To apply for a Social Security card, you must provide proof of identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status. Acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate or passport for citizenship, a valid state-issued driver's license or ID card for identity, and, if applicable, immigration documents like a Permanent Resident Card. Original documents or certified copies are required, as photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted.
What Documents are Necessary to Apply for a Social Security Card?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birth Certificate | A birth certificate is a primary document required to apply for a Social Security card, serving as proof of identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status. The birth certificate must be an original or certified copy issued by the appropriate government authority, displaying the applicant's full name, date of birth, and place of birth. |
| 2 | U.S. Passport | A U.S. Passport is a crucial document required when applying for a Social Security card, serving as primary proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. Applicants must present an original or certified copy of the passport to verify their eligibility and ensure accurate record matching with the Social Security Administration. |
| 3 | Certificate of Naturalization | A Certificate of Naturalization is a crucial document for individuals born outside the United States applying for a Social Security card, as it proves U.S. citizenship. This certificate must be presented alongside valid identification, such as a passport or state-issued ID, to verify identity and citizenship status during the application process. |
| 4 | Certificate of Citizenship | A Certificate of Citizenship serves as primary evidence to apply for a Social Security card, verifying U.S. citizenship for individuals born abroad or naturalized. This document, issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), must be presented alongside a valid government-issued photo ID to complete the application process. |
| 5 | Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | To apply for a Social Security card as a permanent resident, you must provide your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) as primary proof of identity, immigration status, and work eligibility. The Social Security Administration requires this original document along with an application form (Form SS-5) to process your Social Security card request. |
| 6 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | To apply for a Social Security card with Employment Authorization Document (EAD), applicants must provide a valid, unexpired EAD issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that verifies their legal authorization to work in the United States. The EAD serves as both proof of identity and employment eligibility, making it a crucial document for Social Security card applications. |
| 7 | Consular Report of Birth Abroad | The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) serves as primary proof of U.S. citizenship required when applying for a Social Security card, verifying the applicant's identity and citizenship status. This document, issued by the U.S. Department of State, is essential for individuals born abroad to American parents to establish eligibility for a Social Security number. |
| 8 | State-Issued Driver’s License | A state-issued driver's license serves as a primary proof of identity when applying for a Social Security card, confirming the applicant's name, photograph, and date of birth. Social Security Administration requires this valid, unexpired identification to verify the individual's identity alongside other documents such as birth certificates or immigration records. |
| 9 | State-Issued Identification Card | A state-issued identification card is a primary document required to apply for a Social Security card, serving as proof of identity and age. This card must be valid, government-issued, and display the applicant's full name, photograph, and date of birth to meet Social Security Administration requirements. |
| 10 | U.S. Military Identification Card | A U.S. Military Identification Card serves as a primary form of identification when applying for a Social Security card, proving both identity and U.S. citizenship or legal status. Applicants must present this card along with other supporting documents, such as a birth certificate or passport, to meet the Social Security Administration's verification requirements. |
| 11 | School Identification Card | A school identification card serves as an accepted form of proof of identity and age when applying for a Social Security card, particularly for minors and students. It must be current, display a clear photograph, and be issued by a recognized educational institution to meet Social Security Administration requirements. |
| 12 | Medical Insurance Card (with applicant’s name) | A valid Medical Insurance Card displaying the applicant's full name serves as an acceptable identity document when applying for a Social Security card, confirming both identity and residency. This card must be current, government-issued, and include clear personal information to meet Social Security Administration requirements. |
| 13 | Religious Record (showing age or date of birth) | A Religious Record such as a baptismal certificate or a church record can serve as valid proof of age or date of birth when applying for a Social Security card, especially if a birth certificate is unavailable. The record must clearly display the individual's full name, date of birth, and the issuing religious authority's official signature or seal to meet Social Security Administration requirements. |
| 14 | Adoption Decree | An Adoption Decree is a critical document required to apply for a Social Security card for an adopted child, serving as legal proof of the child's legal name and identity. The U.S. Social Security Administration mandates submission of the original or certified copy of this decree to establish the applicant's legal status and ensure accurate Social Security records. |
| 15 | Final Adoption Papers | Final adoption papers serve as critical documentation for applying for a Social Security card, proving legal identity and citizenship status necessary to establish eligibility. These documents must be original or certified copies issued by the court to ensure verification by the Social Security Administration. |
| 16 | Hospital Record of Birth | A hospital record of birth serves as primary proof of identity and age when applying for a Social Security card, verifying the applicant's birth details directly from the birthplace. This document, often accompanied by parental identification, supports the accurate issuance of the Social Security number essential for official records and benefits. |
| 17 | Immigration Documents (I-94, I-766) | To apply for a Social Security card, immigrants must provide specific immigration documents such as Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, and Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD). These documents verify lawful immigration status and eligibility for employment, essential for Social Security Number issuance. |
| 18 | Military Record (if applicable) | A military record such as a DD Form 214 or military discharge papers serves as a primary document to verify identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status when applying for a Social Security card. Providing official military documentation ensures accurate validation of service history and eligibility within the Social Security Administration's identification requirements. |
Introduction to Social Security Card Applications
The Social Security card is a crucial document used for identification and accessing government benefits. Applying for a Social Security card requires submitting specific documents that verify identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status.
- Proof of Identity - This includes documents like a U.S. driver's license, state-issued ID card, or U.S. passport that confirm your identity.
- Proof of Age - A birth certificate is typically required to establish your age when applying for a Social Security card.
- Proof of Citizenship or Immigration Status - U.S. birth certificates, U.S. passports, or immigration documents such as a permanent resident card serve to verify your legal status.
Why Proper Identification is Essential
Applying for a Social Security card requires specific documents to verify your identity and eligibility. Commonly accepted documents include a birth certificate, passport, or state-issued identification card.
Proper identification is essential to prevent identity theft and ensure the accuracy of social security records. It also helps the Social Security Administration confirm your legal status and eligibility for benefits.
Primary Identification Documents Accepted
To apply for a Social Security card, you need to provide primary identification documents that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or legal status. These documents must be current and valid to meet the Social Security Administration's requirements.
Acceptable primary identification includes a U.S. driver's license, a state-issued identification card, or a U.S. passport. If you do not have these, other documents like a birth certificate or immigration papers may be required to confirm your eligibility.
Secondary Identification Documents Options
Secondary identification documents are required to support your primary identification when applying for a Social Security card. These documents help verify your identity and ensure the application is genuine.
- U.S. Driver's License - A current, valid driver's license issued by a state or territory.
- U.S. Passport - A valid passport, which serves as proof of identity and citizenship.
- Employee ID Card - A government or company-issued identification card with a photo and personal details.
Identification Requirements for U.S. Citizens
| Document Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Documents must clearly establish the applicant's identity. Must be current and government-issued wherever possible. | U.S. passport, state-issued driver's license, U.S. military ID card |
| Proof of U.S. Citizenship | Required to verify citizenship status for Social Security Card issuance. | U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization |
| Proof of Age | Demonstrates that the applicant meets the minimum age requirement when applicable. | Birth certificate, religious record made before age 5 |
| Supporting Documentation | May be required if primary documents are unavailable or questionable. | School ID card, medical records, or U.S. Census record |
Identification Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens
What documents are necessary to apply for a Social Security card as a non-U.S. citizen?
Non-U.S. citizens must provide proof of immigration status, work eligibility, and age to apply for a Social Security card. Common documents include a valid passport, Form I-94, and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or visa.
Special Rules for Children’s Social Security Applications
Applying for a Social Security card requires specific documents to prove identity, age, and citizenship. Special rules apply when submitting applications for children's Social Security cards.
- Proof of Child's Identity - A birth certificate or passport is essential to verify the child's identity and citizenship status.
- Parent or Guardian Identification - The adult submitting the application must provide valid identification such as a driver's license or state ID.
- Proof of Relationship - Documents like a birth certificate showing parentage establish the legal relationship between the child and the applicant.
You must gather these documents carefully to ensure the child's Social Security application is processed smoothly.
Acceptable Proofs of Identity: What Qualifies?
Acceptable proofs of identity are essential when applying for a Social Security card. Documents that qualify include a U.S. driver's license, a state-issued non-driver identification card, or a U.S. passport. Your identity must be verified with original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency to ensure authenticity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Identification Documents
Applying for a Social Security card requires specific identification documents to verify your identity and eligibility. Commonly accepted documents include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or state-issued driver's license.
Applicants often make mistakes by submitting expired or photocopied identification, which is not accepted by the Social Security Administration. Providing inconsistent information across documents can cause delays or rejections. Ensuring all identification is current and original helps avoid processing errors and speeds up the application.
What Documents are Necessary to Apply for a Social Security Card? Infographic
