The required source document for requesting a Social Security Number is proof of identity, age, and citizenship or lawful immigration status. Commonly accepted documents include a U.S. birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, or a permanent resident card. These documents verify the applicant's eligibility and ensure accurate issuance of the Social Security Number.
Overview of Social Security Number Applications
| Overview of Social Security Number Applications |
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| A Social Security Number (SSN) application requires submission of specific source documents to verify identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or immigration status. The most critical document is a valid birth certificate issued by the U.S. state or territory. If a birth certificate is unavailable, secondary documents such as U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization may be required. |
| Primary Required Source Documents |
| Original or certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate |
| U.S. Passport (current or expired, issued within previous 10 years) |
| Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) |
| Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship |
| Additional Identification Documents |
| State-issued driver's license or identification card |
| School identification cards for minors |
| Employee identification card or U.S. military identification |
| Purpose of Required Source Documents |
| Confirm legal identity and date of birth of the applicant |
| Establish U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status |
| Prevent identity fraud and protect the integrity of the Social Security Number system |
Importance of Proper Identification
What is the required source document for requesting a Social Security Number? The primary document needed is proof of identity, such as a valid U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate. Proper identification ensures your application is processed accurately and securely.
Primary Documents for SSN Applications
The required source document for requesting a Social Security Number is a primary identification document proving your age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status. Common examples include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or a permanent resident card. These primary documents must be original or certified copies issued by the appropriate government authority to be accepted for SSN applications.
Acceptable Proof of Age Documents
When requesting a Social Security Number, acceptable proof of age documents are essential to verify identity and eligibility. These documents confirm the applicant's date of birth and support the Social Security Administration's requirements.
Common acceptable proof of age documents include a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or state-issued birth registration card. Other valid documents may include a religious record made before age 5 showing the date of birth or a U.S. hospital birth record.
Citizenship and Immigration Status Documentation
The required source document for requesting a Social Security Number (SSN) verifies an individual's identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. Proof of citizenship or immigration status is essential to ensure eligibility for an SSN.
U.S. citizens generally provide a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport as primary proof of citizenship. Non-citizens must present documents such as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, or a valid foreign passport with an immigration status indicating lawful presence. These documents confirm legal permission to work or reside in the United States, fulfilling Social Security Administration requirements.
Required Name Change Evidence
The required source document for requesting a Social Security Number following a name change must provide valid evidence of the legal name change. This documentation ensures that the Social Security Administration updates records accurately and prevents identity discrepancies.
Acceptable evidence includes a court order for the name change, a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree indicating the new name. These official documents verify the name change and support the Social Security Number application process.
Acceptable Secondary Identity Documents
Acceptable secondary identity documents for requesting a Social Security Number include U.S. state-issued driver's licenses or identification cards, U.S. passports, and employee identification cards. These documents must be current and show the applicant's name, identifying information, and preferably a photograph. Secondary documents serve as supplementary proof when a primary document is unavailable or insufficient for verifying identity.
Special Requirements for Minors
Requesting a Social Security Number (SSN) for minors requires specific source documents to verify identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. These documents ensure the SSN issuance complies with legal requirements and protects the child's identity.
- Proof of Age - A birth certificate or hospital birth record is required to establish the minor's date of birth.
- Proof of Identity - The minor's passport, state-issued identification card, or school ID validates the child's identity.
- Proof of Citizenship or Immigration Status - U.S. birth certificate or valid immigration documents such as a Permanent Resident Card confirm eligibility for an SSN.
Parents or guardians must present valid identification when applying on behalf of a minor to satisfy all Social Security Administration requirements.
Common Errors to Avoid with Source Documents
The required source document for requesting a Social Security Number (SSN) must be an original or certified copy that proves identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status. Accurate and clear documentation ensures the Social Security Administration (SSA) can process the application without delays.
- Using photocopies instead of original documents - Photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted and will result in application rejection.
- Submitting expired identification documents - Expired passports or driver's licenses are invalid and cause processing delays.
- Providing inconsistent personal information - Discrepancies in names or dates of birth between documents lead to verification issues.
What Is the Required Source Document for Requesting a Social Security Number? Infographic
