Source documents used for Social Security number applications typically include a valid birth certificate, U.S. passport, or immigration documents such as a permanent resident card. Proof of identity is also required and can be established with a state-issued driver's license or an official school identification card. These documents must verify the applicant's age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status.
Overview of Social Security Number Application Process
The Social Security Number (SSN) application process requires specific source documents to verify an applicant's identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. Commonly accepted documents include a birth certificate, passport, or immigration papers.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses these documents to ensure accurate record-keeping and prevent identity fraud. Applicants must present original or certified copies of these documents during the application process for verification purposes.
Importance of Source Documents for SSN Applications
| Source Document Type | Purpose | Examples | Importance for SSN Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proof of Age | Verify applicant's date of birth | Birth certificate, passport, hospital record | Establishes eligibility by confirming applicant's age |
| Proof of Identity | Confirm the applicant's identity | Driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, military ID | Prevents fraud by verifying the individual's real identity |
| Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Immigration Status | Confirm legal status in the U.S. | U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | Ensures applicant is legally authorized to obtain a Social Security Number |
| Proof of Name | Confirm applicant's legal name as on official records | Marriage certificate, court order for name change | Matches the name to official records, maintaining accurate Social Security Administration data |
| Additional Supporting Documents | Supplement verification process as needed | School ID, medical records for minors, adoption decree | Required when primary documents don't provide full verification, especially for children |
Primary Identification Requirements for SSN Requests
Primary source documents are essential for verifying identity when applying for a Social Security Number (SSN). These documents must prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status.
- U.S. Birth Certificate - Official record issued by the city, county, or state of birth confirming date and place of birth.
- U.S. Passport - Valid or expired passport serves as proof of U.S. citizenship and identity.
- Permanent Resident Card - Also known as a Green Card, it verifies lawful immigration status and identity.
All primary documents must be original or certified copies issued by the appropriate government authority.
Acceptable U.S. Citizenship Evidence
Acceptable U.S. citizenship evidence for Social Security Number applications includes U.S. birth certificates, U.S. passports, and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad. These documents verify your citizenship status and are required to process the application accurately.
U.S. birth certificates issued by the city, county, or state vital statistics office are the most common proof of citizenship. U.S. passports, whether current or expired but issued without limitation, also serve as valid evidence. Consular Reports of Birth Abroad confirm citizenship for individuals born outside the United States to U.S. citizen parents.
Documentation for Noncitizen Applicants
Noncitizen applicants must provide specific source documents when applying for a Social Security number to verify their identity and immigration status. Acceptable documents include a current U.S. immigration document such as Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card) or Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) with a valid foreign passport.
Evidence of work authorization, like Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document), is also required to complete the application process. Your documents must be original or certified copies issued by the relevant issuing agency for Social Security Administration verification.
Age Verification Documents for Social Security Applications
Age verification is a critical part of Social Security Number (SSN) applications to confirm the applicant's birth date. Proper documentation ensures the accuracy and validity of the information provided.
- Birth Certificate - The most common proof of age, accepted as an official record of birth date and place.
- Passport - A government-issued passport serves as a verified document for proving age and identity.
- State-Issued Driver's License - Often used as secondary evidence, it includes the applicant's date of birth and photo identification.
Name Change Documentation Guidelines
Source documents for Social Security number applications must include valid proof of identity and legal name. When a name change has occurred, applicants are required to submit official name change documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. These documents ensure that Social Security records accurately reflect the applicant's current legal name, facilitating proper identification and benefit processing.
Original Documents vs. Copies: Submission Protocols
Submitting source documents for a Social Security Number application requires strict adherence to guidelines regarding originals and copies. Understanding the submission protocols ensures your application is processed smoothly and without delay.
- Original Documents Required - The Social Security Administration mandates original documents or certified copies issued by the original agency to verify identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status.
- Copies Often Rejected - Photocopies or notarized copies of documents are generally not accepted, as they do not guarantee authenticity and can lead to application denial.
- Return of Original Documents - The SSA typically returns original documents after verification, but you must provide originals at the time of application to comply with submission protocols.
Special Situations: Identification for Minors and Dependents
Source documents for Social Security number applications involving minors and dependents typically include the child's birth certificate and a valid identification form of the parent or guardian. In special cases, hospital birth records or adoption decrees are accepted as proof of identity for minors without standard documentation. These documents ensure accurate verification of identity while protecting the minor's personal information during the application process.
Which Source Documents Are Used for Social Security Number Applications? Infographic
