Social Security numbers have become one of the main pieces of identification used in the United States. The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages the issuance and governance of these numbers. You might need to know your SSN many times, such as starting a new job, applying for a loan, or applying for Social Security benefits.
Sometimes, you must also present your Social Security card, but often, simply knowing your number is enough. So, what happens if you forget your number and cannot access your card? You are probably scratching your head and wondering, “What is my Social Security number?”
There are some ways to find your Social Security number and even get a replacement card, but you will have to go through the proper steps to verify your identity. If you find yourself needing your SSN but cannot find it, keep reading to learn how to find your Social Security number.
Finding Your Social Security Number (SSN)
If you think, “What is my SSN?” one of the easiest ways to find it is by looking at existing documentation you may already have. Believe it or not, your Social Security number is listed on many documents you might already have.
It is a nine-digit number that usually contains two hyphens. First, try to locate your Social Security card. Your number will be displayed there. If you cannot find your card, there is still hope.
Documents with your Social
You can still try some of these other documents that will likely have your number.
- Tax Return: Look for some of your old tax returns. Your number is typically listed on the first page of your tax return.
- W-2: You can also check your W-2 from your employer and maybe even your bank statements.
Both of these documents are standard places to find your SSN. If you are still having no luck, check your driver’s license. While most states no longer display your SSN on your license, it is worth a look.
If you have an immigrant visa, your USCIS Forms are the next place to look. SSNs are usually on your visa paperwork, so you can often find your number there. If you cannot find your number anywhere, you’ll need to contact the SSA to get a replacement Social Security card.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Your SSN is on your Social Security card. If you’ve lost or misplaced your card, you may find your number on a tax return or W-2.
- You can request a replacement Social Security card online if you have a my Social Security account. Otherwise, you’ll need to visit a local SSA office.
- There are lots of scams trying to steal your SSN. It is essential to take steps to protect your SSN from thieves.
Replacing A Lost Social Security Card
Replacing a lost Social Security card is not difficult, although you will need the proper documentation. You are in a great position if you have registered online for a My Social Security account. In most states, you can request a replacement card using the online service through the Social Security Administration website. You can use your account there to order the replacement card if you do not request changes like a name change. However, if you do not already have an account, you will likely be unable to go that route since you must know your SSN to create the account.
Local SSA Office
Without a my Social Security account, you will need to head down to your local Social Security office. Be prepared to bring documents proving your identity, such as a driver’s license, U.S. Passport, or state-issued ID card.
If you do not have these documents, the SSA might accept other documents like a health insurance card, school identification card, or U.S. military ID or identification number. You should note that a birth certificate will not prove your ID. It proves your date of birth and age when obtaining a card for the first time, but it does not establish identity.
Note: You will always have to provide original documents. Photocopies or even notarized copies are not valid for proving your identity.
Your local SSA office should be able to give you a receipt that acts as a temporary Social Security card. It should list your Social Security number and prove that you have requested a new card. While this will not act as an official card, some businesses will accept it instead of your official card while you wait for the replacement.
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What Can Someone Do With Your Social Security Number?
You might be wondering, “What can someone do with my Social Security number?” The answer is that they can do a lot, and none of it is good. An identity thief who has access to your SSN can quickly cause lots of damage to your credit score and financial situation. The thief can obtain loans and credit cards in your name, file fraudulent tax returns, and even access your bank accounts and withdraw your money. Having access to your SSN allows for easy identity theft because it becomes easy for the thief to impersonate you at financial institutions.
The ease of fraud makes Social Security numbers extremely valuable to a thief. This is one reason why there are so many scams out there that attempt to gain access to your SSN. Several government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and others investigate these scams and attempt to stop them as quickly as possible.
TIP
Your Social Security card is an essential document that you should keep safe. Although you may occasionally need to show it to people, you shouldn’t always carry it around with you.
How To Protect Your SSN
Since a lost or stolen SSN number can damage your finances, you should always do everything possible to protect it. First, keep your Social Security card in a safe place and only carry it with you when absolutely necessary. Please do not keep it in your wallet; carrying it all the time increases the odds of losing it. Also, be mindful of phishing scams so you do not inadvertently give your information to a thief.
Keep a close eye on your credit report. You should take immediate action if you notice anything suspicious or see accounts listed that you did not open. Place a fraud alert with the Experian, Equifax, and Transunion credit bureaus. You might even consider a freeze on your SSN so that no one can access your credit file. Depending on the severity of the situation, you might consider seeking legal advice on handling the situation.
The Bottom Line
It is common for people to forget their Social Security number, but they should know how to find it when needed. The most accessible place to look is your Social Security card, although there are other places to find it if you lose your card.
In that case, you will still need to go ahead and request a replacement card with your local SSA office or through the SSA website. Always take every possible precaution to protect your SSN from an identity thief. If your number has been compromised, you should act immediately to prevent further harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will need a my Social Security account to access your SSN online. If you have not already signed up for an account, you will not be able to get one until you find your number using another method. Knowing your SSN is required to sign up for an account, but once you have the account, you can access it using your username and password.
You probably cannot find your child’s number anywhere online. If you have claimed them as dependents on your previous tax returns, you can see their SSNs there. If not, then you will need to contact the Social Security Administration so that they can advise you on the proper steps for requesting a replacement card for your child.
If you cannot remember your Social Security number, the first thing you might be wondering about is how to find it. The quickest thing to do is find your Social Security card so that you can read your number.
If you have misplaced or lost your card, you should check your tax returns, W-2s, or bank statements to locate your number. These documents will often contain your number. If you still cannot find it, you can head to your local SSA office to request a replacement card and access your number.
You can find a Social Security Administration office near you by using our SSA office locator and searching for your closest location.
