Find An Answer to Your Question

I'm expecting my first baby this year. What do I need to do to get a Social Security number for my baby?

It is a good idea to apply for a number at the hospital when you apply for your baby’s birth certificate. The state agency that issues birth certificates will share your child’s information with us, and we will mail the Social Security card to you.

Or, you can wait. If you wait, here is what you need to do to apply for a Social Security number for your child:

• Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and
• Show us documents proving your child’s:
• • U.S. citizenship;
  • Age; and
  • Identity.
• Show us a document proving your identity.

In most cases, you can mail or take your application and original documents to your local Social Security office. If you live in the New York City metropolitan area, Las Vegas NV, Orlando FL, or Phoenix AZ you may need to apply in person at your local Social Security Card Center.  First time applicants age 12 or older also must apply in person.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.  We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

We must verify your child’s birth record, which can add up to 12 weeks to the time it takes to issue a card. We will mail your child’s number and card as soon as we have verified your documents with the issuing offices.

For more information, see Documents You Need for a Social Security Card.

Children should not sign their Social Security card until their first job or age 18, whichever comes first.  A signature on the card is not required for the card to be valid.