How to Verify My SSN

Verify your SSN.

When you are about to fill out tax documents and are not sure whether you have your correct SSN (Social Security Number), you may decide to double check that you are using the correct series of nine digits. Your SSN is the unique series of numbers assigned to you by the Social Security Administration that identifies you for tax purposes and for Social Security. You can verify your SSN by mail or by visiting your local Social Security Administration office.

Things You'll Need

• State-issued photo identification card

Instructions

By mail

1. Check your personal files to determine whether you have a copy of your Social Security card. This is the card issued by the Social Security Administration that lists your name and your SSN.

2. Apply for a replacement SSN card by clicking on the link in the Resources section for the Social Security card application, if you cannot locate your SSN card. Click on the link for S-5, fill out the application by typing your name, birth date and other personal informtion and print the application. Sign the bottom of the document.

3. Photocopy your driver's license, passport, military card, certificate of naturalization or employee identification card.

4. Insert the application and the photocopy of your proof of identification in a stamped envelope. Address the envelope to your local Social Security Administration office. If you do not have the address handy, you may use the locator tool in the Resources section and type in your zip code to find the address of your closest office.

5. Receive your replacement SSN card in the mail withint two weeks. Look at the SSN printed on the card and verify that you are using the correct number.

At Office

1. Visit your local Social Security Administration office. If you do not know where the office closest to you is located, click on the link in the Resources section for the office locator search tool, enter your zip code and click Submit.

2. Fill out an application for a replacement Social Security card by speaking to a Social Security Administration representative who hands you the application form. Write information like your name, birth date, mother's name and birth date and your address. Sign the bottom of the form and hand the form back to the representative.

3. Hand your driver's license to the representative. If you do not have a driver's license, you may also hand the representative another state-issued photo identification card, a passport, a military card, a certificate of naturalization or an employee identification card.

4. Accept a temporary form that acts as proof of your SSN from the representative. Look at the SSN printed on the document. Verify that you are using the correct number. A replacement SSN card will be mailed to you within two weeks.

References

• Social Security Administration: Get a New or Replacement Card

Resources

• Social Security Administration: Application for a Social Security Card
• Social Security Administration: Local Office Search