We can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. A birth certificate is not a form of identification. As proof of identity, Social Security must see one of the following primary evidence documents:
- U.S. driver's license
- U.S. State-issued non-driver identification card
- U.S. passport
If you do not have one of the above specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, we will ask to see another document, such as your:
- Employee identification card/badge
- Health insurance card or Medicaid card (not a Medicare card)
- U.S. military identification
- U.S. Government identification card
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
- U.S. Indian Tribal card (Social Security has to approve as an acceptable ID)
- Certified copy of a medical record
- School identity card, certified record, or transcript (current year)
- Life insurance policy
Non-citizen
Social Security will ask to see evidence of your current immigration status. Acceptable documents include:
- Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa) with unexpired foreign passport
- I-94 with unexpired foreign passport
- I-766 work permit from DHS
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency and must (unless otherwise indicated) have been issued within the last two years. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of your citizenship and identity
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