Social Security Numbers

You do not need an SSN to get a driver’s license, register for school (K-12), get private health insurance, or apply for school lunch programs or subsidized housing, whether you are a citizen or not.

Non-Work SSNs: Noncitizens living in the US legally who don’t have permission to work can sometimes get a non-work SSN. This happens if a government agency says you need one to get services. The government agency has to give you a letter to take to the Social Security Administration (SSA) saying you need a non-work SSN. Note: if you become eligible for work authorization in the future, you’ll keep the same SSN.

What is an ITIN?

When can I or my child get an SSN?

The easiest way to get an SSN for your child is when you do your baby’s birth certificate in the hospital. The hospital sends the information from the birth certificate to SSA. SSA uses the information on the birth certificate to link your child to you in their records. They link you through your SSN or your name if you don’t have an SSN. Your child’s SSN card is mailed to your home address.

Parents of citizen children under the age of 12 can apply for an SSN online. But sometimes they need you and the child to come to the office. See next section.

Citizens over age 12 need to appear in person if they are applying for their first SSN.

Noncitizens can apply for an SSN outside the U.S. on their immigrant visa application (Form DS-230 or DS-260).

If you are in the U.S. legally, fill in the section asking for an SSN on:

USCIS Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) or
USCIS Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).

Your SSN card is mailed to the home address listed on your USCIS application.

Where do I go to get an SSN?

If you don’t apply in the hospital or by using USCIS forms, you may need to go in person to a Social Security ‘Card Center.’ In Minnesota, the Social Security Card Center is at 1811 Chicago Ave, Suite 2, in Minneapolis.

Non-citizens who are lawfully present in the US, but who don’t use one of the USCIS forms, need to go in person to do their SSN application.

Go to the Social Security website to start your SSN application online and find out what documents you need to bring to SSA.

There are other times you need to go in person to update your Social Security record and ask for a replacement SSN card. Your number stays the same. Things like:

If you get married
You legally change your name
Your immigration status changes, like you now have a green card
You become a US citizen

Social Security Number Myths

It costs money to get a Social Security number

SSNs are free, it doesn’t cost anything to get an SSN. If someone offers to get you an SSN for a fee, report this to Social Security’s Office of Inspector General hotline at 1 (800) 269-0271.

Social Security takes away your SSN when you leave the country or go to jail

Social Security can’t take away your SSN if you:

go to jail
leave the country voluntarily
are deported
lose your legal authorization to work

Your SSN stays with you until you die. Then Social Security adds your SSN to their record of number holders that died. This keeps anyone from using the number illegally.

I’m a victim of domestic violence. Can my abuser use my SSN to get my personal information and find me?

No. The SSA protects the privacy of your SSN and other personal information. But if you are afraid of being found by an abuser, or fear for your safety, you may be able to get a new SSN. If you plan to change your name, apply for a new SSN before you change your name.

Protect your Social Security Number

Memorize your SSN.
Keep your SSN card in a safe place, don’t carry it around with you.
If you take a picture of your SSN card don’t send the picture to anyone. And don’t laminate it!
Make a mySSA account online. Then you can check that your earnings are being recorded right. You can also check your paper statements that the SSA mails to you. If you find any issues let SSA know right away.