How To Get Your Social Security Number (SSN) in the USA

sample-social-security-number-card.gif

To get your SSN you need to:

  1. Complete this form
  2. Visit your local Social Security Office
  3. Take your passport with you.

I was told I also needed a I-912 Visa Waiver Form, which is a form used at customs when you don’t have a travel visa. Of course, I do have a visa, so this was not needed. However, even the Social Securities Officer got confused on this point and said it wasn’t possible to apply without it. I explained that’s a visa waiver, and I have a visa, so he gave it a shot, entered the data in the system it worked!

Surprisingly, when the card arrived it was not as I expected. In Australia we have a medicare card that is plastic like a credit card. But a SSN Card is printed on paper and you are instructed to NOT carry it with you. Apparently all that is needed is the number!

Hope that helps.

Feel free to ask questions.

Hit the heart button if you liked it and leave a comment.