Learn what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card (En español)

Corrected Card for a Foreign Born U.S. Citizen Adult

If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card. If you are working, you also need to tell your employer. If you do not tell us when your name changes, it may:

Important

You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired). We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.

We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity.

What original documents do I need?

Citizenship

If you have not already established your U.S. citizenship with us, we need to see proof of U.S. citizenship. We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include:

Important

We require this documentation only if you have NOT already established U.S. citizenship with us.

Name Change

If you need to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us proof of your legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include:

If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records or if you changed your name more than two years ago (four years ago if you are under 18 years of age), you must show us an identity document in your prior name (as shown in our records). We will accept an identity document in your old name that has expired.

If you do not have an identity document in your prior name, we may accept an unexpired identity document in your new name as long as we can properly establish your identity in our records.

Identity

We can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see:

If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, we will ask to see other documents. Any documents submitted, including the following, must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph:

Note

Your new card will have the same number as your previous card, but will show your new name. We will mail your card as soon as we have all of your information and have verified your documents.

Corrected Card for a Noncitizen Adult

If you change your name, become a U.S. citizen, or your immigration status or work authorization has changed, you need to tell Social Security so we can update our records and when necessary, issue a new card.

When you request a replacement or a corrected Social Security card, you must show us proof of your identity, immigration status and work authorization. In addition, if you need to change or correct any information on your Social Security card, you need to show us certain documents about the change. We can only accept certain documents.

What documents do I need to prove my identity?

Social Security will ask to see your current U.S. immigration documents. Acceptable documents include:

Important

You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired). We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.

We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity.

What other documents do I need?

Name Change

If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason, you should tell Social Security.

If you are working, you also need to tell your employer. If you do not tell us when your name changes, it may:

You must show us proof of your legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include:

If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records or if you changed your name more than two years ago (four years ago if you are under 18 years of age), you must show us an identity document in your prior name (as shown in our records). We will accept an identity document in your old name that has expired.

If you do not have an identity document in your prior name, we may accept an unexpired identity document in your new name, as long as we can properly establish your identity in our records.

If we assigned you a Social Security number for non-work purposes, special rules apply. If DHS did not authorize you to work, we will change your name on our records but we cannot issue you a corrected card. If you do not have permission to work, but need a Social Security card for other reasons, see "If you do not have permission to work" for further information. Remember that you cannot use a Social Security number assigned for non-work purposes to work. If you use it to work, we will inform DHS.

Note

If we issue you a new card, it will have the same number as your previous card, but will show your new name. We will mail your card as soon as we have all of your information and have verified your immigration documents.

Immigration Status

To prove your U.S. immigration status, you must show us your current U.S. immigration document, such as:

If you are a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you must show us your DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status).

Work Eligibility

In general, only noncitizens who have DHS' permission to work can apply for a Social Security number. If you are a foreign worker, we only need to see your I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or admission stamp in your unexpired foreign passport showing a class of admission permitting work. You may need to show your I-766 (Employment Authorization Document, EAD, work permit) from DHS.

If you are lawfully present in the United States and plan to apply for work authorization, you can apply for both work authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and request a Social Security card from the Social Security Administration at the same time. For more information on this process, read “Apply For Your Social Security Number While Applying For Your Work Permit”.

If you submit evidence of lawful work-authorized status along with evidence of your name change, we can issue you a corrected card with your new name.

Student:

F-1

If you are an F-1 student and eligible to work on campus, you must provide a letter from your designated school official that:

We also need to see evidence of that employment, such as a recent pay slip or a letter from your employer. Your supervisor must sign and date the letter. The letter must describe:

If you are an F-1 student authorized to work in curricular practical training, you must provide us your Form I-20 with the employment page completed and signed by your designated school official.

If you are an F-1 student and have a work permit (I-766) from DHS, you must present it.

J-1

If you are a J-1 student, student intern or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor. The letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature that authorizes your employment.

If you do not have permission to work: Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without a Social Security number. You do not need a number to conduct business with a bank, register for school, apply for educational tests, obtain private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs or apply for subsidized housing. You cannot get a Social Security number for the sole purpose of obtaining a driver's license.

Citizenship

If you have not already established your U.S. citizenship with us, we need to see proof of U.S. citizenship. We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include:

Important

We require citizenship documentation only if you are a U.S. citizen and you have NOT already established U.S. citizenship with us.

Corrected Card for a U.S. Born Adult

If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card. If you are working, also tell your employer. If you do not tell us when your name changes, it may:

Important

We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document. All documents must be current (not expired).

We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity.

What original documents do I need?

Citizenship

If you have not already established your U.S. citizenship with us, we need to see proof of U.S. citizenship. We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport.

Important

This documentation is only required if you have NOT already established citizenship with us.

Name change

If you need to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us proof of your legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include:

If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records or if you changed your name more than two years ago (four years ago if you are under 18 years of age), you must show us an identity document in your prior name (as shown in our records). We will accept an identity document in your old name that has expired.

If you do not have an identity document in your prior name, we may accept an unexpired identity document in your new name, as long as we can properly establish your identity in our records.

Identity

We can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see your:

If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, we will ask to see other documents. Any documents submitted, including the following, must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph:

Note

Your new card will have the same number as your previous card, but will show your new name. We will mail your card as soon as we have all of your information and have verified your documents.

Corrected Card for a Foreign Born U.S. Citizen Child

If you legally change your child's name because of adoption, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that your child can get a corrected card. If your child is working, also tell your child's employer. If you do not tell us when your child's name changes, it may:

Important

You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired). We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.

What original documents do I need?

Citizenship

If you have not previously established your child's U.S. citizenship with us, we need to see proof of U.S. citizenship. We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include:

Name change

If you need to change the name on your child's Social Security card, you must show us proof of your child's legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove your child's legal name change include:

If the document you provide as evidence of your child's legal name change does not give us enough information to identify your child in our records or if you changed your child's name more than four years ago, you must show us an identity document in your child's prior name (as shown in our records). We will accept an identity document in your child's old name that has expired.

If you do not have an identity document in your child's prior name, we may accept an unexpired identity document in your child's new name as long as we can properly establish your child's identity in our records.

Identity

Your child: We can accept only certain documents as proof of your child's identity. An acceptable document must show your child's name, identifying information (i.e., age, date of birth, or parents' names) and preferably a recent photograph. We generally can accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify the child (such as the child's name and age, date of birth or parents' names). We prefer to see the child's U.S. passport. If that document is not available, we may accept the child's:

You: We also must see proof of your identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see your:

If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, we will ask to see other documents. Any documents submitted, including the following, must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph:

Note

Your child's new card will have the same number as your child's previous card, but will show a new name. We will mail your child's card as soon as we have all of your child's information and have verified your child's documents.

Corrected Card for a Noncitizen Child

If you legally change your child's name because of adoption, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security. If your child is working, also tell your child's employer. If you do not tell us when your child's name changes, it may:

Important

You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired). We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.

What original documents do I need?

Immigration status

To prove your child's U.S. immigration status, you must show us your child's current U.S. immigration document, such as:

If your child is an F-1 or M-1 student, we must see your child's I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).

If your child is a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you must see your child's DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status).

Work eligibility

In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from DHS can apply for a Social Security number. If you are a foreign worker, we only need to see an I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or admission stamp in the unexpired foreign passport, showing a class of admission permitting work. Some foreign workers must show their I-766 (Employment Authorization Document, EAD, work permit) from DHS.

If you submit evidence of lawful work-authorized status for your child along with evidence of name change, we can issue your child a corrected card with his or her new name.

However, if we assigned your child a Social Security number for non-work purposes, special rules apply. If your child is not authorized to work by DHS, we will change your child's name on our records, but we cannot issue a corrected card. Your child cannot use a Social Security number assigned for non-work purposes to work. If your child does use it to work, we will inform DHS.

Student: If you are an F-1 student and eligible to work on campus, you must provide a letter from your designated school official that:

We also need to see evidence of that employment, such as a recent pay slip or a letter from your employer. Your supervisor must sign and date the letter. The letter must describe:

If you are an F-1 student authorized to work in curricular practical training (CPT), you must provide us your Form I-20 with the employment page completed and signed by your designated school official.

If you are an F-1 student and have a work permit (I-766) from DHS, you must present it.

If you are a J-1 student, student intern or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor. The letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature that authorizes your employment.

Name change

If you need to change the name on your child's Social Security record, you must show us proof of your child's legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove your child's legal name change include:

If the document you provide as evidence of your child's legal name change does not give us enough information to identify your child in our records or if you changed your child's name more than four years ago, you must show us an identity document in your child's prior name (as shown in our records). We will accept an identity document in your child's old name that has expired.

If you do not have an identity document in your child's prior name, we may accept an unexpired identity document in your child's new name, as long as we can properly establish your child's identity in our records.

Identity

Your child: Social Security will ask to see your child's current U.S. immigration document from DHS. Acceptable immigration documents include your child's:

You: We also must see proof of your identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see your:

If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, we will ask to see other documents. Any documents submitted, including the following, must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph:

If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current U.S. immigration document from DHS. Acceptable immigration documents include your:

Note

If we issue your child a new card, it will have the same number as your child's previous card, but will show a new name. We will mail your child's card as soon as we have all of your child's information and have verified your child's immigration documents.

Corrected Card for a U.S. Born Child

If you legally change your child's name because of adoption, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card. If your child is working, also tell your child's employer. If you do not tell us when your child's name changes, it may:

Important

You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired). We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.

What original documents do I need?

Citizenship

If you have not already established your child's U.S. citizenship with us, we need to see proof of U.S. citizenship. We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport.

Important

This documentation is only required if your child has NOT already established citizenship with us.

Name change

If you need to change the name on your child's Social Security card, you must show us proof of your child's legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove your child's legal name change include:

If the document you provide as evidence of your child's legal name change does not give us enough information to identify your child in our records or if you changed your child's name more than four years ago, you must show us an identity document in your child's prior name (as shown in our records). We will accept an identity document in your child's old name that has expired.

If you do not have an identity document in your child's prior name, we may accept an unexpired identity document in your child's new name, as long as we can properly establish your child's identity in our records.

Identity

Your child: We can accept only certain documents as proof of your child's identity. An acceptable document must show your child's name, identifying information (i.e., age, date of birth, or parents' names) and preferably a recent photograph. We generally can accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify the child (such as the child's name and age, date of birth or parents' names). We prefer to see the child's U.S. passport. If that document is not available, we may accept the child's:

You: We also must see proof of your identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see your:

If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, we will ask to see other documents. Any documents submitted, including the following, must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph:

Note

Your child's new card will have the same number as your child's previous card, but will show a new name. We will mail your child's card as soon as we have all of your child's information and have verified your child's documents.

Original Card for a Foreign Born U.S. Citizen Adult

Important

You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired). We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.

What original documents do I need?

Citizenship

We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include:

Age

You must present your foreign birth certificate if you have it or can get it within 10 days. If not, we will consider other documents such as your passport or a document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as evidence of your age.

Anyone age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number must appear in person for an interview. We will ask for evidence to show you do not have a Social Security number. Here are examples of documents you can use to prove a Social Security number was never assigned:

Identity

We can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see your:

If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, we will ask to see other documents. Any documents submitted, including the following, must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph:

Note

We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.

Original Card for a Noncitizen Adult

In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can apply for a Social Security number (SSN). If you do not have permission to work but need an SSN for other purposes, see "If you do not have permission to work" for further information.

Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE)

You may be eligible to apply using our automated process called Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) if you are applying to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for work authorization or lawful permanent resident status.

You may not need to visit a Social Security office or Social Security Card center if you apply using the Form I-765 or I-485. If you are approved for either application through USCIS, and elect to apply for an SSN, USCIS will send us the information to issue you an original SSN card or replacement card. You should receive your SSN card no later than 7 to 10 business days after you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or I-551 (Green card) from USCIS. We will mail the card to the address provided on the application. For more information, see “Apply For Your Social Security Number While Applying For Your Work Permit and or Lawful Permanent Residency”.

If you are unable to use Form I-765 or Form I-485, you will need to contact your local Social Security field office. You should receive your SSN card within two weeks after we have everything we need to process your application, including verification of your immigration document with the USCIS. If we are unable to immediately verify your immigration document with the USCIS, it may take two additional weeks to receive your card.

Important

You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired). We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.

What original documents do I need?

Immigration status

To prove your U.S. immigration status, you must show us your current U.S. immigration document, such as:

If you are an F-1 or M-1 student, you also must show us your I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).

If you are a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you must show us your DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status).

Work eligibility

In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from DHS can apply for a Social Security number. If you are a foreign worker, we only need to see your I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or admission stamp in the unexpired foreign passport showing a class of admission permitting work. Some foreign workers must show their I-766 EAD or "work permit" from DHS.

Student: If you are an F-1 student and eligible to work on campus, you must provide a letter from your designated school official that:

We also need to see evidence of that employment, such as a recent pay slip or a letter from your employer. Your supervisor must sign and date the letter. The letter must describe:

If you are an F-1 student authorized to work in curricular practical training (CPT), you must provide us your Form I-20 with the employment page completed and signed by your designated school official.

If you are an F-1 student and have a work permit (I-766) from DHS, you must present it.

If you are a J-1 student, student intern or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor. The letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature that authorizes your employment.

If you do not have permission to work: Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without an SSN. You do not need a number to conduct business with a bank, register for school, apply for educational tests, obtain private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs or apply for subsidized housing. You cannot get an SSN for the sole purpose of obtaining a driver's license.

Government benefits or services: If you do not have permission to work, you may apply for an SSN only if:

If you need a number to meet these state or local requirements, you must submit a letter from the government agency. It must be on letterhead stationery (no form letters or photocopies) and:

Taxes: If you need a number for tax purposes and you are not authorized to work in the United States, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Visit IRS in person or call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-TAXFORM (1-800-829-3676), and request Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

If you are assigned a number for non-work purposes, you cannot use it to work. If you use it to work, we will inform DHS.

Age

You must present your foreign birth certificate if you have it or can get it within 10 days. If not, we will consider other documents such as your passport or a document issued by DHS as evidence of your age.

We must interview anyone age 12 or older requesting an original SSN. We will ask for evidence to show you do not have an SSN. If you lived outside the United States for an extended period, a current or previous passport, school and/or employment records, and any other record that would show long-term residence outside the United States could be used to show you do not have an SSN.

Identity

Social Security will ask to see a current DHS document. Acceptable documents include:

Note

We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use a DHS work permit as proof of both immigration status and identity. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.

Original Card for a U.S. Born Adult

Important

You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired). We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.

What original documents do I need?

Citizenship

We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a U.S. birth certificate or a U.S. passport.

Age

You must present your birth certificate. If one exists, you must submit it. If a birth certificate does not exist, we may be able to accept your:

Anyone age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number (SSN) must appear in person for an interview. We will ask for evidence to show you do not have an SSN. Here are examples of documents you can use to prove an SSN was never assigned:

Identity

We can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity we must see your:

If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, we will ask to see other documents. Any documents submitted, including the following, must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph:

Note

We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.

Original Card for a Foreign Born U.S. Citizen Adopted Child

Information

You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired). We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.

Adoption

In some cases, we can assign your adopted child a number before the adoption is complete, but you may want to wait. Then, you can apply for the number using your child's new name. If you want to claim your child for tax purposes while the adoption is still pending, contact the Internal Revenue Service for Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions. For more information, see Social Security Numbers For Children (Publication No. 05-10023).

What original documents do I need?

Citizenship

We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570) or Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561). Foreign-born adopted children residing permanently in the United States may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship when they meet certain requirements. We may accept the following as evidence of U.S. citizenship:

Age

You must present your child's foreign birth certificate if you have it or can get it within 10 days. If not, we will consider other documents such as your child's passport or a document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as evidence of your child's age.

Anyone age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number must appear in person for an interview. We will ask for evidence to show that your child does not have a Social Security number. Here are examples of documents you can use to prove a Social Security number was never assigned:

Identity

Your child: We can accept only certain documents as proof of your child's identity. An acceptable document must show your child's name, identifying information (i.e., age, date of birth, or parents' names) and preferably a recent photograph. We generally can accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify the child (such as the child's name and age, date of birth or parents' names). We prefer to see the child's U.S. passport. If that document is not available, we may accept the child's:

You: We also must see proof of your identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see your:

If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, we will ask to see other documents. Any documents submitted, including the following, must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph:

Note

We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.

Original Card for a Foreign Born U.S. Citizen Child

Important

You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired). We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.

What original documents do I need?

Citizenship

We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include:

Age

You must present your child's foreign birth certificate if you have it or can get it within 10 days. If not, we will consider other documents such as your child's passport or a document issued by DHS as evidence of your child's age.

Anyone age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number must appear in person for an interview. We will ask for evidence so we can check our records that we have not already issued a Social Security card to your child. Here are examples of documents that we may need to see: