What Is Needed to Get a Social Security Number?
- Examples of proof of citizenship include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. consular report of birth, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. If you're not a citizen, you need valid U.S. Immigration documents---for example, your Form I-551, I-94--or work permit card from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If you are an international student, you need documents that prove your immigration status, work eligibility, age and identity. Report to your school before applying.
- A variety of documents can serve as proof of identity. Among them are a school ID card, employee ID card, health insurance card (other than Medicare), military I.D. card, adoption decree or life insurance policy. A marriage document will suffice in the case of a name change.
- A birth certificate is typically the best way to prove your age. If you don't have a birth certificate, Social Security considers other documents that state your age, like a passport.
- If you're working temporarily in the United States, you can obtain an SSN before you even enter the States. Start by applying for an SSN in your home country at the same time you apply for your immigrant visa. In this case, you won't have to go to a U.S. Social Security office---you'll have your number before your entrance into the States.
- If you didn't apply for an SSN in your home country, you should visit a Social Security office in the U.S. You must have your DHS papers that verify your authorization to work in the United States and your immigration status. The Social Security Administration asks that you wait 10 days after your arrival to ensure that your DHS papers are accessible online, because this will speed up the application process.
- You can use the same document for up to two purposes. For example, you can use your birth certificate as both a proof of age and a proof of citizenship. However, you cannot use one document for three purposes---you must have at least two separate documents when applying. Additionally, you must bring official copies of each of your documents. No photocopies, pictures or replicas of that nature are allowed.