This article will review the required documents in order to get your New Social Security Card. We have separate articles for Social Security Card Replacement and Social Security Card Name Change.


The Social Security Administration only accept the following originals documents as proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. The primary documents accepted are:
  • U.S. driver's license and original U.S. Birth Certificate;
  • State-issued non-driver identification card and original U.S. Birth Certificate; or
  • U.S. passport only.
If you cannot send or don't have one of these documents, you can send one of the following secondary document below along with an original U.S. Birth Certificate.

Any documents submitted, including the following, must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph:
    • U.S. military dependent identification card for active duty member, retiree, national guard, or dependent
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
    • U.S. Indian Tribal Card
    • U.S. government employee identification card (Form OF-55, U.S. Government Identification, or other document issued by the employing agency)
    • Non-government employee identity card/badge card showing the applicant’s name and either a photograph or the applicant’s DOB
      • School identity card showing, the applicant’s name, DoB and a photograph of the applicant. 



  • Make sure to always send the ORIGINAL document(s) addressed to the Social Security Administration . The SSA will return the provided documents in a separate mail than your new Social Security Card at your home address (make sure to always use a valid address).