When you travel internationally, you must present your passport when arriving in and departing from other countries. Even though you may have used your passport recently, have you closely examined your U.S. passport to see what information is included there? You likely already know that your name and photo are on your passport, but what other information is there? Some people wonder whether their Social Security number (SSN) is on their passport since an SSN is needed to obtain a passport. Keep reading as we answer the question, “Does your passport have your SSN on it?” We will also give you all the details you need to know about obtaining a passport without a Social Security number.
Is Your Social Security Number On Your Passport?
No, your Social Security number is not displayed on your U.S. passport. You will not find your SSN on your passport book or your passport card. If you notice your SSN on your passport, then there is a mistake. You will need to contact the U.S. Department of State to have the error corrected. So, what information is included in your passport?
In your passport, you will find many pieces of identifying information. These items include your full legal name, passport book number, a color photo, date of birth, place of birth, passport issue date, passport expiration date, and your signature. Passports can be used as both proof of identity and proof of your U.S. citizenship. Unlike on your driver’s license, your home address is not usually displayed directly on your passport. However, passport books include a place to write your home address. This will allow the passport to be easily returned to you in case it is lost.
As you can tell, your passport contains many pieces of sensitive information. It is vital that you keep your passport safe so that your information does not end up in the wrong hands.
SSN Requirements For A Passport Application
If your SSN is not on your passport, do you even need a Social Security number to obtain a passport? The answer is yes! Your SSN will be required on your passport application, and there are a few reasons for this. First, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses social security numbers as one of the main methods of identification for U.S. citizens. Although it is not necessary to include your Social Security card with your passport application, providing your SSN helps the Department of State ascertain and verify your identity and citizenship status.
Next, your SSN allows the Department of State to easily perform a background check or determine whether you are behind on child support. Certain felony convictions can prevent you from obtaining a passport, and being late with child support payments will also prevent a passport from being issued. Your SSN can be easily used to validate these things during the passport application process.
So, what happens if you don’t have a Social Security number? Most U.S. citizens have a Social Security number, although there are a few citizens out there without one. It is still possible to obtain a passport without an SSN, and we will discuss how to do that in the next section.
How To Obtain A Passport Without A Social Security Number
If you don’t have a Social Security number, there is a way to still get a passport. However, the process will be more cumbersome and will take longer. Depending on how quickly you need the passport, it might be worth visiting your local Social Security office first to complete an application for a new Social Security card. Not only is your SSN used for a passport application, but it is also needed in many other places. You will need a Social Security number to open a bank account, apply for a credit card, file tax returns with the IRS, apply for Social Security benefits, or conduct business with many government agencies. Therefore, it makes sense to go ahead and get one.
However, if you can’t wait that long, you can still complete a passport application without a Social Security number. You will just need some extra documentation. When you apply for a passport, you will need to apply in person and complete Form DS-11. This application requires you to submit both proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of your identity. Typically, a U.S. birth certificate and a driver’s license will satisfy these two requirements. A certificate of naturalization will also work to prove your citizenship status. Original documents are required when you submit your application, and photocopies will not work.
In addition, those without a Social Security number will need to submit a sworn statement that they have never been issued a Social Security number. This statement will need to be included with the application form. Remember that non-citizens are not eligible for a U.S. passport, so this situation only applies to U.S. citizens without a Social Security number. Since eligibility to obtain a passport is limited to citizens, a work permit or other immigration documents showing your immigration status would be of no use.
Where To Find Your SSN
The easiest place to find your SSN is on your Social Security card. You should always keep your Social Security card in a safe place and access it only when needed. Ideally, you should memorize your SSN so that you know it when necessary. The Social Security number found on your Social Security card will be your identification number for life. The Social Security Administration does not change your social security number, except in a few limited cases when severe identity theft occurs.
If you lost your SSN card and can’t remember your Social Security number, there are a few other places where you might be able to find it. You could start with some old tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service. Your SSN should be on your tax returns, so you would be able to find it there. You might also find your SSN on records from your financial institution, like bank statements or credit card statements.
Most of the time, your Social Security number will not be displayed on other types of identification cards, like your driver’s license, Medicare card, or student ID card. If you cannot find your social security number anywhere else, then you might need to head down to your local Social Security Office. Once you verify your identity with the Social Security representative, they can provide you with your Social Security number. In addition, they can process your application for a replacement card so that you have a Social Security card again.
How To Get A Replacement Social Security Card
There are a couple of different ways to get a replacement Social Security card. The easiest way to obtain a replacement is by completing Form SS-5 online. You can register for a My Social Security account at SSA.gov. Online requests for replacement cards can be completed in nearly every state now. However, you cannot make any changes to your card as part of the online request. No name changes or other changes are allowed. As long as you meet these criteria, you can complete the request online. Processing times for online requests are about two weeks, and your new card will arrive in the mail at your home address.
If you are unable to complete your request online, you will need to visit your local Social Security office to get a replacement card. You will need to complete Form SS-5 in person, and you will need to provide documentation with your request. When applying for a replacement card, you will need to present an original document to prove your identity. A driver’s license is usually used for this purpose. If you were born outside the United States, you would need a document proving your U.S. citizenship or current work-authorized status.
To prove your current work-authorized status, you will need to present an original document provided to you by the Department of Homeland Security. Form I-551 or Form I-94 are two acceptable documents used for this purpose. Remember that you are limited to three replacement cards per calendar year and ten replacement cards during your lifetime. These amounts should be plenty for the average person, as you should not be losing your Social Security card that frequently.
Tips For Protecting Your Social Security Number
Identity theft is becoming increasingly more common, and your Social Security number is one of the most valuable pieces of information that an identity thief can obtain. If a thief gets your SSN, they can apply for credit cards, apply for loans, open accounts, and even access your existing bank accounts. Having your Social Security number stolen could lead to big problems on your credit report. So, what can you do to protect your Social Security number? Here are some of the best ways you can protect your SSN from identity thieves.
First, you should not carry your Social Security card with you all the time. Your card should be stored in a safe place, and you should only carry your card when you need it. For example, if you start a new job and need your card for employment verification, you will have to take it with you. However, it should be stored safely at home during all other times. Carrying your card with you only increases the odds that you will lose the card.
Next, watch out for phishing scams! Never provide your SSN to anyone unless you can verify their identity. Beware of emails or phone calls asking for your SSN. Your bank or financial institution will almost never call you or email you randomly and ask you to verify your SSN or other account information. If you are unsure about a request, do NOT provide your personal information! Call your bank at a known phone number and ask about the request. Chances are high that they will tell you it wasn’t them who was calling.
Even when providing your SSN to reputable sources, be careful of how they treat your SSN. When possible, type your SSN directly into their system or computer. Writing your number down on paper increases the odds that someone else could see your SSN and potentially steal it. Make sure that you are aware of the organization’s policy on personal data and make sure that they take proper safeguards to keep your data secure.
If your SSN does get stolen, you need to act immediately! You should place a fraud alert on your Social Security number with the credit bureaus, and you need to keep a close eye on your credit report. Go ahead and file a report with your local police department and the Federal Trade Commission as well. The U.S. government tracks identity theft cases through the FTC, and you might need that report to have fraudulent information removed from your credit report.
Passport Book VS Passport Card: What’s The Difference?
You might not realize it, but there are two types of passports you can get. The first is the passport book. The passport book is what most people think of when they think of a passport. You can use it to travel to any other country, and you will get stamps in your passport book when you visit other countries. The passport book is valid for ten years from the date of issuance.
The passport card, on the other hand, is smaller and easier to carry. It is about the size of a credit card, and you can easily carry it in your wallet. However, the passport card can only be used for entry into Canada, Mexico, and most countries in the Caribbean via land or sea. The card cannot be used for international air travel. Passport cards are a little cheaper than passport books, and the cards are often obtained by individuals who live near the border and frequently cross the border into Canada or Mexico.
The Bottom Line
You will not find your Social Security number on your passport, although your passport does display several other pieces of identifying information. You will find your passport number, full legal name, date of birth, and the expiration date of your passport. However, you do need an SSN to obtain a passport. If you do not know your SSN, you should take a look at your Social Security card or visit your local Social Security office to get a replacement card. Remember that permanent residents and some individuals on immigrant visas can get a Social Security card, but passports are limited to U.S. citizens only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents have my Social Security number on them?
The most common document with your social security number on it would be your social security card. If you cannot find your Social Security card, there are also some other documents that you can check. First, your tax returns will show your Social Security number. Some other documents that might show your SSN are bank statements, credit card statements, Social Security statements, and pay stubs. If you are still unable to locate your social security number, you will likely need to visit your local Social Security office.
Can I get a passport without my Social Security card?
So, do you need a Social Security card to get a passport? No, you do not. You can get a passport without a Social Security card. As long as you know your Social Security number, you can complete your passport application without your physical card. However, if you do not have a Social Security number, the passport application process is a little more difficult. You will need to file a sworn statement along with your passport application stating that you are a U.S. citizen and have never been issued a Social Security number.
Is the name on your passport the same as on your Social Security card?
Yes, the name on your passport should be the same as the name on your Social Security card. Both of these documents should display your full legal name, so the names should match. If your name has changed, you should request a name change on your Social Security card. You can do this by completing a request for a new card and presenting evidence of your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. Traveling with identity documents that do not match could cause problems as you travel from one country to the next.
How will I know if my Social Security number is in my passport?
Many people wonder, “Is your SSN on your passport?” Your Social Security number should never be on your passport. If your SSN is included in your passport, there has been a mistake. You should contact the U.S. Department of State to have the problem corrected. Your passport includes your full legal name, date of birth, passport number, and other identifying information, but it does not display your Social Security number. This rule applies to both passport books and passport cards.
What if I lose my passport?
If you lose your passport, you will need to apply for a new one. You can find the application on the U.S. Department of State website. You will need to provide proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of your identity, such as a driver’s license or passport from another country. If you have lost your passport or it has been stolen, you will also need to provide a police report documenting the loss. There is a $130 fee for a new passport book and $30 for a new passport card.
