How can I get my Social Security number without my card?

Asked by: Dr. Aliyah Green  |  Last update: March 12, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (72 votes)

You can often find your Social Security number listed on tax documents or financial statements. You can also request a new Social Security card if yours is lost or stolen. Your Social Security number is needed in many instances, including when you are obtaining employment, filing taxes and receiving medical care.

Can I find my SSN without my card?

Check tax forms such as your old W-2s, 1099s, or tax returns to see if your SSN is on one of them. If you don't have access to your tax forms, look at other financial documents you have available. Some bank statements or summaries from investment accounts may include your SSN at the top.

Can I get my SSN number online?

To obtain an SSN for the first time, you'll need to submit an application and show us original documents (or copies certified by the issuing agencies). You can begin your application online, but you will need to visit a local Social Security office or card center to complete the application process.

What's the fastest way to get a replacement Social Security card?

Schedule an in-office appointment to complete your application. If you are not able to use our online option or you do not get the option to schedule an appointment online, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment at a local office or card center.

What can I use if I don't have my Social Security card?

For example, if you want to get a Real ID to fly domestically or access certain federal facilities, an SS card isn't necessary. Rather, you could use a recent pay stub, a W-2, an SSA-1099 (the SS Benefit Statement), or other tax documents that show your full name.

SOCIAL SECURITY CARD NEVER CAME!

21 related questions found

What is proof of Social Security besides card?

Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Your Social Security card.
  • Tax form(s).
  • Benefit or income statement from Social Security containing the Social Security number.
  • Pending application for an SSN.

How can I get my Social Security card if I don't have an ID?

Proof of age:A birth certificate is best, but if you don't have one, the Social Security Administration may accept a religious record made before you turned 5 years old, a US hospital record of your birth or a US passport.

What do I do if I lost my Social Security card?

In most states, you can use your personal my Social Security account to request a replacement card. If you are not able to do that, you can still begin your application online and self-schedule an appointment to complete it in your local Social Security office or Card Center.

How do I get an instant copy of my Social Security card?

As long as you're only requesting a replacement card, and no other changes, you can use our free online service from the comfort of your home, office, and even the beach. You'll need to create a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount/.

Can I get a replacement Social Security card in person same day?

No, you cannot get a replacement Social Security card on the same day you request a replacement. The process typically takes around two weeks if all necessary documents are submitted at the time of application.

How can I lookup my SSN number?

You can find your Social Security number on tax documents and bank or financial statements. If you don't have any documentation, you can request a new Social Security card online with the Social Security Administration.

Can I get my SSN over the phone?

Another alternative is to call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for your SSN. The teleservice representative would be able to locate and provide the SSN (after verifying your identity) when the number has been issued.

How do I get my SSN from my birth certificate?

If you apply at the hospital, the state agency that issues birth certificates will share your child's information with us. Then, we will mail the Social Security card to you. If you wait to apply, there may be delays while we verify your child's birth certificate.

Can you get your Social Security card number online?

If you're in the U.S., you can apply online, then go to a local Social Security office to provide your documentation. Once your application is approved, you'll receive a Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 14 days.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

What is the fastest way to get my child's Social Security number?

The easiest way to get a Social Security number (SSN) for your newborn is to apply when you provide information for your baby's birth certificate in the hospital.

How much does it cost to replace a Social Security card?

Replacing a Social Security card is free. To change vital information on your Social Security card, such as your name, go through the card replacement process.

What happens if you lose your Social Security card 10 times?

You may receive no more than three replacement social security number cards in a year and ten replacement social security number cards per lifetime. We may allow for reasonable exceptions to these limits on a case-by-case basis in compelling circumstances.

How can I get a temporary Social Security card?

Go online to SSA.gov, sign up for online access, and print one up. You will still need to request your replacement while you're in there. As for using the Soc Sec card for the I-9, there is a list of other documents which can be used, the temporary card won't be valid for this purpose.

What if I forgot my Social Security number?

If you were assigned a SSN at some point in your life, but you don't know it now, you need to request a replacement card. This is the only way to get your number because the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not give out Social Security numbers any other way.

What happens if your Social Security card is stolen?

If your Social Security card or number (SSN) is lost or stolen, you should immediately contact your local police department and the Social Security Administration (call toll-free 1-800-772-1213) to let them know about the incident.

How can I prove my Social Security without a card?

The only documents acceptable for visual verification of your SSN for original REAL ID applications are originals of the following:
  1. A social security card.
  2. A W-2 form.
  3. A SSA-1099 form.
  4. A Non-SSA-1099 form.
  5. A paystub showing full SSN.

How can I get a copy of my Social Security asap?

The most convenient way to do business with us from any location and on any device is to visit www.ssa.gov to get information and use our online services. Or, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or at 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) if you're deaf or hard of hearing. We can answer your call from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays.

Does Social Security give you a card the same day?

Once you complete your application (online or in person), we will mail your card to the address that you provided on your application. You should receive your card within 7-10 business days.

What can I show instead of my Social Security card?

Other acceptable evidence includes the following:
  • Birth Certificate.
  • Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt.
  • Employment Authorization Document.
  • Form I-94 or Form I-94A.