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METHOD ONE: GETTING A NEW CARD
Step 1: Gather Required Identity Documents
The government needs to verify your age, your identity, and your citizenship. In order to do this, you need to be
able to provide the following documents:
U.S. birth certificate or a U.S. passport for citizenship
U.S. birth certificate, religious record showing date of birth, U.S. hospital record, or U.S. passport for age
(
Anyone older than 12 who requests a Social Security card must appear in person for an interview.)
U.S. driver’s license, state-issued nondriver identification card, or U.S. passport for identity
Step 2: Print Out a Copy of Application on US Letter Paper
Two applications, both of which can be found on the official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration,
are available: one for people inside the United States, and one for people outside the United States.
Step 3: Read All Instructions Carefully
An incomplete, misleading, or fraudulent application may delay the application process.
Step 4: Fill Out Application
Use blue or black ink pen.
Step 5: Submit Application with Your Documents
Applications can be submitted by mail or in person to your local Social Security office.
NOTE:
If you live in one of the following locales, you must apply in person or by mail to a Social Security Card Center, which is dif-
ferent from a Social Security office:
Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Queens, N.Y.
Orlando, Fla. (Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties)
Sacramento County, Calif.
Phoenix, Ariz. (Maricopa County and Apache Junction Area)
Las Vegas, Nev.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Greater Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, Minn.
METHOD TWO: REPLACING A CARD AFTER NAME CHANGE
Step 1: Follow all directions in Method One
You must also provide proof of your new identity. For example, along with a birth certificate, provide a document
proving a name change. This name change document must:
Be recent (2 years ago or fewer)
Identify you by both your old and new identity
Step 2: If your documents proving a name change are older than two years, provide documents to prove
your identity in your prior name and, in some cases, your new legal name.
Step 3: Support the Requested Name Change
Establish that the name change you effected was in fact supported and not forced.
Step 4: Establish the Reason for the Change
"
Normal" name changes, in the case of adoption or marriage, among others, are considered acceptable.
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Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Social Security Card!
