Where to start: the Social Security Administration office or online

You request a Social Security number from the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can start the process in person at your local SSA field office, by mail, or online through the SSA's website if you are a U.S. citizen explore for your first number. The online route is fastest — you fill out Form SS-5 on ssa.gov, upload documents, and the SSA mails your card to you. If you cannot use the online system, you can print Form SS-5, bring it with required documents to your nearest field office, or mail the completed form and documents to the SSA.

The SSA processes most online requests within two weeks. In-person applications at a field office typically take longer because you are scheduling an appointment and waiting for processing. Mail applications can take four to six weeks or more depending on mail delivery and SSA workload.

You can find your local field office and check current wait times on ssa.gov. The site also lists which documents you need before you go, so you do not make a trip and discover you are missing something.

Key Takeaways

  • The online process through ssa.gov is the fastest route for U.S. citizens explore for their first Social Security number, typically taking two weeks.
  • You must provide proof of age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status — the exact documents depend on which category you fall into.
  • If you were born outside the United States, you will need a passport, visa, or other immigration document showing your legal status.
  • The SSA mails your Social Security card to the address you provide; you do not pick it up in person.
  • If you are explore for a child, you can include the child's information in your own online account or explore in person with the child's birth certificate and your ID.

Documents you need before you request a number

The SSA requires proof of three things: your age, your identity, and your citizenship or immigration status. The documents that count as proof vary depending on your situation.

For proof of age, the SSA accepts a birth certificate, passport, or adoption decree. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy is not enough. If you were born in the United States, your state's vital records office issues certified birth certificates. If you were born outside the U.S., your passport serves as proof of age.

For proof of identity, you can use a passport, driver's license, state ID card, or foreign national ID. The document must have your photograph and signature. If you do not have any of these, the SSA has a list of secondary documents (school ID, employee ID, insurance documents) that can work, but you may need to bring more than one.

For proof of citizenship or immigration status, U.S. citizens provide a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must show your visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or other immigration paperwork that proves you are lawfully in the country. The SSA does not issue numbers to people without legal status.

Bring originals or certified copies. The SSA will not accept notarized copies or photocopies unless the original is also present. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation.

explore online through ssa.gov

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create my Social Security" account option. You will set up a login, then start a new process. The form asks for your name, date of birth, place of birth, contact information, and citizenship status. You answer questions about your work history and why you need a number.

After you complete the form, you upload images of your documents. The SSA accepts photos or scans of your birth certificate, passport, and ID. The images must be clear enough to read — blurry or cut-off photos will be rejected and you will have to resubmit. You can upload from your phone or computer.

Once you submit, the SSA reviews your process. If they need more information or the images are unclear, they will contact you by email or phone. If everything is in order, they mail your Social Security card to the address you provided. You can check the status of your process by logging into your "Create my Social Security" account.

explore in person at a Social Security office

Call the SSA's main number (1-800-772-1213) or visit ssa.gov to find your local field office and schedule an appointment. Some offices accept walk-ins, but most require an appointment and wait times can be long. Scheduling ahead is faster.

Bring your original documents or certified copies. Bring the documents listed above for age, identity, and citizenship. You do not need to fill out Form SS-5 before you go — the SSA staff will help you complete it at your appointment. Bring any other documents that show your work history or reason for needing a number, if relevant.

At your appointment, the SSA staff will review your documents, ask you questions to verify your information, and take your photograph for their records. They will tell you when to expect your card in the mail. Most people receive their card within two to three weeks after an in-person appointment, though this varies by location and current processing times.

explore by mail

read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request a printed copy. Fill out the form completely and sign it. Make copies of your documents (birth certificate, ID, and citizenship proof). Do not send originals — send certified copies or clear photocopies.

Mail the completed form and copies of your documents to the address listed on the form. The address varies by state. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and phone number so the SSA can contact you if they have questions. Mail applications take four to six weeks or longer depending on mail delivery and SSA processing time.

Keep a copy of everything you send. If the SSA loses your process or documents, you will need proof of what you submitted. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to check on the status of your process, though the SSA may not have information until they receive and begin processing your mail.

Special situations: children, name changes, and replacement cards

If you are requesting a number for a child, you can include the child in your own online account if you have one, or explore in person with the child's birth certificate and your ID. You do not need to bring the child to the appointment. The SSA will mail the card to your address.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can request a new card with your new name. Bring your current Social Security card (if you have one), proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your ID. The process is the same as a first-time process — you can do it online, in person, or by mail.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement. You do not need new documents for a replacement — just proof of identity and citizenship. You can request a replacement online, in person, or by mail. The SSA limits you to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime, though exceptions exist for documented theft or identity theft.

What happens after you submit your process

The SSA reviews your process and documents. If everything matches their records and your documents are clear and valid, they approve your process and mail your card. If there is a problem — missing information, unclear images, documents that do not match — they will contact you by phone or email and ask you to resubmit or provide more information.

Do not assume your process was received if you do not hear back. If you applied online, log into your account to check the status. If you applied by mail or in person, call 1-800-772-1213 after the expected processing time has passed. Have your name, date of birth, and the date you applied ready when you call.

Once your card is mailed, it typically arrives within one to two weeks, though delivery times vary by location. The card is mailed to the address you provided on your process. If you do not receive it after three weeks, contact the SSA.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have a valid visa, employment authorization, or other legal immigration status. You must show proof of your legal status — the SSA does not issue numbers to people without authorization to work or live in the United States. Bring your passport, visa, EAD, or other immigration document to your appointment or upload it with your online process.

How long does it take to get a Social Security card?

Online applications typically take two weeks from submission to delivery. In-person applications take longer because of appointment scheduling and processing time — usually three to four weeks. Mail applications can take four to six weeks or more. Processing times vary by location and SSA workload, so these are estimates, not guarantees.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot get a certified copy?

You can use other documents to prove your age and citizenship. A U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or adoption decree all work. If you do not have any of these, contact your state's vital records office to ask about getting a certified birth certificate — most states can issue one if you provide your name, date of birth, and parents' names. The process usually takes one to two weeks.

Can I use a photo of my documents instead of bringing originals?

For online applications, yes — you upload photos or scans of your documents. For in-person or mail applications, you can send certified copies or clear photocopies instead of originals. The SSA will not accept notarized copies unless the original is also present. Make sure any photos or copies are clear and readable.

What if the SSA rejects my process?

The SSA will contact you by phone or email and explain why. Common reasons include unclear document images, missing information on the form, or documents that do not match their records. They will tell you what to resubmit or what additional information they need. You can resubmit online, by mail, or in person at your local field office.