What works instead of a Social Security card?

Instead of a Social Security card, you can use other documents to prove your SSN or identity, like pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns, birth certificates, passports, or permanent resident cards, depending on the situation (job, driver's license, benefits). For most purposes, knowing your number is enough, but specific forms and official IDs (like a passport or driver's license) serve as alternatives for employment (Form I-9) or state IDs.

What can I use besides a Social Security card?

You can use other documents like a U.S. Passport, driver's license, birth certificate, military ID, or state-issued ID to prove your identity and SSN for many things, but for getting a replacement SSN card, you need proof of identity (like a passport/DL) and citizenship/immigration status (like a birth certificate/green card). For employment, a pay stub with your full SSN or a W-2 can sometimes substitute for showing the physical card. 

What documents can replace a Social Security card?

When you request a replacement or a corrected Social Security card, you must show us proof of your identity, immigration status and work authorization. In addition, if you need to change or correct any information on your Social Security card, you need to show us certain documents about the change.

What can be used instead of a SSN?

SSN alternatives depend on your situation: for taxes if ineligible for an SSN, use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number); for general identity/login with government sites (like ID.me), a passport or ITIN works; and for specific professional exams, an AIN (Alternate Identification Number) may be issued, but the primary SSN alternative for most non-citizens needing official ID/work is the ITIN. Avoid "CPNs" (Credit Privacy Numbers) as they are scams. 

What can I do if I don't have a Social Security card?

For assistance call us at 1-800-772-1213 or visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov. To apply for an original card, you must provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current lawful, work-authorized immigration status.

Your Social Security Card is Insecure

How can I prove my identity without a Social Security card?

Verify my identity

1. U.S. Driver's license, state ID, or passport book.
2. Social Security number.
3. U.S. phone number or mailing address.

What is the quickest way to replace a lost Social Security card?

The fastest way to get a replacement Social Security card is to apply online through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov if you meet eligibility criteria (US citizen, 18+, U.S. address, state ID). If you can't apply online, visit a local SSA office in person with required documents for potentially quicker processing than mail, though it's not same-day; expect 7-10 business days after processing for the card to arrive by mail. 

How to work without an SSN?

Yes, you can often start working before getting your Social Security Number (SSN) if you are legally authorized to work in the U.S. (like having an Employment Authorization Document/EAD or work visa), but you must apply for the SSN immediately and provide it to your employer once received, as the IRS requires it for wage reporting; you can't work permanently without one, and using an ITIN isn't for employment.
 

How to get a substitute Social Security card?

To get a new Social Security card, apply for free online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you're a U.S. citizen with a driver's license from a participating state and need no changes; otherwise, you'll need to apply in person or by mail, starting online to save time, by gathering documents like proof of identity (driver's license/passport) and citizenship (birth certificate), and potentially making an appointment at a Social Security Administration (SSA) office. 

What is proof of identity for replacement?

Many require you to show an official document, like your birth certificate. This proves your identity or citizenship. Contact your state motor vehicle agency for a replacement license or state ID card. Visit the Social Security Administration website to replace your card online, by mail, or in person.

What happens if I lose my original Social Security card?

If you lost your Social Security card, you need to apply for a free replacement through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, by mail, or in person at an SSA office, gathering documents like your driver's license or passport to prove your identity, U.S. citizenship, and address; you can often apply online if you're a citizen over 18 with a U.S. address and a state-issued ID, but if not, you'll fill out Form SS-5 and submit it with originals or certified copies of your documents.
 

How much does a replacement SS card cost?

Social Security card replacements are free. To change vital information on your Social Security card, such as your name, go through the card replacement process. Depending on your situation, you may be able to request a replacement online or in person.

What card can I get without a Social Security number?

The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card is friendly to students and newcomers to the U.S. It skips the Social Security number and credit check requirement. Instead, you can use an ITIN or your passport information to qualify.

What forms of ID are acceptable?

Name documents:

• passport.
• driving licence.
• biometric residence card.
• national identity card.
• travel document.
• birth or adoption certificate or certificate of registry of birth.

Is a temporary paper ID valid?

No. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. Here is a list of all acceptable IDs: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

What is the most powerful valid ID?

A Philippine Passport is one of the most recognized and most powerful IDs in the country. More than just a ticket to international travel, it is also used as a valid identification for various transactions such as job applications, bank, and other government transactions.

How to get ss card without ID?

Authorized Birth Certificate — Without a primary ID document, your birth certificate will be the most important document you submit.

Which type of ID is acceptable without containing?

For situations like age verification (e.g., alcohol service), a U.S. Military ID without a physical description or sometimes a university/government ID can be acceptable, while standard driver's licenses and passports do typically include descriptions, though the rules vary by context (e.g., TSA vs. Bartender). The key is that some official IDs, like certain military or government-issued ones, focus on other identifiers (photo, ID number) rather than height/eye color, making them valid even without those specifics. 

What can I use if I don't have a SSN?

If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) you may use an alternative method to verify your identity.

• Verifying with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)
• Verifying your identity with a passport or passport card.
• Verifying with a non-U.S. Passport. Exit Image.

Can I work without my SS card?

The social security administration allows for the onboarding of an employee without a SSN, as long as that person is otherwise authorized to work. For example, the person has a valid employment authorization document or a work visa.

What can I use instead of a Social Security card for employment?

Instead of a Social Security card for employment, you use documents proving your identity AND work authorization for the I-9 form, like a U.S. Passport, Permanent Resident Card, or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (List A docs), or you can combine a state driver's license/ID (List B) with a birth certificate or other work-eligible document (List C) to show you can work in the U.S. 

How can I get a copy of my Social Security asap?

To get your Social Security card ASAP, apply online via your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount if you're a U.S. citizen (18+) with a valid state ID, as this is fastest (7-10 days). If you can't apply online, schedule an in-person appointment at a local Social Security office or Card Center for potentially faster service than mail, bringing your completed Form SS-5 and required ID documents (driver's license, passport, birth certificate). You won't get the physical card instantly, but can often get proof of your number quickly. 

Can you get an SS card the same day?

No, you cannot get a Social Security card the same day; the Social Security Administration (SSA) mails them out, typically arriving in 7-14 business days after processing, though mail-in applications or document verification can take longer (2-4 weeks). While you can apply online or in person, the card itself is always mailed after your identity and documents are verified, but you might get a receipt for immediate use. 

What do I do if I lose a Social Security card?

Call us. Available in most U.S. time zones Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., in English, Spanish, and other languages. Tell the representative you want to request a replacement Social Security card. Call TTY +1 800-325-0778 if you're deaf or hard of hearing.