How do I apply for my Social Security Card or what are the necessary requirements to apply for my SSN? Getting a Social Security Card is very vital for a U.S citizen. A Social Security Number is a unique identifier given to United State citizens and some permanent residents to track their financial earnings and determine benefits from government or state agencies.
However, in order to get your Social Security Card, you need to fill out an application form at the Social Security Administration.
Applying for a Social Security card is free and you can commence your application online. But, to apply for your SSN card, there are certain requirements and original documents that you must provide. But you don’t have to pay any application fee to start the online process.
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Requirements Needed to Apply for My Social Security Card
There are certain necessary documents that you must provide before you can start your application. Meanwhile, only original documents are required or documents that are certified by the custodian of the original records.
Any notarized copies or photocopies that are not certified by the custodian of the record will not be accepted. Hence you have to handle all documents appropriately and submit only original or certified documents. Here is a list of documents that you are to provide.
- Evidence of Age document (Birth Certificate, U.S. hospital record of your birth, religious record established before age five showing your age or date of birth, passport or Final Adoption Decree showing your birth details from the original birth certificate)
- Evidence of Identity (preferably documents issued by the United States which must show your legal name and biographical information)
- United State Passport
- United State issued non-driver identity card
- S. driver’s license
- Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport or consular Report of Birth, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
- Evidence of Immigration Status ( Applicants must provide an unexpired document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) displaying their immigration statuses, such as Form I-94, I-551 or I-766. But, if you are an international student or exchange visitor you have to provide other documents like Form I-20, DS-2019 or a letter of authorization from your school or employer (F-1) or sponsored 9J-1)
Take note, you have to provide the original documents because photocopies are not accepted, if found, your application will be returned and forfeited.
Social Security Card Application
Applying for a Social Security Card is quite easy provided you have all the above-listed original documents. You can apply for one directly from your internet-connected device. Also, you can decide to apply by paper or online choosing your preferred application method. Here is how to complete your application.
How to Apply for Social Security Card Online
How to complete your Social Security Card Application form
- Ensure your device is connected to the device
- Visit ssa.gov
- Provide evidence of the child’s identity, U.S citizenship or immigration status
- Next, if you are filing the application for your child, you must provide evidence of your own identity, and Authority sign the application on behalf of the child
- Your Custody or relationship with the child
- Afterwards, complete the Social Security card Application form
- Visit your nearest local Social Security office or your local Social Security Card Center for submission details.
- Next, click on “Start Application”
- Enter the month, day and year (4 digits) of birth
- Provide a document from a United State Federal, State or Local government agency stating reasons why you need a Social Security Number and that you meet the necessary requirements.
- Provide your Citizenship evidence
- Fill in your correct Ethnicity and Sex
- If your Social Security Number Card application is for a child under the age of 18, you must provide your parents’ Social Security Numbers if they have one.
- Provide your evidence of Age and also enter your date of birth as shown in your Social Security record.
- Enter your current address where you can receive your card within 7 to 14 days of application.
- Afterwards, you can Sign the application.
Step on How to Submit Your Social Security Application
To submit your duly completed application form, you can mail the signed application with your original documents to any Social Security Office. Note that all documents mailed will be returned back to you.
Social Security Card Replacement Application
If you misplace your Social Security Card and you need a replacement, you can easily apply for a SSN card replacement. To apply for a card replacement, you have to provide a single Evidence of identity document. But, if you were born outside the United States, you must also provide original documents of your U.S Citizenship or a legal work authorization permit.
How to Apply for a U.S. Social Security Card Replacement
- Go to ssa.gov
- Provide evidence of identity, U.S citizenship or immigration status
- Afterwards, complete the Social Security card Application form
- Visit your nearest local Social Security office or your local Social Security Card Center for submission details
U.S. Citizen/Child Social Security Card Replacement
If your child’s Social Security Card got stolen or you misplaced it, you can request for a replacement of the Card. To request for a card replacement, you can use the online Social Security Number and card application. Visit www.ssa.gov/ssnumber. You will be asked to start your application online or visit the nearest Local security office to complete your application for a new SSN Card 9Form SS-5). Thereafter, you will be asked to provide proof of identity for you and your child.
The Social Security Administration will ask that you submit original documents of all you documents or certified copies issued by the agency you are working for. Keep in mind that photocopies or notarized copies are not acceptable. Again, all documents must be active and valid. Check the requirements above needed to apply for a Social Security Card
How to Replace Social Security Number Card for a Child
- Go to ssa.gov
- Provide evidence of the child’s identity, U.S citizenship or immigration status
- Next, if you are filing the application for your child, you must provide evidence of your own identity, and Authority sign the application on behalf of the child
- Your Custody or relationship with the child
- Afterwards, complete the Social Security card Application form
- Visit your nearest local Social Security office or your local Social Security Card Center for submission details.
Note that, if you are mailing the child’s application and the child is a legal united state citizen, you don’t have to provide your original evidence of identities such as a driver’s license, U.S. passport or state ID)
Once the application is approved and all documents are confirmed, you will receive the Social security Card within two weeks after application from the date on the receipt. The replaced card will carry the same SSN as the previous card.
FAQs
Check here for more answers to all your Application for Social Security Card
Can I Apply for my Social Security Card Online?
Yes, you can start your application online but to complete your application, you need to visit any local Social security office around you.
I Lost My Social Security Card, What Should I do?
If you misplaced your card or it got stolen, you don’t have to fret, you can request for a card replacement. All you need to do is to apply for a card replacement online.
Can I replace my Child Social Security Card Online?
Yes, you can apply for a child-lost Social Security Card online. However, you will have to submit your application to a local Social Security Center.
Where do I mail my application for the Social Security card Application Form?
Go to www.ssa.gov to get the main mailing address where you can submit your application form.
Is the application for Replacement of Social Security Card Free?
Yes, application for a new or replacement Social Security Card is free. There is no hidden fee charge.
Designated at birth, Social Security Number enables government agencies to identify people’s records and also to help business owners track individual financial earnings detail.
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