Prepare SS-5 – Application for a Social Security Card

Who this page is for

This page helps people prepare information for the official Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, before submitting it to the Social Security Administration. It is designed for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain noncitizens who need an original Social Security number card, a replacement card, or a correction to information on their record. Parents and guardians who are applying for a Social Security card on behalf of a child may also find this page helpful as a browser-based way to review the official SSA form requirements without creating an account here.

What is Form SS-5?

Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, is a Social Security Administration form used to apply for an original Social Security number card, request a replacement card, or change or correct certain information on your Social Security record. SSA uses the questions on Form SS-5 to collect basic identifying information, such as name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship or immigration status, and parent details, along with your signature or the signature of a proper applicant. The form works together with evidence documents that prove your age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or lawful status.

Used to apply for an original, replacement, or corrected Social Security card.

SSA uses the information from Form SS-5 to create or update your Social Security number record and to issue a Social Security card that matches the record. In many cases, SSA requires original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency to be presented with the application, and those documents are returned after processing. Form SS-5 is not an application for monthly Social Security benefits; it focuses on your number and card rather than retirement, disability, or survivor payments.

On this page you prepare for the official SSA Form SS-5 (Rev. 2024) in a browser-friendly way and then download the completed official PDF from SSA to print, sign, and submit according to the instructions from SSA or your local Social Security office.

Example situations where someone may use Form SS-5

People complete Form SS-5 in many everyday situations related to identification, work, and official records. Examples include:

• Applying for an original Social Security number for a newborn or young child so that their earnings and records can be tracked correctly over time.
• Requesting a replacement Social Security card after a card has been lost, stolen, or damaged, when a physical card is needed for employment or another purpose.
• Correcting or updating information on the Social Security record, such as a legal name change or a corrected date of birth, when SSA requires Form SS-5 and supporting documents.
• Noncitizens with work authorization applying for a Social Security number card needed for employment, tax reporting, or other official uses under SSA rules.

These examples are illustrative and based on general SSA processes. They do not replace the official instructions for Form SS-5 or any guidance you receive from the Social Security Administration or another agency.

How to fill Form SS-5

The official SSA instructions for Form SS-5 explain the exact structure of the form and how each part should be completed. While this page does not display the form line-by-line, the outline below shows the kinds of sections you typically see on the current revision. You can use this overview to organize your information before you start filling out the official SSA PDF or any other approved application method.

1. Basic identity details. Form SS-5 begins by asking for your full name to be shown on the card, other names used, date of birth, place of birth, and other basic identifying information. SSA uses these details to match your record and to print the Social Security card correctly.
2. Citizenship or immigration status. The application includes a section where you indicate whether you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or fall into another category recognized by SSA. The status you select affects what evidence documents you must provide with your application.
3. Parent and record information. SSA asks for information about your parents, such as names and Social Security numbers (if known), which helps the agency verify your identity and prevent duplicate records. This section may also help SSA link your record to existing family records when appropriate.
4. Reason for applying. You are asked whether you are requesting an original card, replacement card, or a correction to your record. Indicating the correct reason helps SSA apply the right rules, including limits on replacement cards and special instructions for corrections or name changes.
5. Contact details and signature. Form SS-5 collects mailing address and contact information so SSA can return documents and mail the card. The form must be signed by you or, when appropriate, by a parent, guardian, or other proper applicant as defined by SSA regulations.

After you review the SSA instructions and gather your information and documents, download the official Form SS-5, fill it out according to the instructions, sign where required, and follow SSA guidance on how and where to submit your application and original or certified documents.

Common mistakes on Form SS-5

• Leaving important identification fields blank or entering a nickname instead of the full legal name shown on your official documents.
• Providing dates of birth or parent information that do not match the birth certificate, immigration records, or other documents that SSA reviews with the application.
• Selecting the wrong citizenship or immigration status option for your situation, which can delay processing while SSA resolves the discrepancy.
• Forgetting to sign the form or having the wrong person sign when a parent, guardian, or other proper applicant is required under SSA rules.
• Sending photocopies or notarized copies that are not certified by the issuing agency, even though SSA generally asks for originals or agency-certified copies.
• Not including enough evidence to prove age, identity, or citizenship when SSA requires these documents with Form SS-5.
• Using outdated instructions or assuming that rules are the same for all applicants, instead of checking the current SSA guidance for your specific situation.
• Mailing original documents without confirming the correct mailing address and current procedures for your local Social Security office.

When Form SS-5 is usually not used

Form SS-5 is used widely, but there are situations where other processes or forms are typically involved instead:

• Applying for Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits generally uses different benefit application forms or online tools, not Form SS-5.
• Some parents request a Social Security number for a newborn directly through the hospital at birth, so a separate Form SS-5 may not be required if that process is completed successfully.
• Some noncitizens obtain a Social Security number through coordinated processes with other agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, without filing a separate Form SS-5 right away.
• People who already know their Social Security number and do not need a physical card for a specific purpose may not need to file Form SS-5 just to get another card.

These are broad distinctions based on Social Security Administration practices. This information is not legal or benefits advice, and official SSA guidance will indicate which form or process is appropriate for a particular situation.

Where to find the official SSA guidance for Form SS-5

The Social Security Administration publishes official information about how to apply for a Social Security number card and what documents you need on SSA.gov. This includes guidance on original cards, replacement cards, and corrections, as well as detailed lists of acceptable evidence. You can read more on the SSA page explaining documents needed for Form SS-5. This page is only a helper for understanding the form and does not replace the official SSA instructions or any guidance you receive directly from Social Security.

You can also search for “Form SS-5” or “application for a Social Security card” on the Social Security Administration website to verify that you are viewing the most recent information and procedures before you submit your completed application.

Where to get a blank or replacement Form SS-5

If you need a blank Form SS-5, you can download the current blank SSA Form SS-5 PDF directly from the Social Security Administration. This page helps you understand that official SSA PDF so it is ready for printing, signing, and submitting as directed by SSA. Local Social Security offices and certain community organizations may also provide paper copies of Form SS-5 upon request.

If you lose a card and need a replacement, SSA guidance explains whether you can use an online replacement card service or must complete a paper Form SS-5 with documents. Keeping a note of which documents you used can sometimes make it easier to respond if SSA requests additional information later.

Glossary of key terms on Form SS-5

Social Security number (SSN)

A Social Security number is a unique number assigned by the Social Security Administration that is used to track your earnings and determine eligibility for certain benefits. It appears on your Social Security card and is requested in many financial, employment, and government processes in the United States.

Social Security card

A Social Security card is the physical card issued by the Social Security Administration that shows your name and Social Security number. The card itself is an important identity document, and Form SS-5 is the application used to request an original card, replacement card, or corrected card.

Evidence documents

Evidence documents are the original records or agency-certified copies that SSA requires you to present with Form SS-5. They may include birth certificates, passports, immigration documents, or identity cards that prove your age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status. SSA generally does not accept simple photocopies or notarized copies that are not certified by the issuing agency.

Replacement Social Security card limits

U.S. law limits how many replacement Social Security cards a person can receive in certain time periods, not counting originals or replacements issued for valid changes such as name changes. The official SSA guidance explains how these limits work and when exceptions may apply, such as for legal name changes or changes to certain notations on the card.

Security best practices when sharing a completed Form SS-5 or your documents

Form SS-5 and the supporting evidence documents you submit contain sensitive personal information, so the way you share them with the Social Security Administration deserves careful attention. SSA often asks for original documents or certified copies, which should be protected from loss or misuse while in transit. Treat these materials with the same care you give to passports, birth certificates, and other important records.

• Follow the mailing or in-person delivery instructions provided by your local Social Security office or on SSA.gov, including any guidance about tracking or return of original documents.
• Avoid emailing scans of identity documents unless SSA or another official agency has provided a secure, approved method for submitting them electronically.
• Keep copies or a record of the documents you submit, when possible, so you can answer questions if SSA needs clarification while processing your application.
• Be cautious of third-party services that request your Social Security number or copies of your identification without clearly explaining how they store and protect your data.

These are general security considerations. Always follow the specific instructions given by the Social Security Administration and use the contact information on SSA.gov if you have questions about how to submit Form SS-5 or your documents safely.

Common questions people also ask about Form SS-5

• Can I track the status of my Form SS-5 application? Some people contact their local Social Security office or call SSA's national number to check on the status of an application. Processing times vary, so SSA generally encourages applicants to allow enough time for review and mailing before assuming something has gone wrong.
• Do I need to change my Social Security card when I change my name? Many people submit Form SS-5 after a legal name change, such as marriage or divorce, so that their Social Security record and card reflect the new name. The official SSA instructions explain what documents are required and how a corrected card is issued.
• Can I use Form SS-5 if I live outside the United States? SSA provides information for people who live abroad and need to apply for a Social Security number card or replacement card. In many cases, they must work with a U.S. embassy, consulate, or Federal Benefits Unit, and Form SS-5 may still be part of that process depending on local procedures.

FAQ about Form SS-5

Important disclaimer

This site is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. It provides a private tool that helps you understand the official SSA Form SS-5 PDF and related guidance. The information on this page is general and does not replace the official SSA instructions or professional advice. Always review your completed application and follow the instructions from the Social Security Administration or any other agency involved in your case.