To replace a Social Security Number (SSN) card, individuals must provide proof of identity such as a valid U.S. driver's license, state-issued identification card, or U.S. passport. In cases where these documents are unavailable, the Social Security Administration may accept other forms of identification like an employee ID, school ID, or health insurance card, coupled with proof of citizenship or immigration status. Accurate identification ensures the security and proper issuance of replacement SSN cards.
What Identification is Needed for Social Security Number Replacement?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | U.S. Driver’s License | A valid U.S. Driver's License serves as a primary form of identification required for Social Security Number replacement, verifying identity through state-issued photographic credentials. This document must be current or expired within the past year, ensuring the applicant's name, date of birth, and personal details match Social Security Administration records. |
| 2 | U.S. State-issued Non-driver Identification Card | A U.S. state-issued non-driver identification card is accepted as primary identification for Social Security number replacement, providing proof of identity, age, and citizenship or lawful immigration status. Applicants must ensure the card is unexpired and features a clear photograph to meet Social Security Administration requirements for verification. |
| 3 | U.S. Passport | A U.S. passport serves as a primary form of identification for Social Security Number replacement, verifying both citizenship and identity. It is essential to provide the original passport or a certified copy to meet Social Security Administration requirements for SSN replacement. |
| 4 | U.S. Military Identification Card | A U.S. Military Identification Card is accepted as valid primary identification for Social Security Number replacement, verifying identity through government-issued credentials. This card includes essential information such as the holder's full name, photograph, and date of birth, meeting the Social Security Administration's stringent identification requirements. |
| 5 | Employee Identification Card | An Employee Identification Card is required as primary identification for Social Security Number replacement, verifying the individual's employment status and identity. This card must include the employee's full name, photograph, and employer information to meet Social Security Administration standards. |
| 6 | School Identification Card | A school identification card serves as a primary form of identification for Social Security number replacement, verifying the applicant's identity and association with an educational institution. It typically includes a photo, name, date of birth, and school affiliation, meeting essential documentation requirements set by the Social Security Administration. |
| 7 | Health Insurance Card (not a Medicare card) | To replace a Social Security Number, presenting a valid health insurance card is often required as proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status. The health insurance card must include the cardholder's name and date of birth to meet the Social Security Administration's identity verification standards. |
| 8 | U.S. Birth Certificate | A certified U.S. birth certificate is a primary form of identification required for Social Security Number replacement, providing proof of age, identity, and U.S. citizenship. The document must be an official copy issued by the vital records office of the state or territory where the birth occurred, featuring a registrar's signature and raised seal to ensure authenticity. |
| 9 | Certificate of Naturalization | A Certificate of Naturalization serves as a primary identification document required for Social Security Number replacement, verifying U.S. citizenship and identity. Presenting this certificate along with a valid government-issued photo ID ensures eligibility for obtaining a replacement Social Security card. |
| 10 | Certificate of Citizenship | A Certificate of Citizenship serves as a primary form of identification for Social Security Number replacement, proving U.S. citizenship and identity. It must be an original or certified copy issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to satisfy Social Security Administration requirements. |
| 11 | U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad | To replace a Social Security Number using a U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), individuals must provide the original CRBA as primary proof of U.S. citizenship. Additional identification such as a valid passport or government-issued photo ID may be required to verify identity during the Social Security Administration's replacement process. |
| 12 | Religious Record Showing Age or Birthdate | A religious record showing age or birthdate is accepted as valid identification for Social Security Number replacement when official birth certificates are unavailable. This document must be issued by a recognized religious institution and contain the individual's full name, date of birth, and the officiant's signature or seal to meet Social Security Administration requirements. |
| 13 | U.S. Hospital Record of Birth | A U.S. Hospital Record of Birth serves as a primary proof of identity document required for Social Security Number replacement, confirming the individual's full name, date of birth, and parentage. This vital record must be an original or certified copy issued by the hospital or state vital records office to meet Social Security Administration verification standards. |
| 14 | U.S. Adoption Decree | A U.S. adoption decree is a critical document for Social Security Number replacement, serving as official proof of identity and legal name change for adopted individuals. This decree must be submitted along with government-issued photo identification to verify identity during the Social Security Number replacement process. |
Introduction to Social Security Number Replacement
Replacing a Social Security Number (SSN) card requires proving your identity to protect against fraud and misuse. The Social Security Administration (SSA) mandates specific identification documents to verify eligibility for a replacement SSN card.
- Proof of Identity - A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, is required to confirm your identity for SSN replacement.
- Proof of Citizenship or Legal Status - U.S. citizens need a birth certificate or U.S. passport, while non-citizens must provide immigration documents.
- Application Form - Completing Form SS-5 accurately is necessary when requesting a replacement Social Security card.
Why Identification is Needed for SSN Replacement
Identification is required for Social Security Number (SSN) replacement to verify the individual's identity and prevent identity theft. Confirming a person's identity ensures that the SSN is issued accurately to the rightful owner.
Providing valid identification helps the Social Security Administration (SSA) maintain secure records and protect sensitive personal information. Documents such as a passport, driver's license, or state-issued ID are used to establish identity. This process reduces fraud and safeguards individuals' financial and personal data.
Primary Identification Documents Accepted
When applying for a Social Security Number replacement, presenting primary identification documents is essential to verify your identity accurately. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires documents that prove age, identity, and citizenship or lawful immigration status.
Acceptable primary identification documents include a U.S. passport or passport card, a state-issued driver's license, or a state identification card with a photograph. These documents must be current and valid to meet SSA standards for Social Security Number replacement.
Secondary Identification Documents Accepted
Secondary identification documents accepted for Social Security Number replacement include a U.S. driver's license, a U.S. state-issued non-driver identification card, or a U.S. passport. Other acceptable documents are a Medicare card, a marriage certificate, or a health insurance card containing the applicant's name. These documents help verify identity when primary identification is unavailable or insufficient.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Status
To replace a Social Security Number (SSN) card, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status is required. Acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Permanent Resident Card. These documents verify the individual's eligibility to obtain a valid Social Security Number replacement card.
Acceptable Documents for Noncitizens
What identification is needed for Social Security Number replacement for noncitizens? You must provide valid immigration documents proving your legal status. Acceptable documents include your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a valid visa with Form I-94.
Verification Methods Used by the Social Security Administration
| Identification Required for Social Security Number Replacement | Verification Methods Used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | The SSA requires valid government-issued identification such as a U.S. driver's license, state-issued identification card, or U.S. passport. These documents are verified through physical inspection and cross-checked with government databases. |
| Proof of Citizenship or Legal Status | The SSA verifies U.S. citizenship with birth certificates or U.S. passports. For legal residents, the SSA accepts immigration documents such as Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card) or Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), which are validated with the Department of Homeland Security records. |
| Proof of Age | Birth certificates or other official records are used to confirm the applicant's date of birth. The SSA cross-references this data with vital records databases to ensure accuracy. |
| Supporting Documentation for Name Change (if applicable) | Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders are verified through state or county records to confirm the applicant's current legal name matches application records. |
| Verification of Social Security Number Ownership | The SSA uses internal records and the Numident database to confirm the previously assigned Social Security number belongs to the applicant before processing the replacement. |
Document Requirements for Minors and Children
Replacement of a Social Security Number for minors requires specific identification documents to verify the child's identity and citizenship. You must provide original documents or certified copies that meet the Social Security Administration's standards.
- Proof of Identity for the Child - A birth certificate or passport is required to establish the child's identity.
- Proof of Citizenship - A U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad confirms citizenship status.
- Parental Identification - A government-issued ID of the parent or guardian, such as a driver's license or passport, is necessary for verification.
How to Submit Your Identification Safely
To replace a Social Security number, you must provide valid identification such as a U.S. passport, state-issued driver's license, or birth certificate. These documents verify your identity and citizenship status to the Social Security Administration.
Submit your identification securely by using the official Social Security Administration website or visiting a local SSA office in person. Avoid sending sensitive documents through email or unsecured mail to protect your personal information from theft or loss.
What Identification is Needed for Social Security Number Replacement? Infographic
