How to Obtain a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN)

Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) is important for anyone living and working in the United States. The SSN is not only essential for employment but also for accessing various government services, opening bank accounts, and filing taxes.

Whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a temporary worker, understanding the process of obtaining an SSN is crucial.

In this blog, we will guide you through the steps required to obtain an SSN, highlighting the necessary documentation and the application process.

What is a Social Security Number (SSN)?

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit identification number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration. Originally created in 1936 to track workers' earnings for Social Security benefits, it's now become the de facto national ID number used for everything from filing taxes to opening bank accounts.

The SSA doesn't charge any fee to issue your first Social Security card, and the application process requires you to prove both your identity a

Who needs an SSN?

If you're living in the U.S. and participating in normal financial or professional life, you're almost definitely going to need a Social Security number. Here's complete list of profiles who typically need SSN:

• U.S. citizens: Whether born domestically or abroad, all citizens should have an SSN. Most parents apply for their newborn's number right at the hospital.
• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders): If you have a green card, you'll need an SSN for employment, taxes, and accessing most government services.
• Foreign workers with valid work authorization: Anyone on an H-1B, L-1, O-1, or other work visa needs an SSN to be legally employed and paid in the United States.
• International students with campus employment: F-1 or J-1 students don't automatically need an SSN, but if you get an on-campus job, CPT, or OPT work authorization, you'll need to apply for one.
• Self-employed individuals and business owners: If you're earning income in the U.S., whether as a freelancer or running your own company, you need an SSN for tax reporting.
• Anyone filing U.S. taxes: Even if you're not working, if you're required to file a tax return, you'll need an SSN or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

You can technically get by without an SSN in limited situations. Some banks offer accounts using an ITIN instead, and certain institutions accept alternative forms of ID. But for most people, trying to live in the U.S. without one means constantly running into roadblocks.

What documents do you need to apply for an SSN?

1. SSN application documents for U.S. citizens

If you're a U.S. citizen applying for your first SSN or a replacement, you'll need to prove both your identity and your citizenship using these documents:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship: Your U.S. birth certificate is the primary document here. If you were born abroad, you can use a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570), or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240).
• Proof of identity: A valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license or state-issued ID card works best. If you don't have either, a U.S. passport also serves as identity proof.
• Proof of age: Typically, your birth certificate handles this, but if you're using something else for citizenship, make sure it shows your date of birth.

If you're applying for a child under 12, the parent or guardian must appear in person and provide proof of their own identity as well.

2. SSN application documents for lawful permanent residents

Green card holders need to prove both their immigration status and identity using these documents:

• Proof of immigration status: Your Permanent Resident Card (green card, Form I-551) is essential. Make sure it's current and not expired.
• Proof of identity: An unexpired foreign passport is typically the best option. If you have a U.S. driver's license or state ID, that works too.
• Proof of age: Your passport usually covers this, but if not, bring a birth certificate or another government-issued document showing your date of birth.
• Proof of work authorization: Your green card itself proves you're authorized to work, so this is generally covered.

3. SSN application documents for foreign workers

If you're in the U.S. on a work visa, you'll need to show that you have explicit authorization to work here. The SSA will verify your status with the Department of Homeland Security. Document requirements include:

• Proof of work authorization: Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766) or your visa stamp along with Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record). For certain visa types like H-1B, your I-797 Approval Notice also helps.
• Proof of immigration status: Your current, valid passport with your visa stamp and Form I-94. You can print your I-94 from the CBP website if you entered recently.
• Proof of identity: Your foreign passport is the main document here, but if you have a U.S. driver's license, bring that as well.
• Proof of age: Your passport should cover this, but bring your birth certificate if your passport doesn't clearly show your date of birth.

For H-1B, L-1, O-1, and similar work visas, bring your I-797 approval notice and a letter from your employer confirming your employment. The SSA may not always ask for it, but having it can speed things up.

4. SSN application documents for international students

International students on F-1 or J-1 visas can only apply for an SSN if they have work authorization. Simply being enrolled in school isn't enough. Document requirements are as follows:

• Proof of F-1 or J-1 status: Your Form I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students), along with your passport and visa stamp.
• Proof of work authorization: For on-campus employment, bring a job offer letter from your school. For CPT (Curricular Practical Training), bring your endorsed I-20 showing CPT authorization. For OPT (Optional Practical Training), bring your EAD card (Form I-766).
• Form I-94: Print this from the CBP website to show your most recent entry into the U.S.
• Valid foreign passport: Must be current and unexpired.
• Proof of age and identity: Your passport covers both, but if your school issued you a photo ID, bring that too.

The SSA will also want to see a letter from your employer or school confirming your job or work authorization. For OPT, make sure your EAD card is in hand before applying, showing just the receipt notice won't work.

Before heading to the Social Security office, double-check that all your documents are originals or certified copies. SSA’s official guidelines read,

”You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired). We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.” — SSA

How to apply for a Social Security Number?

Applying for a Social Security Number isn't complicated, but it does require some preparation and a trip to your local Social Security office.

Step 1: Determine your eligibility

You're eligible for an SSN if you're a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status with work authorization. Here's who qualifies (we already discussed this in details in above sections, this is just a summary):

• U.S. citizens: Automatically eligible, whether born in the U.S. or abroad
• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders): Eligible with a valid green card
• Foreign workers: Must have valid work authorization (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.)
• International students: Only eligible with approved work authorization (on-campus job, CPT, or OPT)

If you're in the U.S. on a tourist visa or without work authorization, you won't be able to get an SSN.

Step 2: Gather your documents

Again, we've already covered the specific documents you'll need in detail above, but here's a quick reference table to help you prepare:

Remember: all documents must be originals or certified copies. No photocopies accepted.

Step 3: Complete Form SS-5

Form SS-5 is the Application for a Social Security Card, and it's the only form you need. Here's how to handle it:

• Download the form: Get it from the official SSA website at ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf, or pick up a blank copy at any Social Security office
• Fill it out completely: Include your legal name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship status, parents' names, and current U.S. mailing address
• Double-check for accuracy: Make sure all information matches your supporting documents exactly, including spelling and middle names
• Provide immigration details: If you're not a U.S. citizen, include your visa type and work authorization
• Sign and date the form: If you're applying for someone under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign
• Review before submitting: Any errors or missing information can delay your application or result in rejection

Step 4: Locate your nearest social security office

You'll need to submit your application in person, so find your closest Social Security office.

1. Head to the official SSA office locator tool at ssa.gov/locator
2. Enter your zip code

The tool will show you nearby offices, their hours, contact information, and whether appointments are available.

Step 5: Submit your application in person

On the day of your visit, bring your completed Form SS-5 and all original documents to the Social Security office. Check in at the front desk or take a number if it's a walk-in system.

When called, a representative will review your application, verify your documents, and ask a few basic questions to confirm everything matches up. They'll make copies of your documents and return the originals to you immediately.

If everything looks good, your application will be processed.

If there's an issue, they'll explain what you need to fix or provide and you may need to return with additional documentation.

Step 6: Attend the interview (if required)

Most applicants don't need a formal interview. Submitting your documents is usually enough. However, if there are inconsistencies in your paperwork or questions about your eligibility, the SSA representative may ask you additional questions on the spot. This typically happens with first-time applicants, foreign workers, or students.

They might ask about your job, visa status, or discrepancies in your documents. Just answer honestly and provide any supporting documentation they request.

As long as everything is legitimate, you'll be fine.

What's the timeline for getting an SSN?

Once you submit your application at a Social Security office, you can typically expect to receive your Social Security card in the mail within 10 to 14 business days. The SSA will mail your card to the U.S. address you provided on Form SS-5, so make sure that address is accurate and that someone can receive mail there.

If you're a foreign worker or international student, delays can happen if the SSA needs extra time to verify your immigration status with the Department of Homeland Security. This can add another week or two.

If more than two weeks pass, you can follow up by visiting your local Social Security office or calling the SSA's national hotline.

What to do after you get your SSN?

Once you get an SSN, you need to handle it properly, understand when and where to use it, and take steps to protect it from fraud or misuse. Whether you're using it for personal purposes or running a business, here's what you should do once that card arrives.

🔒 Keep your SSN card safe

Your Social Security card is not something you should be carrying in your wallet every day. Store it in a secure place at home, like a locked drawer, safe, or fireproof document box along with other critical paperwork like your passport and birth certificate.

The only times you'll actually need the physical card are when you're starting a new job (for I-9 verification), applying for government benefits, or handling certain legal or financial matters.

Carrying it daily only increases the chance of it being lost or stolen, which can lead to identity theft.

🤔 Understand when to share your SSN

Not everyone who asks for your Social Security number actually needs it, and you have the right to ask why they're requesting it and how they'll protect it.

You should provide your SSN when legally required, such as to:

• Employers (for tax and payroll purposes) - here’s why
• Banks and financial institutions (for account opening and IRS reporting)
• The IRS (for tax filings)
• Credit bureaus and lenders (for credit checks)
• Insurance companies (for policy setup)
• Government agencies (for benefits or services)

However, be cautious about giving it out to private businesses, doctors' offices, schools, or service providers unless absolutely necessary. Ask if there's an alternative form of identification you can provide instead.

Be wary of anyone who calls or emails asking for it out of the blue.

✅ Verify SSNs of employees or contractors

If you're running a business or hiring employees, part of your legal responsibility is verifying that your workers are authorized to work in the United States. For that, you need to collect and verify their SSNs. From here, you have two ways:

1. Use the Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS): The SSA offers this free tool at ssa.gov/employer to confirm that an employee's name and SSN match their records.
2. Use Signzy SSN Verification API: If you need to automate SSN verification at scale or integrate it directly into your platform's onboarding flow, Signzy offers an API solution that lets you verify SSNs programmatically. You only pay when you use it, making it a cost-effective option for businesses processing multiple hires or contractors regularly.

Making SSN verification a standard practice protects both your business and your employees, and keeps you on the right side of the law.

"Someone applied with an SSN that wasn't issued until 10 years after their stated birth date. Our manual process would have missed that completely. Signzy's verification caught the discrepancy immediately and we avoided hiring someone with fraudulent credentials.” — Compliance Officer, Financial Services Firm

🏢 Obtain an EIN if starting a business

SSN won’t be sufficient when you are starting a business or operating as anything other than a sole proprietor without employees. You'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) as well EIN verification process to verify other businesses you are entering in a relationship.

An EIN is essentially a Social Security number for your business, used for tax filing, opening business bank accounts, applying for licenses, and hiring employees.

Even sole proprietors benefit from getting an EIN because it keeps your personal SSN separate from your business finances, adding privacy and security. You can apply for free through the IRS website at irs.gov/ein.

The online application is straightforward and you'll receive your EIN immediately upon completion.

🚨 Monitor your SSN for fraud or identity theft

Identity theft involving Social Security numbers is a serious problem. Criminals can use your SSN to open credit accounts, file fraudulent tax returns, conduct account takeover frauds, or apply for loans in your name.

To protect yourself, monitor your credit reports regularly. You can also check your Social Security earnings statement at ssa.gov/myaccount to spot any unauthorized employment under your number.

If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately to the SSA and the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.

Automate SSN Verification with Signzy's API

If you're already running a business and hiring people regularly, you know how tedious it can be to verify Social Security Numbers one by one through the SSA's website.

It's fine when you're onboarding a couple of employees, but once you're processing dozens or hundreds of hires, that manual process starts eating up serious time.

That's where something like Signzy's SSN Verification API becomes useful.

"We process 500+ contractor onboardings quarterly, and address risk assessment wasn't on our radar until Signzy flagged 12 SSNs linked to known fraud addresses. Turned out they were part of a synthetic identity scheme. Blocked them before issuing a single payment." — Procurement Director, E-commerce Platform

Instead of logging into the SSA portal every time you need to verify an SSN, you can build the verification step directly into your hiring platform or payroll system. Submit the SSN and name through the API, and you get a response back in seconds telling you if it's valid and matches the person's identity.

Here's what makes it particularly useful:

• Goes beyond basic validation: The API doesn't just check if an SSN is valid. It confirms the number isn't associated with a deceased individual, wasn't issued before the applicant's birth date, and flags if there are multiple identities linked to the same number or if the address looks suspicious.
• Built-in compliance support: If you need to meet requirements under the USA PATRIOT Act or conduct KYC/AML checks, these verification layers are already baked into the process, saving you from building compliance infrastructure from scratch.
• Integrates with your existing systems: The API plugs directly into your HR platform, applicant tracking system, or payroll software, so verification happens seamlessly during onboarding without adding extra steps for your team.
• Pay only for what you use: No upfront costs or monthly subscriptions. You're charged per verification, which makes it cost-effective whether you're hiring five people a month or five hundred.

Apart from all these advantages, Signzy lets you add EIN verification for business compliance, run background checks, conduct AML screening, or expand your verification capabilities as your needs grow without switching providers. To know more, book a demo here.