Who is the Card For

Welcome to application-filing-service. We are not affiliated with the SSA in any way. They offer free forms by visiting their site directly. The steps required to apply for and receive an original Social Security card differ from adults and children. Documentation remains the most important part of the application process. We outline the process here for adults and children, starting with documents required before receiving an original Social Security card for a U.S. born adult.
Once again, please remember documentation is most important. That said, always have original, unexpired documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. Also, only physical documents are accepted.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship–Only certain documents meet requirements such as a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport.
• Proof of Age–An original birth certificate must be presented. However, if one is not available, possible alternatives include a religious record dated before age 5 showing your birth date, a U.S. hospital birth record, or a U.S. passport.

PLEASE NOTE: Persons must be interviewed in person if age 12 or over requesting an original Social Security number. Be prepared to show no Social Security number exists for this person. Examples of documents proving a Social Security number doesn’t exist are:

Proof of long-term residency outside the U.S., an existing passport, school or employment records, or other documents proving a residence maintained outside the United States may qualify as proof of no existing Social Security number.

While living in the U.S. and applying for an original Social Security card, questions regarding schools you attended and/or copies of tax returns might be requested to help prove a Social Security number was not assigned to you.

• Proof of Identity–Certain documents meet a proof of identity test. Remember, submit only unexpired documents containing your full name, birth date or age, and a recent photograph if available. Be prepared to show your valid U.S. driver’s license, a state issued (non-driver) ID, or U.S. passport.

If you do not have these documents or cannot secure a replacement within 10 days for either, they may request other documents in their place. Other documents that might qualify include and employee identification card, school identification card, non-Medicare health insurance card, or a valid U.S. military identification card.

Additional note: They may use details from your documents for dual purposes such as your U.S. passport for proof of citizenship and identity. However, you must show at least two separate documents.

As stated earlier, documents required for applying for an original Social Security card vary from those required for adult applicants.

Social Security must verify birth records of all U.S. born persons applying for an original Social Security number. One exception to this rule is for a parent who applies for their new baby’s Social Security number while in the hospital for the birth. To verify a birth record, Social Security contacts the issuing office.

As with an adult application, all submitted documents must be originals or certified copies from the issuing agency. They will not accept photocopies or notarized copies, nor is a receipt showing application made accepted. Please secure a certified copy of a document showing birth, marriage, or divorce taking place in the United States.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship–Only certain documents meet requirements such as a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport.
• Proof of Age–An original birth certificate must be presented. However, if one is not available, possible alternatives include a religious record dated before age 5 showing your child’s birth date, a U.S. hospital birth record, or a U.S. passport.

PLEASE NOTE: Persons must be interviewed in person if age 12 or over requesting an original Social Security number. Be prepared to show no Social Security number exists for your child.

Proof of long-term residency outside the U.S. for your child include an existing passport, school or employment records, or other documents proving a residence maintained outside the United States may qualify as proof of no existing Social Security number for your child.

While living in the U.S. and applying for an original Social Security card, questions regarding schools your child attended and/or copies of tax returns might be requested to help prove a Social Security number was not assigned to for your child.

• Proof of Your Child’s Identity–You can use your child’s birth certificate for proof of age and/or citizenship, but not for their identity. Social Security needs undeniable evidence showing your child continues to exist beyond their birth date.

Similar to proving an adult’s identity, certain documents are acceptable as proof of your child’s identity. Acceptable documents must reveal your child’s full name, age, date of birth, or parents’ names, and they strongly recommend a recent photograph but not mandatory. Most times a non-photo identity document is accepted provided it includes enough identifying information on the document including your child’s name, age, date of birth or parents’ names. If possible, they prefer your child’s passport.

However, if it isn’t available, other documents might be acceptable such as a state-issued non-driver’s identification card, adoption decree, doctor, medical clinic, or hospital record, religious record, school daycare center records, or school identification card.

If you do not have these documents or cannot secure a replacement within 10 days for either, they may request other documents in their place. Other documents that might qualify include and employee identification card, school identification card, non-Medicare health insurance card, or a valid U.S. military identification card.

Additional note: They may use details from your documents for dual purposes such as your U.S. passport for proof of citizenship and identity. However, you must show at least two separate documents.

• Proof of Your Identity–They will require you to prove your identity as well. Social Security accepts a U.S. driver’s license, a state issued non-driver identification card, or your U.S. passport. Please refer to the previous paragraph for help if you do not have the required documents.

Special note regarding adoption: While in some cases your adopted child can receive an original Social Security number, it might be in your best interest to apply for the number using your child’s new name after the adoption is finalized. Also, if circumstances suggest claiming your child for tax purposes, please contact the Internal Revenue Service for Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions.