How to Find Your Social Security Number: 3 Easy Ways

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Learn how to locate your SSN or get a replacement card
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Social Security numbers are issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to all US citizens and permanent residents. Ideally, you know where your Social Security card is and can check it if you can't remember your number. However, if you've misplaced your Social Security card and don't remember your number, you may be able to find it on another document. If you don't have your Social Security card, apply for a replacement as soon as possible so you don't have to worry about forgetting your number again.[1]

How to Find Your Social Security Number: Quick Guide

Check your Social Security card for your full SSN. If you don't have it, check old tax returns and bank statements: banks and credit card companies typically obscure your full SSN, but you can still see the last 4 digits, which may jog your memory. You can also request a free replacement card at https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Checking Existing Records

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  1. Step 1 Look for old tax returns.
    You are required to enter your Social Security number on your tax returns. If you have copies of old returns, you can find your Social Security number there.[2]
    • If you used a website to file your taxes, you can usually download a copy of your tax return from the website as long as you remember the username and password you used.
    • You could order a copy of an old tax return from the IRS. However, you'd have to put your Social Security number on the order form, so if you don't know your Social Security number, this option won't do you any good.[3]
  2. Step 2 Ask your employer if they have your Social Security number.
    Your employer should have your Social Security number on several different personnel documents, including the form you filled out to have federal taxes withheld. If you don't find it too embarrassing to approach your employer about this, you may be able to find out your Social Security number that way.[4]
    • If you can find an old W-2 from your current or previous employer, it will also have your Social Security number on it.

    Tip: If you're a current student, your school's enrollment or admissions office will also likely have your Social Security number in your file.

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  3. Step 3 Pull up bank or credit card statements.
    You had to provide your Social Security number when you opened any credit cards or bank accounts you may have. Statements or records for these may include your Social Security number. However, it's less likely that you'll find your Social Security number here than on tax documents.[5]
    • For security reasons, banks and credit card companies typically obscure your Social Security number. You may see it listed, but only the last 4 digits are visible. If you previously memorized the number, those last 4 digits may be enough to jog your memory.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Applying for a New Social Security Card

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  1. Step 1 Request a replacement card online if you qualify.
    Requesting a card online is the easiest way to get a replacement Social Security card, but not everyone qualifies. You must be a US citizen 18 or older with a US mailing address and have a driver's license or state-issued ID from a participating state.[6]
    • As of 2019, this service is not available in US territories or the states of Alabama, Connecticut, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, or West Virginia. Additionally, the service is only available in Delaware or Wisconsin if you have a driver's license. A state-issued identity card does not qualify.[7]
    • To use this service, you'll need to create a "My Social Security" account if you don't already have one. Go to https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/SiView.action to get started.

    Warning: You can't order a replacement card online if you also want to change your name as it appears on the card.

  2. Step 2 Complete the application for a Social Security card.
    Download the application form at https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf. Read the instructions carefully before you fill out the form. You can either type your answers on your computer and print it out afterward, or you can print the application and fill it out by hand.[8]
    • If you fill out the application by hand, print legibly using blue or black ink.
    • The form has a space for you to enter the Social Security number that was assigned to you. Since you don't remember the number, you can leave this part of the application blank.
    • Only enter information that you know. All the information you provide is voluntary. However, if you enter incorrect information, it may delay your card.
  3. Step 3 Gather original documents to prove your citizenship status and identity.
    If you're filing your application for a replacement Social Security card in person, you'll need to bring valid (unexpired) original documents to prove your citizenship or lawful permanent resident status and identity. The SSA does not accept photocopies. Documents you'll need include:[9]
    • Citizenship: US birth certificate, valid US passport, permanent resident card
    • Identity: Valid driver's license or state-issued photo ID, US passport, US military ID, school photo ID

    Tip: You can use a single document for two purposes. For example, you can use your valid US passport or permanent resident card as proof of both your citizenship status and your identity.

  4. Step 4 Visit the nearest Social Security office.
    Take your documents and your completed application to the Social Security office most convenient to you. If you're away from home, you can go to a local office — you're not required to go to an office near your permanent residence.[10]
  5. Step 5 Wait to receive your Social Security card in the mail.
    If you filed your application in person, the clerk at the Social Security office will verify your original documents and process your application while you're there. Your card will be mailed to your address on file. You should get it 10 to 14 days from the date you submitted your application.[11]
    • The turnaround time for online applications is also 10 to 14 days. If you submitted your application on a weekend, you might add a day or two to that window.
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Tips

  • If you're outside the US and can't remember your Social Security number, contact the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) nearest you. Check https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/foreign.htm for locations. You can also get assistance from the nearest US embassy or consulate.[12]
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  • Keep your Social Security number secure. Only carry your card with you if you're going to need to show it, such as when you're hired for a new job or opening a new bank account. The rest of the time, keep it in a secure location.[13]
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  • Make an effort to commit your Social Security number to memory. Knowing your Social Security number by heart is more important than having a physical card.[14]
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Warnings

  • Once you're assigned a Social Security number, you typically won't get a new one. The only time the SSA will issue a new number is in the rare case of identity theft where misuse of your original number persists.[15]
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  • You are limited to 3 replacement cards in a year and 10 in a lifetime. If you get a new card because you've changed your name, that card doesn't count towards the limit.[16]
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References

  1. ↑ https://citizenpath.com/faq/find-social-security-number/
  2. ↑ https://citizenpath.com/faq/find-social-security-number/
  3. ↑ https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4506
  4. ↑ https://citizenpath.com/faq/find-social-security-number/
  5. ↑ https://citizenpath.com/faq/find-social-security-number/
  6. ↑ https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/article/KA-02017
  7. ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/#issnrc
  8. ↑ https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/article/KA-02017
  9. ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm
  1. ↑ https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/article/KA-02017
  2. ↑ https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02196
  3. ↑ https://www.americansabroad.org/obtaining-reclaiming-your-social-security-number-ssn/
  4. ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf
  5. ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm
  6. ↑ https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02226
  7. ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm

About This Article

Jennifer Mueller, JD
Written by:
Jennifer Mueller, JD
Doctor of Law, Indiana University
This article was written by Jennifer Mueller, JD. Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. This article has been viewed 75,649 times.
39 votes - 41%
Co-authors: 2
Updated: December 13, 2024
Views: 75,649
Categories: Social Security
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 75,649 times.

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