Health & Benefits

Generally, you can only get 3 replacement Social Security cards in a calendar year and 10 in a lifetime. Changes to your legal name or your work authorization legend do not count toward the limits.

As a US citizen

If you are a US citizen, you will need your birth certificate or a US passport. If you need information about getting a copy of your birth certificate, see Getting a copy of your birth certificate.

If a birth certificate does not exist, you may be able to use other documents, including: 

• a religious record showing your birth, made before the age of 5, 
• a US hospital record of your birth, or 
• final adoption paperwork showing birth information from your original birth certificate. 

You will also need one of the following to get a new Social Security card:

• School ID,
• Work ID,
• Military ID,
• Official school transcript,
• Medical records,
• Medical insurance card (not a paper "medical card" or Medicare card), or
• US driver's license or state ID.

To apply for a new or replacement Social Security Card, you can complete the online application here. You can also go to a Social Security Office with your documents. You can find locations of Social Security Offices here. If you have questions, you should call (800) 772-1213.

If you are asking for an original Social Security number and you are age 12 or older, you will need to appear in person for an interview. You will need to provide proof that you don't already have a Social Security number. If you are asking for an original Social Security number for a child under the age of 12, you will need documentation for your child and yourself.  

As a foreign-born US citizen

If you are a US citizen but were born outside of the US, you will need to prove your citizenship and your identity.

You can prove that you are a citizen by showing your:

• US passport,
• Certificate of naturalization (N-550/N-570), Certificate of citizenship (N-560/N-561), Certificate of a report of birth (DS-1350), or
• Consular report of birth abroad (FS-240).

You can prove your identity by showing your:

• US driver's license or state ID, 
• School or work ID,
• Military ID,
• Health insurance card (not a "medical card" or Medicare card),
• School transcript or medical record, or 
• Passport.

As a non-citizen

If you are a non-citizen with permission to work, you can apply for a Social Security number or may have one already. You can apply in your home country before you leave for the US, or you can apply in person at the Social Security Office once you arrive.

When you visit the Social Security Office, you must prove your identity, your immigration status, and that you are allowed to work. Documents you can use to prove these things include:

• Form I-551, permanent resident card ("green card"),
• Form I-766, employment authorization document ("work permit"), or
• Form I-94, arrival-departure record.

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

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

You may also be required to show a letter authorizing your employment from your school and employer (F-1) or sponsor (J-1).

For more information, please see Social Security numbers for non-citizens.