How to Obtain My Social Security Number

Every United States citizen, naturalized foreigner or non-citizen employee gets a Social Security card with their own unique number. If that card or number goes missing, it's simple to obtain the information once more. However, the Social Security Administration will not issue the number over the phone or by mouth. There are also other documents that may have your Social Security number. Follow these instructions to get back on track with this important information.

Things You'll Need

• Identification documents, such as a passport, birth certificate and driver's license (if a replacement card is needed)

Instructions

1. Locate old tax filings, such as 1040 forms and check the personal information at the top. The Internal Revenue Service requires that U.S. citizens use their Social Security numbers when completing their tax forms every year.

2. Check any saved W-2 or 1099 income forms. Employers may use the nine-digit Social Security number as an identifier for their own records, and many transfer this information onto form blanks.

3. Your parents or guardians may have a record of your Social Security number. Many times, parents have children's information scribbled on old papers or tucked away in safety deposit boxes.

4. Ask your employer to dig out the applications or contracts pertaining to your hiring. Remember that new hires always have to supply Social Security information when signing a job contact or filling out an application.

5. If all else fails, apply for a new Social Security card. A copy can be obtained the same day, and an official card is mailed out shortly thereafter.
   U.S. citizens should bring a birth certificate and proof of identity, such as a driver's license or passport, when applying for a card.
   Non-citizens need to bring Form I-94, the Arrival/Departure Record and a passport. Other options for identification are listed on the Social Security website (see link in Resources).

Resources

• Social Security Administration: Documents Needed for a Social Security Card
• Social Security Administration: How Do I Replace a Lost Social Security Card?