To get a Social Security cardeither for the first time or as a replacement, you have to complete Social Security Type SS-5 and submit at least 2 supporting documents to show your identity, age, and citizenship status. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the method, do not worrywe'll walk you through the steps to finish.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

You must fill out Form SS5 to get a Social Security cardwhether it be a replacement card or a new card.

You must provide supporting documents that reveal your age, identity, and citizenship status, and the ones needs to be certified or original.

Unless you're currently applying for a replacement card with no changes, you may submit your application by email or in person.

How Can You Recognize Form SS-5 and Why Would I Want It?

Here are some circumstances whenever you may possibly need to complete such a form.

You've never needed a Social Security card before, perhaps because your parents never implemented for one in your benefit, and you want one currently to have work.

You've got a Social Security card before, but you've lost itwas stolen, or it has become too damaged to utilize.

You've changed your name since you've gotten divorced or married, or for some reason, and you also want a card.

You own a card, but it comprises a clerical error, such as a misspelling of a wrong birth date or your name, and you would like to have a card.

You've only given birth or adopted a child, and you also would like to find a card for these so that you may claim your child as a dependent on your tax return, open a bank account in your own name, and handle different activities which require your child to really have a Social Security number.

You're looking after an adult dependent, and also you want a Social Security card to them you can obtain federal benefits and manage financing.

How to Apply for a Card

If you're currently asking for a Social Security card for the first time, or for a big change in your card, you are going to need to apply the way. You choose them in person or must mail form SS-5 and your documents to your nearest Social Security office. You can't submit the form online -- while it's possible to get a replica of Form SS-5 online -- and fill it out in your desktop. It's really a scam , if you discover a website which says that it can do this to you personally.

But in case you simply require a replacement card, you can do that online once you have setup a"my Social Security account" on the Social Security Administration (SSA) web site. Such an account allows one to, among other things,"receive personalized quotes of prospective benefits dependent on your own real earnings, see your most recent Statement, and also examine your earnings history," based on the SSA website.

One caveat: This service is not yet available to residents of the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Vermont, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia, nor is it accessible U.S. lands, including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, along with even the What is the SS 5 form U.S. Virgin Islands. You're going to require a driver's permit or state-issued identification card from the District of Columbia or the participating countries.

Supporting Documents Wanted

You consistently need to submit documents to prove the applicant's age, identity, and citizenship status when trying to get a Social Security card for just about any purpose. This measure can become a hassle, as you might not have these records available, and the SSA will not accept photocopies, in the event you do. It is going to simply accept originals or copies certified by the agency that issued the document. It won't be good if you choose also an initial and a photocopy to your notary to acquire the photocopy notarized. The SSA is strict about its own requirements.

Getting Your First Card

Most American parents get a Social Security card for every baby, to be able to, among other activities, assert child as a dependent on their taxes, as noted above. Then you must simply take an excess step beyond submitting supporting documents and filling out form SS5 if you are 12 or older and have never experienced a Social Security card.

You will have to appear at your local Social Security office to get an interview personally. Comprise records demonstrating that you lived out of the USA long duration or, even your faculty records, in case you've not been out the united states long term.

Fixing Damaged, Lost, or Stolen Cards

You need a Social Security card when yours has been damaged, lost, or stolen. In these scenarios the Social Security Administration (SSA) limits one to three replacement cards per calendar year and 10 each day.

New Card for Immigration Status Change

If your immigration status has changed you might require a new card. The SSA issues three different types of Social Security cards, and also your ability to have work is limited by two of them. When you've shifted your status, then you may possibly require a fresh card until you can work or change jobs.

Replacements to Correct a Mistake

Getting a replacement Social Security card to correct a mistake is fundamentally the same as getting an alternative card for almost any other rationale. There's no place on form SS5 to indicate that a mistake correction is being requested by you involve a note with your application to make sure that the replacement card has been issued right.

Finding a Card to get a Dependent

Another common reason for applying for a Social Security card would be since you adopted a kid or simply gave birth. The SSA recommends getting your child a Social Security number at the hospital whenever submitting an application for a birth certificate, you can apply in fact.

If you are filling in an application for someone else you will need to prove your individuality as well as the individuality of the candidate. You have to prove that you're responsible for the individual, which may call for more documents related to. Otherwise, the application procedure is the same as if you were applying for your card.

Cautions On Your Personal Information

While there are organizations let you know personally and you are able to pay to complete a Social Security card application for you personally which documents to submit, the SSA will not advise taking that route. We don't recommend it because it is best to limit who gets your details that is sensitive. Should you complete the paperwork yourself what's more, it's absolutely completely free. That's right: There is no charge to get a Social Security card, even though it's your replacement card.