How do I get my Social Security number if I forgot it?

Asked by: Gerardo Kunze  |  Last update: April 8, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (51 votes)

How to find your Social Security number
  1. Look at your card.
  2. Talk to someone who might know your SSN.
  3. Check tax and financial documents.
  4. Contact a former employer.
  5. Request a new Social Security card.
  6. Look at your child's Social Security card.
  7. Call their school or doctor's office.
  8. Request a new Social Security card for your child.

How can I find my Social Security number if I forgot it?

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.

Where can I find my Social Security number besides my card?

Finding Your Social Security Number

Some other places that you can find your SSN are on tax returns, W-2s and bank statements. You may even find it on previously filed USCIS forms. However, if you do not have an SSN, you may generally answer “N/A” in the space provided on USCIS forms.

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

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.

What happens if you lose or forget your Social Security number?

Without your Social Security number and your Social Security card as physical proof, you might be unable to secure employment or collect benefits. A lost or stolen card could also leave you at risk of identity theft.

How to replace a lost or stolen social security card.

27 related questions found

Can I find my Social Security number by name and date of birth for free?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to locate a Social Security Number online using a name and date of birth. The Social Security Administration does not provide a public search for Social Security Numbers.

Can I get proof of my Social Security number online?

Our customers can get an instant verification letter online with a personal my Social Security account. Also, they may continue to call us toll-free to request a letter by mail.

How can I look up my child's Social Security number?

How to find your child's Social Security number
  1. Look at your child's Social Security card. Just like with your card, your child's card will have their name and Social Security number printed on the front. ...
  2. Call their school or doctor's office. ...
  3. Request a new Social Security card for your child.

How much is a replacement Social Security card?

There is no charge for a replacement card.

Can I get my baby Social Security number online?

The easiest time to apply for a Social Security number for your baby is at the hospital after they are born. Request one when you give the information for your child's birth certificate. If you do not want to request one in the hospital, begin an application for your child's Social Security number online.

Does my birth certificate have my SSN?

The State vital statistics office or other appropriate agency may not display SSN(s) on the portion of the birth certificate issued upon request. The SSN must be printed on the portion of the birth certificate which remains in the official birth records and is not released.

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.

How to find out the last 4 digits of 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.

How can I get my SSS number if I forgot?

You may also be able to find your SSS number by contacting the SSS customer service line and providing them with your name and other identifying information. Additionally, you can visit any SSS branch and present a valid ID for them to verify your identity and retrieve your SSS number.

How do I get my SS number online?

Create a My.SSS account:
  1. Go to Apply for an SS Number online.
  2. Read the procedures, then click “Start.”
  3. Accomplish all required fields in the Registrant Record Verification. ...
  4. Check the information sent to your email, then click the link provided to proceed with your SS Number Application.

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 if I forgot my Social Security 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.

How to show proof of Social Security number without card?

Submit one of the following secondary documents, which must include your current legal name and full SSN:
  1. U.S. ...
  2. DD214.
  3. NGB 22.
  4. W-2 Form (including W-2C, W-2G, etc.)
  5. SSA-1099 Form (including SSA-1099-SM, SSA-1099-R-OP1, etc.)
  6. Non-SSA 1099 Form (including 1099-DIV, 1099-MISC, etc.)
  7. 1098 Form (including 1098-C, etc.)

How do I request a new Social Security number?

You must fill out the Application for a Social Security Card form or Form SS-5 to apply for a new Social Security number. You can obtain the form on the SSA website or by visiting your local SSA office. You must provide your name, date of birth, citizenship status, and information about your parents or spouse.

Can I find my dad's Social Security number?

You can make a request for a copy of a deceased person's original Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5) and/or Numident record (a computer extract of the SS-5) in two ways: Online: Submit your request via FOIAXpress Public Access Link (PAL) at foia.ssa.gov.

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

There is no charge for an SSN and card. If someone wants to charge you for getting a number or card, please remember that these services are free. You can report anyone attempting to charge you to our Office of the Inspector General at https://oig.ssa.gov.

How to find someone's Social Security number online for free?

One way to look up a person's SSN information is through the United States Social Security Administration. On their website, you can conduct up to ten social security number searches each and every day. It is a free service, provided by the United States government.

How can I get a copy of my SSN card online?

After signing in to your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount, select the “Replace your Social Security Card” link. 2. Next, verify your email address, select the location where your driver's license or identification card was issued, and answer Yes or No to the background questions.

How to get a 2nd Social Security number and start over legally?

How to get a new Social Security number
  1. Apply in-person at your local Social Security office.
  2. Complete the application for a Social Security card.
  3. Provide a statement explaining why you need a new Social Security number.
  4. Provide third-party evidence documenting your reasons for needing a new number.