What You Need to Do

You can request a Social Security number for your child at the hospital when your baby is born, or you can request one later through the Social Security Administration. Most parents choose the hospital route because it takes no extra steps — you fill out a form as part of the birth registration paperwork, and Social Security mails the number to your home within two weeks. If you did not request one at birth, you can still get one by visiting a Social Security office in person or by mail.

You will need your child's birth certificate, proof of your identity, and proof of your relationship to the child. The exact documents depend on whether you are requesting at the hospital, by mail, or in person at an office.

Key Takeaways

  • The easiest time to request a Social Security number is at the hospital during birth registration, when you fill out a single form with no additional documents needed.
  • If you did not request one at birth, you can request one by mail using Form SS-5 or in person at your local Social Security office with your child's birth certificate and proof of your identity.
  • Social Security typically mails the number card within two weeks of receiving a complete request.
  • You need a Social Security number to open a bank account for your child, claim them as a dependent on taxes, or enroll them in school or daycare.

Requesting a Number at the Hospital

When you give birth at a hospital, you will fill out a birth registration form. On that same form, there is usually a section asking whether you want to request a Social Security number. Check the box that says yes, and provide your name and address. The hospital sends this information to your state's vital records office, which forwards it to Social Security.

You do not need to bring any documents or fill out a separate form. The hospital has your information from your medical records, and that is enough. Social Security will mail the card to the address you provided, usually within two weeks. If you do not receive it after three weeks, contact your local Social Security office to check the status.

If you are unsure whether you checked the box at the hospital, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and give them your child's name and birth date. They can tell you whether a request was submitted.

Requesting by Mail After Birth

If you did not request a number at the hospital, you can request one by mail. You will need to complete Form SS-5, which is the official process for a Social Security number. You can read it from ssa.gov or request a copy by calling 1-800-772-1213.

With the form, send originals or certified copies of these documents:

  • Your child's birth certificate (the official certificate issued by the state, not a hospital copy)
  • Proof of your identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID
  • Proof of your relationship to the child, such as the birth certificate listing you as the parent, or an adoption decree if applicable

Mail everything to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Do not mail documents to the national office — they will be delayed. Social Security will review your request and mail the card to your address within two to four weeks. Keep copies of everything you send in case you need to follow up.

Requesting in Person at a Social Security Office

You can also walk into your local Social Security office with your child and request a number on the spot. Bring the same documents you would mail: your child's birth certificate, your ID, and proof of your relationship to the child. You will fill out Form SS-5 at the office, and a staff member will review your documents while you wait.

If everything is in order, Social Security will issue a receipt and mail the card within two weeks. If documents are missing or unclear, the staff member will tell you what else you need and give you the option to come back or mail it in. Going in person can be faster than waiting for mail delivery, but Social Security offices often have long wait times, so call ahead or check ssa.gov for your office's current wait time.

What Happens if Your Child Was Born Outside the United States

If your child was born outside the U.S. and you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you can still request a Social Security number. The process is the same, but you will need additional documents proving your child's immigration status. This might include a U.S. birth certificate if your child was born to a U.S. citizen abroad, a green card, or a visa.

Contact your local Social Security office before you visit or mail in your request, because the exact documents required depend on your child's citizenship and immigration status. The office can tell you which documents to bring or send.

When Your Child Needs a Number

You will need your child's Social Security number to open a bank account in their name, claim them as a dependent on your tax return, enroll them in school or daycare, or sign them up for health insurance. Some states also require a number to get a driver's license or state ID when your child turns 16.

You do not need a Social Security number for your newborn when ready after birth. You can request one anytime before you need it. However, requesting at the hospital is the simplest option because it requires no extra paperwork or office visits.

If You Lose the Card or Need a Replacement

If your child's Social Security card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by mail or in person. You will need Form SS-5, your child's birth certificate, and proof of your identity. There is no fee for a replacement card. Social Security will mail it within two weeks.

You do not need the original card to use the number — schools, banks, and employers only need the nine-digit number itself. But it is useful to have the physical card for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a Social Security number for my child if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Your child's citizenship status determines whether they are may be able to access for a number, not yours. If your child was born in the U.S., they are a U.S. citizen and can get a Social Security number. If your child was born outside the U.S., their may be able to access depends on their immigration status. Contact your local Social Security office to discuss your specific situation.

How long does it take to get the card in the mail?

Social Security typically mails the card within two weeks of receiving a complete request. If you requested at the hospital, the timeline is usually the same. If you have not received the card after three weeks, contact Social Security to check the status.

Do I need to bring my child to the Social Security office?

No. You can request a number on your child's behalf without bringing them to the office. You only need to bring your documents and your child's birth certificate. However, if Social Security has questions about your identity or relationship to the child, they may ask you to bring your child in for verification.

What if the birth certificate has a different name than what I want to use?

The Social Security number will be issued under the name on the birth certificate. If you want to change your child's name, you will need to go through your state's name-change process first, then request a new Social Security card under the new name. Contact your local courthouse or vital records office for the name-change procedure in your state.

Can I get a Social Security number for my adopted child?

Yes. You will need the adoption decree along with your child's birth certificate and proof of your identity. If your child was born outside the U.S., you may also need immigration documents. Bring these to your local Social Security office or mail them with Form SS-5.