How to Obtain a New Social Security Number

When your purse or wallet is stolen, it can be difficult to stop someone from stealing your identity. Your credit can be ruined, you can face legal problems and you may feel violated because your identification information has been compromised. Your Social Security Number (SSN) is a confidential, unique number assigned to you and is used to keep track of your credit and for other governmental purposes. If your SSN has been stolen, you can apply for a new SSN if the original one is being used unlawfully.

Things You'll Need

• Identification (driver's license, state-issued ID card, U.S. passport)
• Birth certificate
• Application

Instructions

How to Obtain a New Social Security Number

1. Go to http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf to fill out an application to apply for a new SSN. Read the instructions carefully. You cannot use pencil and you must use black or blue ink to fill out the application. You can only print to application out on 8.5" x 11" white paper if you live in the U.S. or 8.25" x 11.7" if you live outside of the U.S.

2. Provide at least two documents as proof of your age, U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status and proof of your identity. The documents must be original and not photocopies or notarized copies. The proof of identity can be a U.S. driver's license, non-driver identity card or a U.S.passport. Exceptions are made in some cases for using a military ID, employee ID card or naturalization certificate. Proof of U.S. citizenship documents can be a U.S. birth certificate or passport. You must also provide proof that your SSN is being misused unlawfully and you are facing difficulties because of this misuse.

3. Mail or take your application and identification documents to your local Social Security office. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov to find your local Social Security office. There is no fee for applying to obtain a new SSN.

4. Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local office if you have any questions. You can also go to www.socialsecurity.gov to read the frequently asked questions (FAQs).

5. Protect your SSN and identity. Don't carry your Social Security card with you; keep it in a safe place. Don't give out your SSN to anyone. According to the Social Security Administration, if someone asks for your SSN you should ask why your number is needed; how your number will be used; what happens if you refuse to give your number; and what law requires you to give your number.

Tips & Warnings

• When you change your social security number, you can't use your old number. You will have to contact your credit cards, banks, credit report companies, IRS, department of motor vehicles and any other company that uses your social security number to identify you. You can't get a new SSN if you are trying to avoid going bankrupt, trying to evade the law or legal obligations or because your social security number has been stolen but there is no proof anyone is using your SSN. According to the SSA, "Public Law 108-458 imposes limits on the number of replacement SSN cards you may receive at 3 per year and 10 in a lifetime." This does not count for name changes.

References

• Social Security Agency
• Application for a New SSN