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 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, “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 card. If you notice your SSN on your passport, 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?
Other Identifying Info
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 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 quickly returned to you if 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.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Your Social Security number is not displayed on your U.S. passport; however, other essential information is on your passport.
- A SSN is required to apply for a Passport, with few exemptions. This is used as proof of citizenship and for background checks performed by the passport agency.
- In rare instances when a SSN has not been issued to a citizen, they can still apply for a passport in person by providing a Form DS-11 and a sworn statement.
SSN Requirements For A Passport Application
Proof of Citizenship
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 for a few reasons. First, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses social security numbers as one of the primary identification methods for U.S. citizens. Although including your Social Security card with your passport application is unnecessary, providing your SSN helps the Department of State ascertain and verify your identity and citizenship status.
Background Checks
Next, your SSN allows the Department of State to efficiently 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 quickly 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 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, you can 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.
Reasons to Obtain a SSN
Your SSN is used for a passport application and 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.
Additional Passport Forms
However, if you can’t wait that long, you can still complete a passport application without a Social Security number. You will need some extra documentation. When you apply for a passport, you must apply in person and complete Form DS-11. This application requires you to submit proof of U.S. citizenship and your identity. A U.S. birth certificate and driver’s license will typically satisfy these two requirements. A certificate of naturalization will also work to prove your citizenship status. When you submit your application, original documents are required, and photocopies will not work.
Sworn Statement
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, which must 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 citizenship is a requirement to obtain a passport, a work permit or other immigration documents showing your immigration status would be useless.
Must read articles related to Social Security Numbers
- Find your Social Security Number Prefix by state.
- Can your Social Security number be suspended?
- Fourteen ways to protect your Social Security number.
- What is a Social Security Award Letter…how do you get a copy?
- Why is your Social Security number important?
Where To Find Your SSN
Social Security Card
The easiest place to find your SSN is on your Social Security card. You should always keep your Social Security card safe and access only when needed. Ideally, it would help if you memorized your SSN so that you know it when necessary. The Social Security number 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.
Tax Returns + Bank Statements
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.
Your Social Security number is usually not displayed on other types of identification cards, such as your driver’s license, Medicare card, or student ID card.
Social Security Office
If you cannot find your Social Security number anywhere else, you might need to head 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
Online at My Social Security
There are several ways to get a replacement Social Security card. The easiest way is to complete Form SS-5 online. You must register for a My Social Security account to make online requests. Online requests for replacement cards can now be completed in nearly every state.
However, you cannot change your card as part of the online request. No name changes or other changes are allowed. You can complete the request online if you meet these criteria. Processing times for online requests are about two weeks, and your new card will be mailed to your home address.
Local Social Security Office
If you cannot complete your request online, visit your local Social Security office for a replacement card. You will need to complete Form SS-5 in person and provide documentation with your request.
You must present an original document to prove your identity when applying for a replacement card. A driver’s license is usually used for this purpose. If you were born outside the United States, you need a document proving your U.S. citizenship or current work-authorized status.
To prove your current work-authorized status, you must present an original document the Department of Homeland Security provided to you. Form I-551 or Form I-94 are two acceptable documents used for this purpose.
Limited Replacements
Remember that you are limited to three replacement cards per calendar year and ten for your lifetime. These amounts should be plenty for the average person, as you should not be losing your Social Security card that frequently.
TIP
A passport card is different than a passport book. A card can only be used for travel between Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries. You will need a passport book to travel to other international countries.
Tips For Protecting Your Social Security Number
Identity theft is becoming increasingly common, and your Social Security number is one of the most valuable pieces of information an identity thief can obtain. If a thief gets your SSN, they can apply for credit cards and 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 to protect your SSN from identity thieves.
Don’t carry your Social Security card with you
First, you should not always carry your Social Security card with you. Your card should be stored in a safe place, and you should only carry it 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 at all other times. Carrying your card with you only increases the odds that you will lose it.
Beware of Phishing Scams
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 seldom calls or emails you randomly and asks 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.
Avoid Writing It Down
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. Ensure you know the organization’s policy on personal data and that they take proper safeguards to keep your data secure.
Act Immediately
If your SSN does get stolen, you need to act immediately! It would be best if you placed a fraud alert on your Social Security number with the credit bureaus, and you need to keep a close eye on your credit report. File a report with your local police department and the Federal Trade Commission. The U.S. government tracks identity theft cases through the FTC, and you might need that report to remove fraudulent information from your credit report.
Passport Book VS Passport Card: What’s The Difference?
Passport Book
You might not realize it, but you can get two types of passports. The first is the passport book, which 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.
Passport Card
On the other hand, the passport card is smaller and easier to carry. It is about the size of a credit card, and you can easily take 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 are often obtained by individuals who live near the border and frequently cross the border into Canada or Mexico.
The Bottom Line
Your passport does not display your Social Security number, although it does display several other pieces of identifying information. It contains your passport number, full legal name, date of birth, and expiration date.
However, you do need an SSN to obtain a passport. If you do not know your SSN, you should 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
Your social security card is the most common document containing your social security number. If you cannot find your Social Security card, you can check other documents.
First, your tax returns will show your Social Security number. Other documents that might show your SSN are bank statements, credit card statements, Social Security statements, and pay stubs. If you cannot locate your Social Security number, you must visit your local Social Security office.
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, the passport application process is a little more difficult if you do not have a Social Security number. You must file a sworn statement with your passport application stating that you are a U.S. citizen and have never been issued a Social Security number.
Yes, the name on your passport should be the same as the name on your Social Security card. Both documents should display your full legal name and match the names.
You should request a name change on your Social Security card if your name has changed. 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 traveling from one country to another.
Many people wonder, “Is your SSN on your passport?” Your Social Security number should never be on your passport. If it is, 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.
If you lose your passport, you must apply for a new one. You can find the application on the U.S. Department of State website. You must provide proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and evidence 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 must also provide a police report documenting the loss. There is a $130 fee for a new passport book and $30 for a new passport card.
You can find a Social Security Administration office near you by using our SSA office locator and searching for your closest location.
