Do not rely on ordinary copies
SSA generally requires original records or copies certified by the issuing agency. A notarized photocopy is not the same as an agency-certified copy.
1. Identify the type of request
- Original SSN and first card.
- Replacement of a lost, stolen, or damaged card.
- Legal name change or correction to the SSA record.
- Card for a child, including a request not completed through birth registration.
2. Identity evidence
Prepare an unexpired document showing the applicant's name and identifying information, preferably a recent photograph. Common adult evidence can include a state-issued driver's license or identification card, U.S. passport, or other document accepted by SSA. A child's evidence may include a passport, school, daycare, medical, religious, or adoption record that identifies the child.
3. Age evidence for an original number
- Birth certificate, when one exists.
- U.S. hospital birth record.
- Religious record created before age five showing the date of birth.
- Passport or other secondary evidence only when SSA permits it.
4. Citizenship or immigration evidence
- U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport for citizenship, when applicable.
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization when applicable.
- Current DHS immigration and work-authorization documents for a noncitizen.
- Government-agency letter establishing a valid nonwork reason when there is no DHS work authorization.
5. Evidence for a correction
- Marriage document, divorce decree, court order, or other legal name-change record.
- Document showing both old and new names when available.
- Corrected birth, citizenship, immigration, or court record for the requested change.
- Additional identity evidence when the event is older or the change document does not identify the person sufficiently.
6. Documents for a child
- Evidence of the child's identity, not only the birth certificate.
- Evidence of age and citizenship or immigration status.
- Identity document for the parent or person signing.
- Evidence of custody, guardianship, adoption, or authority when SSA requests it.
7. Before the appointment
- Use the SSA questionnaire to generate the request-specific list.
- Check that documents are current, legible, and consistent.
- Use the exact legal name and date of birth.
- Keep a separate secure record of what you presented.
- Do not mail irreplaceable evidence unless SSA specifically directs you to use that channel.
Official sources
- SSA — Request-specific document guide
- SSA — Form SS-5 and evidence rules
- SSA — Social Security number and card