I adopted a child that was born in another country, how do I get a Social Security number for my child?
To request a number:
Step 1: Gather documents proving:
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Child's age
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Child's Identity
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U.S. citizenship if you have not established the child's U.S. citizenship with us
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Immigration status if the child is not a U.S. citizen
Step 2: Show us documents proving your:
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Relationship, custody or responsibility for the child.
Step 3: Complete an Application for a Social Security card.
Step 4: Take or mail the completed application and documents to your local Social Security office or your local Social Security Card Center.
All documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Any documents you mail to us will be returned to you along with a receipt.
If you do not have proof of your child's citizenship, special rules apply for foreign-born adopted children that allow us to assign a number based on documentation issued by the Department of Homeland Security upon the child's arrival in the United States. When you receive documentation of your child's citizenship, you can bring it to us, and we will update your child's record. Please note that the adoption decree (issued in a foreign country or the United States) or a birth certificate is not proof of U.S. citizenship for a foreign-born child.
Important Information
We will mail the card as soon as we have verified all required documents. You should receive the card within 10 business days from the date on the receipt.
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