It is a good idea to apply for a number at the hospital when you apply for your baby’s birth certificate. The state agency that issues birth certificates will share your child’s information with Social Security, and Social Security will mail the Social Security card to you.

Or you can wait and apply at any Social Security office or by mail. If you wait, here is what you need to do to apply for a Social Security number for your child:

• Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and
• Show documents proving your child’s:
  • U.S. citizenship;
  • Age; and
  • Identity.
• Show a document proving your identity.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.  Social Security cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

Social Security must verify your child’s birth record, which can add up to 12 weeks to the time it takes to issue a card. Social Security will mail your child’s number and card as soon as they have verified your documents with the issuing offices.

For more information, see Documents You Need for a Social Security Card.