How Do I Get My Newborn’s Social Security Card? 4 Ways to Apply

Applying for a newborn’s Social Security number is easiest at birth, when you register the baby’s birth in the hospital.

Most hospitals provide a birth-registration form with a checkbox asking if you want an SSN for the baby.

If you check yes, the state vital records office will forward the baby’s information to the SSA, which then assigns an SSN and mails the Social Security card to you.

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How Do I Get My Newborn’s Social Security Card?

The easiest method is to apply while still in the hospital after the birth.

When you fill out the birth registration form, simply check the box requesting an SSN for your baby.

You’ll be asked to provide both parents’ SSNs on that form, but don’t worry if one parent doesn’t have an SSN yet; you can still apply.

The hospital/state will send the information to the SSA electronically, and the SSA will assign an SSN and mail the card to your address.

If you do not apply at the hospital, you must apply through the SSA directly.

You can start the process online, then finish in person, or you can skip online and simply take Form SS-5 to an SSA office.

Get Your Baby’s SSN at the Hospital

After a baby is born in a hospital, hospital staff will ask the parents to fill out a birth registration form for the state.

• Complete the birth registration form: Hospital staff will collect the information needed to register your baby’s birth.
• Request a Social Security number: When completing the birth registration paperwork, you’ll be asked whether you want to apply for an SSN for your baby. Choose Yes if you want to apply through the hospital.
• Provide the parents’ SSNs: You’ll generally be asked for the Social Security numbers of both parents. If you cannot provide one or both, you can still apply for your baby’s SSN.
• Sign the birth registration form: Your signature and your request for an SSN on the birth registration form serve as the application.
• The state sends the information to SSA: The hospital sends the birth information to the state vital statistics office, which electronically sends the information to the Social Security Administration. SSA then assigns the SSN and issues the card.

What If You Didn’t Apply at the Hospital?

If you skipped the hospital or your baby wasn’t born in a hospital- say, a home birth, unplanned, etc.- you have three main alternatives:

Eligibility:

• Any U.S. citizen child is eligible.
• Even non-citizen children can get an SSN, but they need to prove lawful immigration status – this is covered on Form SS-5.
• There’s no minimum age; newborns can get SSNs.

What Documents Do You Need?

SSA requires original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency.

No uncertified photocopies or notarized copies.

You must provide at least two separate documents:

• Typically one proving the child’s age and citizenship, and
• One proving identity.

How Long Does a Newborn Social Security Card Take?

Timelines:

After applying, SSA processing times vary by state.

The SSA publishes state-by-state averages, but most are 1–4 weeks after receiving the application, plus about 2 weeks to mail the card.

So count typically 4–6 weeks total for the card to arrive if all paperwork is in order. If you apply later, it may take longer because SSA must verify the birth record.

After about 4–6 weeks, if you still haven’t received the card, call SSA or visit the local office.

What If The Card Doesn’t Arrive (or is Lost)?

If the card hasn’t arrived after 6–8 weeks, your first step is to contact SSA.

Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA field office and explain the situation.

They can check whether the SSN was issued and whether a card was mailed. Sometimes delays happen if there was a problem with the birth certificate or the mailing address.

Replacing a missing/lost card

If the card was lost, you must reapply for a replacement.

Use Form SS-5 again, check the box for “replacement card”, and submit it with one proof-of-identity document.

For a replacement, you only need one ID, e.g., a driver’s license or passport.

The SSA can then issue a new card.

Note: It limits replacements to 3 per year and 10 in a lifetime, but this limit does not count cards issued solely for a legal name change. The SSA advises keeping the card in a safe place and not carrying it routinely.

Why Does Your Baby Need a Social Security Number?

While it is technically voluntary to obtain an SSN for a child, it is strongly recommended.

An SSN is required for virtually all official financial and governmental purposes involving the child.

Without an SSN, you cannot:

• Claim the child as a dependent on your tax return.
• Open a bank account or buy U.S. savings bonds in the child’s name.
• Enroll the child in Medicaid/CHIP or add them to health insurance.
• Register the child for daycare/school
• Apply for government benefits or services such as welfare, Social Security benefits, etc.
• An SSN is also needed for security/background checks if the child later obtains a job.

References:

• https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10023.pdf
• https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-01969.html