How to find my daughters social security number

If you have a child in the United States, he or she can get a Social Security number (SSN) virtually at birth. At the hospital, while giving information for the birth certificate, you can simultaneously apply for the baby’s Social Security number. You'll be asked for both parents’ Social Security numbers, but if you don't have them you can still apply.

If you decide to wait until later, you'll need to fill out an SS-5, the application form for a Social Security card, and bring it to your local Social Security office along with:

• At least two documents proving your child’s U.S. citizenship, age and identity. A birth certificate and passport will fully satisfy the requirements. For a list of other acceptable documents, see the Social Security pamphlet “Social Security Numbers for Children.”
• Proof of your identity, such as a driver's license, passport or state-issued ID card.

All documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies or notarized copies will not be accepted.

If the child is 12 or older, he or she must appear at a Social Security office for an interview. Local offices fully reopened April 7 after being closed to walk-in traffic for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Social Security recommends calling in advance and scheduling an appointment to avoid long waits.

Non-U.S. citizens can get a Social Security number provided they are in the country legally. If you have permanent residency, you’ll be issued the same type of Social Security card that citizens get. You will need to show proof of identity and your authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to live and work in the country.

Two types of limited Social Security numbers are available to noncitizens who do not have permanent residency:

• If you have temporary permission to live and work in the United States, you can get a Social Security card stamped “valid for work only with DHS authorization."
• If you do not plan to work but need a Social Security number for another reason — for example, to apply for government benefits or services — your card will be stamped "not valid for employment."

Incoming immigrants can apply for a Social Security number from their home country as part of the visa application process. If you are already in the United States, you will need to visit a Social Security office. The pamphlet “Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens” has more information on how, when and where to apply. 

Keep in mind

You can ask Social Security to assign you a new number under limited circumstances, for example if you are a victim of domestic violence or identify theft. You can only apply for a new number in person at a Social Security office. Contact your local office to schedule an appointment or learn more.

You will need your child's Social Security number to claim your child as a dependent on a tax return; apply for government benefit; obtain health insurance; buy savings bonds; or open a bank account for your child. If you have lost your child's Social Security card and need the number, you will need to apply for a new card through the Social Security Administration. Social Security numbers will not be released over the phone. It is best to replace it promptly so you have it when needed.

Complete a Social Security card application. The application can be obtained online on the Social Security Administration's website or in any Social Security Administration office. You can also request an application by calling (800) 772-1213 and having it mailed to your home.

Read More: How to Change a Child's Name on a Social Security Card

Gather proof of your child's age and identity. You will need to provide two documents--one showing your child's age and one showing his identity. A birth certificate can be used to prove your child's age, but not identity, according to the Social Security Administration. To prove identity, the preferable document is a U.S. passport; other acceptable documents include hospital or doctor records, an adoption decree, a religious record or a school identification card. All documents must be originals or certified by the issuing agency. Copies and notarized documents will not be accepted.

Gather proof of your identity. Acceptable documents include a driver's license, a state-issued identification card or a U.S. passport, according to the Social Security Administration. Again, remember that you must provide original or certified documents to your local Social Security Administration office.

Visit your local Social Security office with the completed application and the necessary documents to prove your child's age and identity and your identity.

Warnings

• The Social Security Administration recommends keeping your child's social security card in a safe place with other important papers. Do not carry it with you unless you need it for a specific reason.

Tips

• If you file an application by mail, a replacement card will be mailed to you after the proper documentation has been verified.

  Social Security cards are issued at no cost. However, you cannot receive more than three replacement cards in a year or 10 in a lifetime, according to the Social Security Administration.