What to bring when you apply for a Social Security card

You need three types of documents: proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your age, and proof of your identity. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not issue a card without all three, and they must be originals or certified copies — photocopies do not work. What counts as proof varies slightly depending on whether you were born in the United States.

The SSA does not accept documents by mail for first-time card requests. You must go to your local Social Security office in person, bring the originals, and let them make copies. If you cannot travel to an office, you can ask about a home visit, though availability depends on your location and circumstances.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals or certified copies of three documents: proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of age, and proof of identity.
  • Photocopies are not accepted; the SSA must see and copy the originals themselves.
  • First-time applicants must apply in person at a Social Security office, not by mail.
  • Processing usually takes one to two weeks after you submit your documents in person.
  • If you were born outside the United States, you will need a visa, green card, or other immigration document showing your legal status.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency

If you were born in the United States, bring your birth certificate. It must be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born, not a hospital copy or a photocopy. You can order a certified birth certificate from your state's vital records office online, by mail, or in person.

If you were born outside the United States and are a U.S. citizen, bring your passport, naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not yet a citizen but have legal permission to live and work in the United States, bring your green card, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or other immigration document that shows your status. The document must be current and valid.

Proof of age

The SSA accepts a birth certificate, passport, visa, or driver's license as proof of age. If you already brought a birth certificate for citizenship, you do not need a second document — the birth certificate counts for both. If you brought a passport or visa instead, that covers age as well. A driver's license or state ID card works on its own if it shows your date of birth and has not expired.

If you do not have any of these, the SSA has a longer list of acceptable documents: a hospital record from your birth, a religious record made before age five, a school record, or a medical record. These are less common but do count if nothing else is available.

Proof of identity

A current, valid driver's license or state ID card is the strongest proof of identity. A passport also works. If you do not have either, the SSA accepts a work ID, school ID, voter registration card, or military ID. The document must have your name and either a photo or your signature.

If you have none of these, you can bring a combination of documents: a birth certificate plus a medical record, or a school record plus a bank statement with your name on it. The SSA will decide whether the combination is sufficient. Call your local office before you go if you are unsure whether what you have will work.

Special situations: children and name changes

If you are applying for a child's first Social Security card, a parent or legal guardian must go to the office and bring the child's birth certificate, proof of the parent's identity, and proof of the parent's citizenship or legal residency. The child does not have to be present, though some offices prefer it for children over age 12.

If you have changed your name since your last Social Security card was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal process — bring your current ID plus the document that shows the name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order all work. The SSA will update your name and issue a new card.

How to find your local Social Security office and make an appointment

Go to ssa.gov and use the office locator tool, or call 1-800-772-1213 to find the office nearest you. Most offices now require an appointment; walk-ins are usually not accepted. You can book an appointment online through the SSA website, by phone, or by visiting the office in person.

Wait times vary widely by location. Some offices have appointments available within a few days; others may have a wait of several weeks. If you need a card urgently, ask the office whether they have any same-day or next-day slots, or whether you can be added to a cancellation list.

What happens after you submit your documents

The SSA will make copies of your documents at the office and give you a receipt. They will tell you when your card will arrive — usually one to two weeks, though it can take longer if they need to verify your documents with another agency. You do not need to do anything else; the card will come to the address you provided.

If there is a problem with your documents, the SSA will contact you by phone or mail. Do not assume your application is complete until you receive your card. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received it, call the office where you applied and give them your receipt number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else pick up my Social Security card for me?

No. The SSA mails cards to the address you provide when you apply. You cannot pick up a card at the office. If you need to change the mailing address after you apply, call your local office right away with your receipt number.

What if I was born in another country and do not have a birth certificate?

Bring whatever citizenship or residency document you have — a passport, green card, visa, or naturalization certificate. If you have no document proving your age, bring a religious record, school record, or medical record from before age five. The SSA will work with what you have, though processing may take longer.

Do I need to bring my Social Security number if I already have one?

No. If you are replacing a lost or damaged card, bring your receipt or any document with your number on it. If you are applying for the first time, you will not have a number yet — the SSA will assign one when you apply.

Can I apply for a Social Security card by mail?

Not for a first-time card. You must apply in person at a Social Security office. If you are replacing a card you already have, you may be able to request a replacement by mail in some cases — call your local office to ask.

What if my documents are in another language?

Bring the original document plus an English translation certified by a translator. The SSA will accept certified translations of birth certificates, passports, and other vital records. Do not use a translation you made yourself.