A Social Security number is required to claim your child as a dependent on your tax return, open a bank account, apply for health insurance, set up a 529 plan, and access many government services. The easiest way to obtain one is through the hospital at the time of birth registration.
14 steps across 2 sections
1. Method 1: Apply at the Hospital (Recommended)
- Complete birth registration paperwork — When filling out the birth certificate forms before hospital discharge, you will be asked whether you want to apply for a Social Security number for your baby.
- Select "yes" on the SSN application option.
- Provide both parents' Social Security numbers — Even if you do not know both, you can still apply.
- Hospital submits the application — The hospital sends the information to the SSA along with the birth registration.
- Receive the card by mail — The Social Security card will arrive at your mailing address in approximately 2-6 weeks, depending on your state's processing time.
2. Method 2: Apply in Person at an SSA Office
- If you did not apply at the hospital, visit your local SSA office.
- Complete Form SS-5 — Download and fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov before your visit.
- Gather required documents — You must provide at least two documents proving your baby's:
- Age (certified birth certificate)
- Identity (hospital birth record, doctor's record)
- U.S. citizenship (birth certificate)
- Bring your own ID — The applying parent needs valid government-issued photo identification.
- Submit in person — Applications for children under 12 must be submitted in person (not by mail).
- Receive the card — Processing takes approximately 2-4 weeks.
Common Mistakes
- Not applying at the hospital
- Providing incorrect parent SSNs
- Expecting instant delivery
- Losing the card
- Not applying at all
Pro Tips
- Apply at the hospital every time — there is no reason to skip this step
- Write down the tracking information or confirmation from the hospital so you ...
- If you need the SSN before the card arrives (for insurance enrollment), call ...
- Keep a secure digital backup (encrypted) of your child's SSN for reference
- If you are adopting, the process is different — you may apply for a new SSN f...
Sources
- Social Security Administration -- How to Get Your New Baby's Social Security Number
- SSA -- Social Security Numbers for Children (PDF)
- Nolo -- How to Get a Social Security Number for Your Child
- SSA -- How Long Does It Take to Get My Child's SSN
- ARAG Legal -- Getting a Social Security Number for Your Child