The SSA SS-5 form is an application used by individuals to apply for an original Social Security card, replace a card, or make changes to their existing record. It serves as a critical document for establishing identity, work eligibility, and access to various social services. For guidance on completing this form or to submit your application, click the button below.
At the heart of securing one's identity and ensuring access to numerous benefits lies the SSA SS-5 form, an integral document administered by the Social Security Administration. This form serves as a gateway for individuals seeking to obtain a Social Security card for the first time, replace a card, or make changes, such as a name change, to their existing Social Security record. The importance of this document cannot be overstated, as it not only facilitates employment and tax filing in the United States but also plays a critical role in availing various social services and benefits. The process of completing and submitting the SS-5 form is straightforward, yet it requires careful attention to detail to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to delays. With its comprehensive scope, the form captures essential personal details, ensuring that each individual's Social Security record reflects accurate and up-to-date information. Understanding the nuances of the SS-5 form is crucial for anyone navigating the complexities of Social Security benefits, employment, and personal identification security in today’s world.
Form SS-5 (10-2021) UF
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Use (11-2019) UF Until Stock Is Exhausted
OMB No. 0960-0066
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Application for a Social Security Card
Applying for a Social Security Card is free!
USE THIS APPLICATION TO:
●Apply for an original Social Security card
●Apply for a replacement Social Security card
●Change or correct information on your Social Security number record
IMPORTANT: You MUST provide a properly completed application and the required evidence before we can process your application. We can only accept original documents or documents certified by the custodian of the original record. Notarized copies or photocopies which have not been certified by the custodian of the record are not acceptable. We will return any documents submitted with your application. For assistance call us at 1-800-772-1213 or visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Original Social Security Card
To apply for an original card, you must provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current lawful, work-authorized immigration status. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have DHS work authorization, you must prove that you have a valid non-work reason for requesting a card. See page 2 for an explanation of acceptable documents.
NOTE: If you are age 12 or older and have never received a Social Security number, you must apply in person.
Replacement Social Security Card
To apply for a replacement card, you must provide one document to prove your identity. If you were born outside the U.S., you must also provide documents to prove your U.S. citizenship or current, lawful, work-authorized status. See page 2 for an explanation of acceptable documents.
Changing Information on Your Social Security Record
To change the information on your Social Security number record (i.e., a name or citizenship change, or corrected date of birth) you must provide documents to prove your identity, support the requested change, and establish the reason for the change. For example, you may provide a birth certificate to show your correct date of birth. A document supporting a name change must be recent and identify you by both your old and new names. If the name change event occurred over two years ago or if the name change document does not have enough information to prove your identity, you must also provide documents to prove your identity in your prior name and/or in some cases your new legal name. If you were born outside the U.S. you must provide a document to prove your U.S. citizenship or current lawful, work-authorized status. See page 2 for an explanation of acceptable documents.
LIMITS ON REPLACEMENT SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS
Public Law 108-458 limits the number of replacement Social Security cards you may receive to 3 per calendar year and 10 in a lifetime. Cards issued to reflect changes to your legal name or changes to a work authorization legend do not count toward these limits. We may also grant exceptions to these limits if you provide evidence from an official source to establish that a Social Security card is required.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
If you have any questions about this form or about the evidence documents you must provide, please visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov for additional information as well as locations of our offices and Social Security Card Centers. You may also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You can also find your nearest office or Card Center in your local phone book.
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EVIDENCE DOCUMENTS
The following lists are examples of the types of documents you must provide with your application and are not all inclusive. Call us at 1-800-772-1213 if you cannot provide these documents.
IMPORTANT : If you are completing this application on behalf of someone else, you must provide evidence that shows your authority to sign the application as well as documents to prove your identity and the identity of the person for whom you are filing the application. We can only accept original documents or documents certified by the custodian of the original record. Notarized copies or photocopies which have not been certified by the custodian of the record are not acceptable.
Evidence of Age
In general, you must provide your birth certificate. In some situations, we may accept another document that shows your age. Some of the other documents we may accept are:
●U.S. hospital record of your birth (created at the time of birth)
●Religious record established before age five showing your age or date of birth
●Passport
●Final Adoption Decree (the adoption decree must show that the birth information was taken from the original birth certificate)
Evidence of Identity
You must provide current, unexpired evidence of identity in your legal name. Your legal name will be shown on the Social Security card. Generally, we prefer to see documents issued in the U.S. Documents you submit to establish identity must show your legal name AND provide biographical information (your date of birth, age, or parents' names) and/or physical information (photograph, or physical description - height, eye and hair color, etc.). If you send a photo identity document but do not appear in person, the document must show your biographical information (e.g., your date of birth, age, or parents' names). Generally, documents without an expiration date should have been issued within the past two years for adults and within the past four years for children.
As proof of your identity, you must provide a:
●U.S. driver's license; or
●U.S. State-issued non-driver identity card; or
●U.S. passport
If you do not have one of the documents above or cannot get a replacement within 10 work days, we may accept other documents that show your legal name and biographical information, such as a U.S. military identity card, Certificate of Naturalization, employee identity card, certified copy of medical record (clinic, doctor or hospital), health insurance card, Medicaid card, or school identity card/record. For young children, we may accept medical records (clinic, doctor, or hospital) maintained by the medical provider. We may also accept a final adoption decree, or a school identity card, or other school record maintained by the school.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, we must see your current U.S. immigration document(s) and your foreign passport with biographical information or photograph.
WE CANNOT ACCEPT A BIRTH CERTIFICATE, HOSPITAL SOUVENIR BIRTH CERTIFICATE, SOCIAL SECURITY CARD STUB OR A SOCIAL SECURITY RECORD as evidence of identity.
Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
In general, you must provide your U.S. birth certificate or U.S. Passport. Other documents you may provide are a Consular Report of Birth, Certificate of Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization.
Evidence of Immigration Status
You must provide a current unexpired document issued to you by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) showing your immigration status, such as Form I-551, I-94, or I-766. If you are an international student or exchange visitor, you may need to provide additional documents, such as Form I-20, DS-2019, or a letter authorizing employment from your school and employer (F-1) or sponsor (J-1). We CANNOT accept a receipt showing you applied for the document. If you are not authorized to work in the U.S., we can issue you a Social Security card only if you need the number for a valid non-work reason. Your card will be marked to show you cannot work and if you do work, we will notify DHS. See page 3, item 5 for more information.
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HOW TO COMPLETE THIS APPLICATION
Complete and sign this application LEGIBLY using ONLY black or blue ink on the attached or downloaded form using only 8 ½” x 11” (or A4 8.25” x 11.7”) paper.
GENERAL: Items on the form are self-explanatory or are discussed below. The numbers match the numbered items on the form. If you are completing this form for someone else, please complete the items as they apply to that person.
4.Show the month, day, and full (4 digit) year of birth; for example, “1998” for year of birth.
5.If you check “Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work” or “Other,” you must provide a document from a U.S. Federal, State, or local government agency that explains why you need a Social Security number and that you meet all the requirements for the government benefit. NOTE: Most agencies do not require that you have a Social Security number. Contact us to see if your reason qualifies for a
Social Security number.
6., 7. Providing race and ethnicity information is voluntary and does not affect decisions on your application. We request this information for research and statistical purposes, to ensure all our customers receive fair and equal treatment.
9.B., 10.B. If you are applying for an original Social Security card for a child under age 18, you MUST show the parents' Social Security numbers unless the parent was never assigned a Social Security number. If the number is not known and you cannot obtain it, check the “unknown” box.
13.If the date of birth you show in item 4 is different from the date of birth currently shown on your Social Security record, show the date of birth currently shown on your record in item 13 and provide evidence to support the date of birth shown in item 4.
16.Show an address where you can receive your card 7 to 14 days from now.
17.WHO CAN SIGN THE APPLICATION? If you are age 18 or older and are physically and mentally capable of reading and completing the application, you must sign in item 17. If you are under age 18, you may either sign yourself, or a parent or legal guardian may sign for you. If you are over age 18 and cannot sign on your own behalf, a legal guardian, parent, or close relative may generally sign for you. If you cannot sign your name, you should sign with an "X” mark and have two people sign as witnesses in the space beside the mark. Please do not alter your signature by including additional information on the signature line as this may invalidate your application. Call us if you have questions about who may sign your application.
HOW TO SUBMIT THIS APPLICATION
In most cases, you can take or mail this signed application with your documents to any Social Security office. Any documents you mail to us will be returned to you. Go to https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp to find the Social Security office or Social Security Card Center that serves your area.
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PROTECT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND CARD
Protect your SSN card and number from loss and identity theft. DO NOT carry your SSN card with you. Keep it in a secure location and only take it with you when you must show the card; e.g., to obtain a new job, open a new bank account, or to obtain benefits from certain U.S. agencies. Use caution in giving out your Social Security number to others, particularly during phone, mail, email and Internet requests you did not initiate.
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
Collection and Use of Personal Information
Sections 205 and 702 of the Social Security Act, as amended, allow us to collect this information. Furnishing us this information is voluntary. However, failing to provide all or part of the information may prevent us from assigning you a Social Security number and issuing you a new or replacement Social Security card.
We will use the information you provide to issue you a replacement Social Security card. We may also share your information for the following purposes, called routine uses:
•To Federal, State, and local entities to assist them with administering income maintenance and health maintenance programs, when a Federal statute authorizes them to use the Social Security number; and
•To student volunteers, persons working under a personal services contract, and others when they need access to information in our records in order to perform their assigned agency duties.
In addition, we may share this information in accordance with the Privacy Act and other Federal laws. For example, where authorized, we may use and disclose this information in computer matching programs, in which our records are compared with other records to establish or verify a person’s eligibility for Federal benefit programs and for repayment of incorrect or delinquent debts under these programs.
A list of additional routine uses is available in our Privacy Act System of Records Notices (SORN) 60-0058, entitled Master Files of Social Security Number (SSN) Holders and SSN Applications, as published in the Federal Register (FR) on December 29, 2010, at 75 FR 82121. Additional information, and a full listing of all of our SORNs, is available on our website at www.ssa.gov/privacy.
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement - This information collection meets the requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507, as amended by section 2 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. You do not need to answer these questions unless we display a valid Office of Management and Budget control number. We estimate that it will take between 5 and 60 minutes to read the instructions, gather the facts, and answer the questions. SEND OR BRING THE COMPLETED
FORM TO YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE. You can find your local Social Security office through SSA’s website at www.socialsecurity.gov. Offices are also listed under U. S. Government agencies in your telephone directory or you may call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You may send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: SSA, 6401 Security Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401. Send only comments relating to our time estimate to this address, not the completed form.
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NAME
First
Full Middle Name
Last
1
TO BE SHOWN ON CARD
FULL NAME AT BIRTH
IF OTHER THAN ABOVE
OTHER NAMES USED
2
Social Security number previously assigned to the person
listed in item 1
3
PLACE OF
Office
4
DATE
BIRTH
Use Only
OF
(Do Not Abbreviate)
City
State or Foreign Country
FCI
MM/DD/YYYY
5
CITIZENSHIP
U.S. Citizen
Legal Alien
Legal Alien Not Allowed To
Other (See
Allowed To
Work(See Instructions On
Instructions On
(Check One)
Work
Page 3)
ETHNICITY
RACE
Native Hawaiian
American Indian
Other Pacific
6
Are You Hispanic or Latino?
7
Select One or More
Alaska Native
Black/African
Islander
(Your Response is Voluntary)
(Your Response
White
Yes
No
is Voluntary)
Asian
American
8
SEX
Male
Female
A. PARENT/ MOTHER'S
9
NAME AT HER BIRTH
B. PARENT/ MOTHER'S SOCIAL SECURITY
Unknown
NUMBER (See instructions for 9B on Page 3)
A. PARENT/ FATHER'S
10
B. PARENT/ FATHER'S SOCIAL SECURITY
NUMBER (See instructions for 10B on Page 3)
11
Has the person listed in item 1 or anyone acting on his/her behalf ever filed for or received a Social Security number card
before?
Don't Know (If "don't know," skip to question 14.)
Yes (If "yes" answer questions 12-13)
12
Name shown on the most recent Social
Security card issued for the person
13
Enter any different date of birth if used on an
earlier application for a card
14
DATETODAY'S
15
NUMBERDAYTIME PHONE
Area Code
Number
16
MAILING ADDRESS
Street
Address,
Apt. No., PO Box, Rural
Route No.
State/Foreign Country
ZIP Code
I declare under penalty of perjury that I have examined all the information on this form, and on any accompanying
17
statements or forms, and it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
YOUR SIGNATURE
18
YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE PERSON IN ITEM 1 IS:
Self
Natural Or
Legal
Other
Adoptive Parent
Guardian
Specify
DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE (FOR SSA USE ONLY)
NPN
DOC
NTI
CAN
ITV
PBC
EVI
EVA
EVC
PRA
NWR
DNR
UNIT
EVIDENCE SUBMITTED
SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF EMPLOYEE(S)
REVIEWING EVIDENCE AND/OR CONDUCTING
INTERVIEW
DCL
Once you have determined the need to apply for a Social Security card, the next step involves completing the SSA SS-5 form correctly. This form is crucial for obtaining a new card, replacing one that's lost, or updating information on your current card. Here are the necessary steps to guide you through the process, ensuring your application is submitted without errors.
After submitting the SSA SS-5 form, the processing time may vary. The Social Security Administration will review your application for completeness and accuracy and then issue the Social Security card usually within two to four weeks. During this period, it's essential to keep a copy of the form and any correspondence with the SSA for your records.
What is an SSA SS-5 Form?
The SSA SS-5 Form is an application used in the United States to apply for a Social Security card. This form is necessary for obtaining a new card, replacing a lost or damaged card, or updating personal information, such as a change in name or citizenship status. It is used by both U.S. citizens and non-citizens who are legally in the U.S.
How can I obtain an SSA SS-5 Form?
The SSA SS-5 Form is readily available for download on the Social Security Administration's official website. Alternatively, individuals can also obtain this form by visiting their local Social Security office. Some locations may also offer the option to mail the form upon request.
What information do I need to provide on the SSA SS-5 Form?
Applicants must provide full personal details, including their name, Social Security number (if previously issued), date and place of birth, citizenship status, race/ethnicity (optional for statistical purposes), and gender. Additionally, information related to the applicant's parents, including their names and Social Security numbers, is required. Proof of identity, age, citizenship or legal status in the U.S must also be attached.
Are there any fees associated with the SSA SS-5 Form?
No, there are no fees required to submit an SSA SS-5 Form. The Social Security Administration provides this service free of charge, whether you are applying for a new card, replacing an existing card, or making changes to your current card.
How do I submit my completed SSA SS-5 Form?
Once filled out, the form along with the necessary documents proving identity, age, and legal status, can be submitted either in person at a local Social Security office or mailed directly to the Social Security Administration. Note that original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency are required; photocopies or notarized copies are not acceptable.
How long does it take to receive a Social Security card after submitting the SSA SS-5 Form?
After submitting the SSA SS-5 Form, it generally takes about two weeks to receive a Social Security card. However, processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications being processed and any additional verification that may be required for your application.
What should I do if I haven't received my Social Security card within the expected timeframe?
If you haven't received your Social Security card within the expected timeframe, it's a good idea to contact your local Social Security office. They can provide information on the status of your application. In some cases, delays may occur due to the need for additional verification or issues with the postal service. It’s also wise to ensure that the SSA has your correct mailing address on file.
When applying for a Social Security card, individuals are required to complete the SSA SS-5 form. Mistakes made during this process can lead to delays, or even the outright denial of the application. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
Avoiding these common errors can streamline the process of obtaining or replacing a Social Security card. Ensure that you double-check your application against these pitfalls before submission.
When applying for a Social Security Card or making changes to one's current information through the Social Security Administration's (SSA) SS-5 form, it's common to need additional documentation. These documents ensure the accuracy of the information provided and confirm the identity of the applicant. This is critical because a Social Security Card is a foundational piece of identification that affects employment, tax filing, and access to various government services.
Each of these documents plays a vital role in the SS-5 application process, supporting the information provided and ensuring that the applicant meets all the requirements for receiving or updating a Social Security Card. For applicants, gathering this documentation before applying can streamline the process, making it more efficient and reducing the likelihood of delays.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Form SS-5 is a vital document for anyone needing to apply for a Social Security card, whether it's for a new card, a replacement, or a card update after a change in personal information. Several other forms and documents share similarities with the SSA SS-5 in terms of their purpose, the process of obtaining or updating personal identification, and the necessity for accurate, personal information. Here are eight examples:
At their core, these forms serve as crucial tools for verification, identification, and access to various services and rights. While each has a unique purpose, ranging from allowing one to drive, to work, to apply for credit, or to vote, they collectively reflect the bureaucratic process of proving one's identity and eligibility in different facets of life.
Filling out the SSA SS-5 form, which is used to apply for a Social Security card, requires careful attention to detail to ensure that your application is processed smoothly. Below are five actions you should take, as well as five you should avoid, to help you successfully navigate the application process.
What You Should Do:
Ensure all information is complete and accurate. Double-check personal details such as your full name, Social Security number (if applicable), date of birth, and place of birth to prevent any discrepancies.
Provide original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. These documents prove your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status.
Use a blue or black ink pen when filling out the form by hand. This improves readability and ensures that your application is processed without delays caused by illegibility.
Read the instructions carefully before beginning. Understanding each section's requirements can significantly reduce errors and omissions.
Sign and date the form in the designated areas. An unsigned or undated application is generally considered incomplete and will likely be returned to you for completion.
What You Shouldn't Do:
Do not leave sections blank. If a section does not apply to you, write "N/A" (not applicable) to indicate that you have read and acknowledged the section.
Avoid using correction fluid or tape. Mistakes should be neatly crossed out, and the correct information should be written nearby. Extensive corrections may require filling out a new form.
Do not guess information. If you're unsure about a detail, it's better to verify it first rather than risk a mistake that could delay processing.
Resist the urge to provide unnecessary documents. Only submit the documents specifically requested in the instructions to streamline the review process.
Do not send the form without reviewing it. A final check can help catch any errors or missing information, saving you time in the long run.
The Social Security Administration's (SSA) Form SS-5 is an application for a Social Security card, which can sometimes be the subject of misconceptions. It's important to clarify these misunderstandings to ensure individuals have the correct information when engaging with Social Security services.
This is not the case. While in-person submission is an option, the SS-5 form can also be mailed to the Social Security Administration. Furthermore, in certain circumstances, it may be possible to apply online, significantly simplifying the process for applicants.
The primary purpose of the SS-5 form is to apply for a new Social Security card, not necessarily a new number. This form is used for various reasons, including obtaining a replacement card, updating personal information, or changing one's name on their Social Security record. A new number is only issued under specific, stringent conditions.
It's a common misunderstanding that processing the SS-5 form comes with a fee. The Social Security Administration does not charge to file the form or for the issuance of a Social Security card. Any solicitations for payment in relation to the SS-5 form should be viewed with suspicion and reported.
While it's true that the SSA requires identification to process the SS-5 form, it does not always need to be the original document. Certified copies issued by the agency that originally issued the documents (such as a birth certificate from the health department) are often acceptable. This eases the concern for those worried about mailing sensitive original documents.
The SSA SS-5 form is a crucial document for anyone applying for a new Social Security card or making changes to an existing one. Whether you're changing your name, correcting your Social Security record, or applying for your first card, understanding how to properly fill out and use this form is essential. Here are key takeaways to guide you through the process.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother process in applying for or updating your Social Security card. Remember, the Social Security Administration is available to assist you should you have any questions or need clarification on the application process.
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