How to Get a Social Security Number and Card for the First Time

Applying for a first Social Security number works differently for newborns, older children, adults, and noncitizens. Use the checker to see exactly how to apply, which documents to bring, and whether you need to visit an office. It's always free.

Written and fact-checked by the CheckPayDate.com Editorial TeamPublished October 27, 2026Last reviewed October 27, 2026How we review

Official Data Verification: Reviewed October 27, 2026

Audited against Federal Reserve Holiday Calendar

Primary Authority: Social Security Administration (SSA)

Regulatory Basis: POMS GN 02401.000 & 20 CFR § 404.1807

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Quick Answer

Newborns: apply at the hospital on the birth certificate form. No office visit.
Citizen children and adults: start online, then bring original documents to a Social Security office. Everyone 12 or older must be interviewed in person.
Immigrants: request it on your immigrant visa or Form I-485, or apply at an office if you're authorized to work.
Free, and the card is mailed in about 5 to 10 business days after approval.

Already have a number and lost your card? Order a replacement card instead.

How Should I Apply? Checker

Pick who needs the number

The number is for

Apply at the hospital when you fill out the birth certificate

No Social Security office visit needed

Steps

Say "yes" when the birth certificate form asks whether you want a Social Security number for your baby.
Give both parents' SSNs if you know them — you can still apply if you don't.
The card is mailed to you. No Social Security office visit is needed.

Documents

None beyond the birth certificate information the hospital collects.

If you skip this, you can apply later at SSA, but it can take longer while SSA verifies the birth certificate.

How to Get a Social Security Number for a Newborn

The easiest way is at the hospital. When you complete your baby's birth certificate information, you'll be asked if you want a Social Security number. Say yes and give both parents' numbers if you know them. The card is mailed to you, and you never need to visit SSA.

Getting a number is voluntary, but you need one to claim your child as a dependent on your tax return, and often to open a bank account, buy savings bonds, or get medical coverage for them. For adopted children, SSA can assign a number before the adoption is final, but many parents wait so the card shows the child's new name.

How U.S. Citizen Children and Adults Apply

Start the application online at ssa.gov/number-card. If you can't, print and fill out Form SS-5.
Make an appointment at a Social Security office or Card Center.
Bring at least two separate original documents proving citizenship, age, and identity. One document can count twice — a birth certificate proves both age and citizenship.
Applicants 12 and older are interviewed in person.

How to make a Social Security appointment

How Noncitizens Get a Social Security Number

Before you move: request it on your immigrant visa application. The card is mailed to your U.S. address, usually with no office visit.
Applying for a green card in the U.S.: request it on Form I-485. Contact SSA if the card hasn't arrived within 14 days of receiving your green card.
Work-authorized in the U.S.: wait about 10 days after arriving, start online, and visit an office within 45 days with your DHS documents and passport.
No work permission: only for a valid nonwork reason backed by an agency letter. For taxes, get an ITIN from the IRS.

First Number vs. Replacement Card

	First-time number	Replacement card
Who	Never had an SSN	Already have an SSN
Fully online?	No (except at the hospital or through immigration)	Yes, for many adult citizens
Office visit	Usually required	Only if you can't finish online
Cost	Free	Free
Limits	One number for life	3 cards a year, 10 in a lifetime

Frequently asked questions

U.S. citizens start online at ssa.gov/number-card and finish at a Social Security office with original proof of citizenship, age, and identity. Parents of newborns can apply at the hospital instead, and many immigrants can apply on their immigrant visa or green card application. It's free, and the card arrives by mail in about 5 to 10 business days after approval.

Say yes when the hospital's birth certificate form asks whether you want an SSN for your baby. You don't have to visit SSA, and the card is mailed to you. If you wait, you'll need to apply at a Social Security office, which can take longer.

You can start online, but first-time applicants must finish at a Social Security office or Card Center with original documents. Noncitizens have 45 days after starting online to visit.

Yes. Anyone 12 or older who requests a first Social Security number must have an in-person interview, even if a parent or guardian signs the application.

Generally only if DHS has authorized you to work. Without work permission, you can get one only for a valid nonwork reason, such as a law requiring an SSN for a benefit you qualify for. For taxes alone, the IRS issues ITINs instead.

Nothing. A number and card are free. Report anyone who tries to charge you to SSA's Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or oig.ssa.gov.

A first-time application gives you a number for the first time. If you already have a number and lost your card or changed your name, you need a replacement card instead — many people can order one fully online.