce a card the same day.
- You do not pay a fee for a Social Security card at any stage.
Requesting a card at the hospital
When hospital staff present newborn paperwork, they will ask whether you want to request a Social Security card. This is the easiest path because the hospital collects the necessary information and sends it to Social Security on your behalf. You do not fill out a form yourself or make a trip to an office.
If you say yes, the hospital will use the birth certificate information they are already creating. You will receive the card by mail within a few weeks. Some hospitals may ask you to sign a consent form; others simply note your choice in the discharge paperwork.
If you are unsure at the time or decline, you can still request a card later using the mail or in-person methods. There is no deadline, though having a number early can be useful for opening a savings account or enrolling in health insurance.
Applying by mail after leaving the hospital
To apply by mail, download or request Form SS-5 from the Social Security Administration website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You will need to include an original or certified copy of your child's birth certificate, a photocopy of your own identity document (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of your Social Security number (a previous Social Security card, tax return, or W-2).
Mail the completed form and documents to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on the Social Security website or by calling the number above. Do not mail original documents; send copies only, as the office will not return them. Keep copies for your records.
Processing takes roughly two to four weeks. You will receive the card by mail at the address you provide on the form. If you need the card sooner, visit an office in person instead.
Applying in person at a Social Security office
Bring your child, your own identity document, proof of your Social Security number, and your child's birth certificate to your nearest Social Security office. You do not need to fill out the form in advance; staff can help you complete Form SS-5 on site.
Some offices issue cards the same day; others mail them within a few days. Call ahead to ask whether your local office offers same-day service, as this varies. You can find office locations and phone numbers on the Social Security website.
Bring original documents or certified copies. A regular photocopy of a birth certificate will not work for in-person applications; you need an official certified copy from the vital records office in the state where your child was born.
What documents you need for each method
| Application Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital request | None (hospital provides birth certificate information) | 2–4 weeks by mail |
| Mail application | Form SS-5, copy of birth certificate, copy of your ID, proof of your Social Security number | 2–4 weeks |
| In-person at Social Security office | Original or certified birth certificate, your ID, proof of your Social Security number | Same day to a few days (varies by office) |
For children born outside the United States
If your child was born outside the U.S., you will need to prove citizenship or immigration status in addition to age and identity. A U.S. passport, Certificate of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad serves as proof of citizenship. If your child is not a U.S. citizen, a valid visa or other immigration document is required.
You can still request a card at the hospital if you are there for birth, or apply by mail or in person later. The process is the same, but you must include the citizenship or immigration document with your application. If you are applying by mail, send a photocopy; if in person, bring the original or a certified copy.
What happens after you receive the card
Once your child has a Social Security number, you can use it to open a bank account, enroll in health insurance, or claim your child as a dependent on your tax return. You do not need to do anything else with Social Security unless your child's name or citizenship status changes later.
Keep the card in a safe place. You do not need to carry it with you daily. If the card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement using the same methods (mail or in-person application).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a Social Security card for my newborn if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Your own citizenship status does not affect your child's ability to get a card. If your child was born in the U.S., they are a U.S. citizen and can receive a card. If your child was born outside the U.S., they can still receive a card if they have a valid visa or other immigration status that allows them to live in the U.S.
What if I do not have a birth certificate yet?
If you are requesting a card at the hospital, the hospital will use the birth information they are recording and send it to Social Security directly. If you are applying by mail or in person after leaving the hospital, you will need an official birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where your child was born. You can request this from that office while waiting for the Social Security card.
Do I need my child's Social Security number before leaving the hospital?
No. You can request the card at the hospital or wait and apply later. There is no deadline. However, having the number early can be useful if you plan to open a savings account or enroll your child in health insurance shortly after birth.
What if the Social Security card arrives with an error on it?
Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to report the error. You can request a corrected card by mail or in person. Bring the incorrect card and documents that show the correct information (such as an updated birth certificate if the name was misspelled).