The SSA SS-5 form serves as the initial application for a Social Security Card, a vital piece of identification that enables individuals to work, collect Social Security benefits, and access other government services. It's the cornerstone for establishing legal identity and employment eligibility in the United States. For those looking to navigate through the application process smoothly, clicking the button below will guide you on how to accurately complete and submit your SSA SS-5 form.
Applying for a Social Security card, whether it's for the first time, to request a replacement, or to change information on the current record, requires individuals to navigate through the process set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Central to this process is the Form SS-5, a critical document that serves various purposes. This form is key for anyone needing to update their Social Security records due to changes in their life's circumstances, such as a change of name after marriage or divorce or correcting information on their Social Security record. Moreover, the form is vital for immigrants who are establishing their residency status in the U.S. and thus need to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) for the first time. The intricacies of the SS-5 form encompass not just the application for a new card but also embrace the need for meticulous attention to detail to avoid common pitfalls that can delay the process. Navigating the requirements, understanding the importance of accuracy in filling out the form, and knowing the impact that this document can have on an individual’s ability to work and access benefits in the U.S. are essential elements that highlight the significance of the SS-5 form in the broader context of managing one’s identity and legal statuses within the country.
Form SS-5 (10-2021) UF
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Use (11-2019) UF Until Stock Is Exhausted
OMB No. 0960-0066
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Application for a Social Security Card
Applying for a Social Security Card is free!
USE THIS APPLICATION TO:
●Apply for an original Social Security card
●Apply for a replacement Social Security card
●Change or correct information on your Social Security number record
IMPORTANT: You MUST provide a properly completed application and the required evidence before we can process your application. We can only accept original documents or documents certified by the custodian of the original record. Notarized copies or photocopies which have not been certified by the custodian of the record are not acceptable. We will return any documents submitted with your application. For assistance call us at 1-800-772-1213 or visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Original Social Security Card
To apply for an original card, you must provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current lawful, work-authorized immigration status. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have DHS work authorization, you must prove that you have a valid non-work reason for requesting a card. See page 2 for an explanation of acceptable documents.
NOTE: If you are age 12 or older and have never received a Social Security number, you must apply in person.
Replacement Social Security Card
To apply for a replacement card, you must provide one document to prove your identity. If you were born outside the U.S., you must also provide documents to prove your U.S. citizenship or current, lawful, work-authorized status. See page 2 for an explanation of acceptable documents.
Changing Information on Your Social Security Record
To change the information on your Social Security number record (i.e., a name or citizenship change, or corrected date of birth) you must provide documents to prove your identity, support the requested change, and establish the reason for the change. For example, you may provide a birth certificate to show your correct date of birth. A document supporting a name change must be recent and identify you by both your old and new names. If the name change event occurred over two years ago or if the name change document does not have enough information to prove your identity, you must also provide documents to prove your identity in your prior name and/or in some cases your new legal name. If you were born outside the U.S. you must provide a document to prove your U.S. citizenship or current lawful, work-authorized status. See page 2 for an explanation of acceptable documents.
LIMITS ON REPLACEMENT SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS
Public Law 108-458 limits the number of replacement Social Security cards you may receive to 3 per calendar year and 10 in a lifetime. Cards issued to reflect changes to your legal name or changes to a work authorization legend do not count toward these limits. We may also grant exceptions to these limits if you provide evidence from an official source to establish that a Social Security card is required.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
If you have any questions about this form or about the evidence documents you must provide, please visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov for additional information as well as locations of our offices and Social Security Card Centers. You may also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You can also find your nearest office or Card Center in your local phone book.
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EVIDENCE DOCUMENTS
The following lists are examples of the types of documents you must provide with your application and are not all inclusive. Call us at 1-800-772-1213 if you cannot provide these documents.
IMPORTANT : If you are completing this application on behalf of someone else, you must provide evidence that shows your authority to sign the application as well as documents to prove your identity and the identity of the person for whom you are filing the application. We can only accept original documents or documents certified by the custodian of the original record. Notarized copies or photocopies which have not been certified by the custodian of the record are not acceptable.
Evidence of Age
In general, you must provide your birth certificate. In some situations, we may accept another document that shows your age. Some of the other documents we may accept are:
●U.S. hospital record of your birth (created at the time of birth)
●Religious record established before age five showing your age or date of birth
●Passport
●Final Adoption Decree (the adoption decree must show that the birth information was taken from the original birth certificate)
Evidence of Identity
You must provide current, unexpired evidence of identity in your legal name. Your legal name will be shown on the Social Security card. Generally, we prefer to see documents issued in the U.S. Documents you submit to establish identity must show your legal name AND provide biographical information (your date of birth, age, or parents' names) and/or physical information (photograph, or physical description - height, eye and hair color, etc.). If you send a photo identity document but do not appear in person, the document must show your biographical information (e.g., your date of birth, age, or parents' names). Generally, documents without an expiration date should have been issued within the past two years for adults and within the past four years for children.
As proof of your identity, you must provide a:
●U.S. driver's license; or
●U.S. State-issued non-driver identity card; or
●U.S. passport
If you do not have one of the documents above or cannot get a replacement within 10 work days, we may accept other documents that show your legal name and biographical information, such as a U.S. military identity card, Certificate of Naturalization, employee identity card, certified copy of medical record (clinic, doctor or hospital), health insurance card, Medicaid card, or school identity card/record. For young children, we may accept medical records (clinic, doctor, or hospital) maintained by the medical provider. We may also accept a final adoption decree, or a school identity card, or other school record maintained by the school.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, we must see your current U.S. immigration document(s) and your foreign passport with biographical information or photograph.
WE CANNOT ACCEPT A BIRTH CERTIFICATE, HOSPITAL SOUVENIR BIRTH CERTIFICATE, SOCIAL SECURITY CARD STUB OR A SOCIAL SECURITY RECORD as evidence of identity.
Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
In general, you must provide your U.S. birth certificate or U.S. Passport. Other documents you may provide are a Consular Report of Birth, Certificate of Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization.
Evidence of Immigration Status
You must provide a current unexpired document issued to you by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) showing your immigration status, such as Form I-551, I-94, or I-766. If you are an international student or exchange visitor, you may need to provide additional documents, such as Form I-20, DS-2019, or a letter authorizing employment from your school and employer (F-1) or sponsor (J-1). We CANNOT accept a receipt showing you applied for the document. If you are not authorized to work in the U.S., we can issue you a Social Security card only if you need the number for a valid non-work reason. Your card will be marked to show you cannot work and if you do work, we will notify DHS. See page 3, item 5 for more information.
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HOW TO COMPLETE THIS APPLICATION
Complete and sign this application LEGIBLY using ONLY black or blue ink on the attached or downloaded form using only 8 ½” x 11” (or A4 8.25” x 11.7”) paper.
GENERAL: Items on the form are self-explanatory or are discussed below. The numbers match the numbered items on the form. If you are completing this form for someone else, please complete the items as they apply to that person.
4.Show the month, day, and full (4 digit) year of birth; for example, “1998” for year of birth.
5.If you check “Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work” or “Other,” you must provide a document from a U.S. Federal, State, or local government agency that explains why you need a Social Security number and that you meet all the requirements for the government benefit. NOTE: Most agencies do not require that you have a Social Security number. Contact us to see if your reason qualifies for a
Social Security number.
6., 7. Providing race and ethnicity information is voluntary and does not affect decisions on your application. We request this information for research and statistical purposes, to ensure all our customers receive fair and equal treatment.
9.B., 10.B. If you are applying for an original Social Security card for a child under age 18, you MUST show the parents' Social Security numbers unless the parent was never assigned a Social Security number. If the number is not known and you cannot obtain it, check the “unknown” box.
13.If the date of birth you show in item 4 is different from the date of birth currently shown on your Social Security record, show the date of birth currently shown on your record in item 13 and provide evidence to support the date of birth shown in item 4.
16.Show an address where you can receive your card 7 to 14 days from now.
17.WHO CAN SIGN THE APPLICATION? If you are age 18 or older and are physically and mentally capable of reading and completing the application, you must sign in item 17. If you are under age 18, you may either sign yourself, or a parent or legal guardian may sign for you. If you are over age 18 and cannot sign on your own behalf, a legal guardian, parent, or close relative may generally sign for you. If you cannot sign your name, you should sign with an "X” mark and have two people sign as witnesses in the space beside the mark. Please do not alter your signature by including additional information on the signature line as this may invalidate your application. Call us if you have questions about who may sign your application.
HOW TO SUBMIT THIS APPLICATION
In most cases, you can take or mail this signed application with your documents to any Social Security office. Any documents you mail to us will be returned to you. Go to https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp to find the Social Security office or Social Security Card Center that serves your area.
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PROTECT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND CARD
Protect your SSN card and number from loss and identity theft. DO NOT carry your SSN card with you. Keep it in a secure location and only take it with you when you must show the card; e.g., to obtain a new job, open a new bank account, or to obtain benefits from certain U.S. agencies. Use caution in giving out your Social Security number to others, particularly during phone, mail, email and Internet requests you did not initiate.
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
Collection and Use of Personal Information
Sections 205 and 702 of the Social Security Act, as amended, allow us to collect this information. Furnishing us this information is voluntary. However, failing to provide all or part of the information may prevent us from assigning you a Social Security number and issuing you a new or replacement Social Security card.
We will use the information you provide to issue you a replacement Social Security card. We may also share your information for the following purposes, called routine uses:
•To Federal, State, and local entities to assist them with administering income maintenance and health maintenance programs, when a Federal statute authorizes them to use the Social Security number; and
•To student volunteers, persons working under a personal services contract, and others when they need access to information in our records in order to perform their assigned agency duties.
In addition, we may share this information in accordance with the Privacy Act and other Federal laws. For example, where authorized, we may use and disclose this information in computer matching programs, in which our records are compared with other records to establish or verify a person’s eligibility for Federal benefit programs and for repayment of incorrect or delinquent debts under these programs.
A list of additional routine uses is available in our Privacy Act System of Records Notices (SORN) 60-0058, entitled Master Files of Social Security Number (SSN) Holders and SSN Applications, as published in the Federal Register (FR) on December 29, 2010, at 75 FR 82121. Additional information, and a full listing of all of our SORNs, is available on our website at www.ssa.gov/privacy.
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement - This information collection meets the requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507, as amended by section 2 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. You do not need to answer these questions unless we display a valid Office of Management and Budget control number. We estimate that it will take between 5 and 60 minutes to read the instructions, gather the facts, and answer the questions. SEND OR BRING THE COMPLETED
FORM TO YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE. You can find your local Social Security office through SSA’s website at www.socialsecurity.gov. Offices are also listed under U. S. Government agencies in your telephone directory or you may call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You may send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: SSA, 6401 Security Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401. Send only comments relating to our time estimate to this address, not the completed form.
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NAME
First
Full Middle Name
Last
1
TO BE SHOWN ON CARD
FULL NAME AT BIRTH
IF OTHER THAN ABOVE
OTHER NAMES USED
2
Social Security number previously assigned to the person
listed in item 1
3
PLACE OF
Office
4
DATE
BIRTH
Use Only
OF
(Do Not Abbreviate)
City
State or Foreign Country
FCI
MM/DD/YYYY
5
CITIZENSHIP
U.S. Citizen
Legal Alien
Legal Alien Not Allowed To
Other (See
Allowed To
Work(See Instructions On
Instructions On
(Check One)
Work
Page 3)
ETHNICITY
RACE
Native Hawaiian
American Indian
Other Pacific
6
Are You Hispanic or Latino?
7
Select One or More
Alaska Native
Black/African
Islander
(Your Response is Voluntary)
(Your Response
White
Yes
No
is Voluntary)
Asian
American
8
SEX
Male
Female
A. PARENT/ MOTHER'S
9
NAME AT HER BIRTH
B. PARENT/ MOTHER'S SOCIAL SECURITY
Unknown
NUMBER (See instructions for 9B on Page 3)
A. PARENT/ FATHER'S
10
B. PARENT/ FATHER'S SOCIAL SECURITY
NUMBER (See instructions for 10B on Page 3)
11
Has the person listed in item 1 or anyone acting on his/her behalf ever filed for or received a Social Security number card
before?
Don't Know (If "don't know," skip to question 14.)
Yes (If "yes" answer questions 12-13)
12
Name shown on the most recent Social
Security card issued for the person
13
Enter any different date of birth if used on an
earlier application for a card
14
DATETODAY'S
15
NUMBERDAYTIME PHONE
Area Code
Number
16
MAILING ADDRESS
Street
Address,
Apt. No., PO Box, Rural
Route No.
State/Foreign Country
ZIP Code
I declare under penalty of perjury that I have examined all the information on this form, and on any accompanying
17
statements or forms, and it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
YOUR SIGNATURE
18
YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE PERSON IN ITEM 1 IS:
Self
Natural Or
Legal
Other
Adoptive Parent
Guardian
Specify
DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE (FOR SSA USE ONLY)
NPN
DOC
NTI
CAN
ITV
PBC
EVI
EVA
EVC
PRA
NWR
DNR
UNIT
EVIDENCE SUBMITTED
SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF EMPLOYEE(S)
REVIEWING EVIDENCE AND/OR CONDUCTING
INTERVIEW
DCL
Filling out the SSA SS-5 form is an essential step for anyone applying for a Social Security Number (SSN) or seeking a replacement card. Whether it's your first time applying or you're updating your details, understanding how to correctly fill out this form will streamline the process and help avoid delays. Below is a step-by-step guide designed to navigate you through each section of the form, ensuring you provide all the necessary information accurately.
Once you have submitted your SS-5 form and the necessary documentation, the Social Security Administration will verify your documents and information. After the verification process is complete, you will receive your Social Security Number or a replacement card typically within two weeks. Remember, keeping a copy of your submission and noting the date of submission might be helpful for your records or any follow-up with the SSA.
The SSA SS-5 form is essential for anyone needing to apply for a new Social Security card, replace a lost or damaged card, change or correct information on their Social Security record. This includes changes like a name change due to marriage or divorce. It serves as the application form for these requests, ensuring that individuals can maintain accurate and up-to-date information with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
You have several options for obtaining an SSA SS-5 form. You can download it directly from the Social Security Administration's official website. It's also possible to pick up a copy at a local SSA office. If you prefer, you can call the SSA and request that a form be mailed to you. All these options are designed to ensure you can access the form in the most convenient way for you.
Completing the SSA SS-5 form requires providing detailed personal information, including:
This information helps the SSA accurately process your application and ensure that your Social Security records are current and correct.
There is no fee to apply for a new or replacement Social Security card. This service is provided free of charge by the Social Security Administration. It's important, however, to submit accurate and complete information to avoid delays in processing your application.
Yes, in most cases, you can submit the SSA SS-5 form online. This convenience allows you to apply for a new or replacement card from the comfort of your home. However, this option requires you to have a My Social Security account and meet specific eligibility criteria set by the SSA. For more details on online submission and to check if you qualify, visit the official SSA website.
When applying for a new or replacement Social Security card using the SSA SS-5 form, you must provide documents proving your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or lawful immigrant status. Typically, this includes:
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted.
After submitting the SSA SS-5 form, it typically takes 10-14 business days to receive your Social Security card in the mail. Processing times can vary, however, based on the volume of applications being handled and any issues with the submitted form or accompanying documents. If there's a delay beyond this time frame, you may contact the SSA directly for an update on your application status.
When applying for a Social Security Card, individuals must complete Form SSA SS-5. Errors in this process can lead to delays or the denial of an application. Being mindful of common mistakes can help ensure a smoother experience. Here are seven frequently made mistakes:
Common mistakes can be avoided by carefully reviewing the form instructions and ensuring all documentation is correct and complete before submission. This not only speeds up the process but also minimizes the chances of an application being denied or delayed.
When applying for or updating your Social Security Card (SSC) using the SSA SS-5 form, various other forms and documents are often needed to support your application. The process requires careful attention to detail to ensure that all required information is accurate and complete. Below, we'll explore several other forms and relevant documents typically associated with the SSA SS-5 form, shedding light on their purpose and importance in the process.
Together, these documents work alongside the SSA SS-5 form to streamline the application or updating process for your Social Security Card. Ensuring that you have the right documents prepared can significantly simplify the process, reducing the likelihood of delays or complications. Always check the current requirements and documentation standards, as rules and acceptable forms of evidence can change over time.
This form is used to request a taxpayer identification number and certification. Similar to the SSA SS-5, which is used to apply for a Social Security number, both forms involve providing personal information to a government agency for the purpose of tax identification.
The I-9 form is required by employers to verify an employee's identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Like the SSA SS-5 form, it requires personal identification information, underscoring their role in verifying individuals' identities for official purposes.
This application is used to obtain a U.S. passport. Similar to the SS-5 form, it requires detailed personal information, including Social Security number, for the purpose of establishing identity.
These applications are utilized to obtain a state identification card or driver's license. They share similarities with the SSA SS-5 form in that they require providing personal details, including a Social Security number, to verify the applicant's identity.
These forms are used to register individuals to vote. Like the SS-5, they may request a Social Security number among other personal details, linking an individual’s identity to a civic process.
U.S. males must register with Selective Service upon turning 18. This registration, similar to the SSA SS-5, requires personal information including the Social Security number to ensure proper identification and compliance with the law.
To obtain a copy of a birth certificate, these forms require detailed personal information. Like the SSA SS-5 form, which is used to obtain a Social Security number at birth or after immigration, both documents are vital for identity verification purposes.
This application is necessary for enrolling in Medicare. It shares the need for detailed personal and identification information with the SSA SS-5 form, including Social Security numbers, to enroll the individual in government healthcare programs.
Similar to the SS-5, opening a bank account requires providing personal identification details, including a Social Security number. Both forms are essential for financial identity verification and fraud prevention.
Filing for a Social Security card is a process that requires precision. Whether applying for the first time, replacing, or making changes to an existing card, using the SSA SS-5 form is crucial. The following guidelines will help ensure that your application is completed correctly and efficiently.
Do's when filling out the SSA SS-5 form:
Don'ts when filling out the SSA SS-5 form:
Many misconceptions surround the SSA SS-5 form, which is crucial for obtaining a Social Security card. It’s important to address these misunderstandings to ensure individuals can navigate the process efficiently and correctly. Here are four common misconceptions and the facts that dispel them:
The SSA SS-5 form is a critical document for anyone needing to apply for a Social Security card, whether it's a new application, a replacement, or an update to their current information. To navigate this process smoothly, here are some key takeaways:
Understanding the nuances of the SSA SS-5 form and preparing your application carefully can greatly simplify the process of obtaining, replacing, or updating your Social Security card. Start by gathering all necessary documents and then proceed with filling out the form as clearly and accurately as possible. Remember, if you have questions or encounter difficulties, assistance is readily available through the Social Security Administration's website or your local Social Security office.
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