Want to change your Social Security number? You can, but because that number is tied to your work history and wages, for example, is used to distribute your benefits — which is the reason you have a Social Security number — and used to identify you at financial institutions and government sites, you don’t want to take the change lightly.
In certain situations, the Social Security Administration will allow you to apply for a new Social Security card and number. Getting a new number may not be the one-shot solution you think it might be, so it’s important to think it through and understand when you can and can’t get a new one.
Below, we’ll lay out the steps that you need to take to change your social security number, the process and other options available. For more, learn what to do if you are a victim of identity theft and how to apply for Social Security benefits.
When is it possible to change your Social Security number?
One thing you should know about changing your Social Security number is that you can’t just get a new number because you want to. The Social Security Administration also won’t let you change your number if you lose your card. If you do misplace it, you can request a replacement card up to three times per calendar year and ten times in a lifetime.
In just a few instances the Social Security Administration will approve a Social Security number change.
The Social Security Administration will allow you to change your Social Security number if:
- More than one person is assigned or is using the same number
- Sequential numbers assigned to members of the same family are causing problems.
- You’re a victim of identity theft and continue to be disadvantaged by using the original number
- Harassment, abuse or life endangerment are involved
- An individual has religious or cultural objections to certain numbers or digits in the original number. (Supported, written documentation must be provided in this situation.)
The administration said it won’t issue you a new Social Security number if:
- If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, but there’s no evidence that someone is using your number.
- To avoid the consequences of filing for bankruptcy.
- If you intend to avoid the law or any legal responsibility.
How do I apply for a new Social Security number?
To file for a new Social Security card, you will need to submit an SS-5 form at your local office branch.
You’ll need to provide sufficient proof that your request for a new Social Security number is warranted by providing “current, credible, third-party evidence documenting the reasons for needing a new number.”
U.S. citizens will also need to bring proof of identity, age and citizenship, like a passport and birth certificate. Noncitizens must show up-to-date immigration documents, such as I-94, Arrival/Departure Record or Employment Authorization Document. Check with your local Social Security office beforehand to confirm what other documents you may need to complete your application during your visit. All documentation must be original copies — photocopies or notarized copies will not be accepted.
Domestic abuse victims must provide supporting documentation
Victims of domestic abuse or harassment will need to provide a written statement detailing the abuse and explaining why it’s necessary to receive a new Social Security number. Provide supporting documents, such as police reports, medical records and restraining orders, if applicable. Agents working on your case can help gather appropriate documentation.
If you’re also requesting a name change, only court-order-approved legal name change documents that support your request may be accepted. Citizenship, age and identity documentation must also be provided for any children you’re requesting to get another Social Security number.
Identity theft victims must prove ongoing fraud
If you’re an identity theft victim requesting a new Social Security number, you must show that you are experiencing ongoing fraud and also continuing to be negatively impacted by the incidents, such as hits on your credit report. In addition, you must show that you’ve made attempts to solve the problem through other official means.
The administration itself won’t be able to help you directly with identity theft, but it provides a series of tasks you can do to protect yourself. It also makes no promises that a new number will provide the relief you might be hoping for.
“Keep in mind that a new number probably won’t solve all your problems. This is because other governmental agencies (such as the IRS and state motor vehicle agencies) and private businesses (such as banks and credit reporting companies) will have records under your old number.”
Victims of identity theft should file a report to the Federal Trade Commission, contact the IRS, and file a complaint at the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Your old Social Security number is still tied to you
Even if you go through the whole process of getting a new Social Security number, your old number doesn’t really go anywhere. Both numbers will be used to calculate your earnings and will be credited to the same account. Having two Social Security numbers can also present other issues, as some records (medical, financial, employment) may be tied to the previous SSN and name (if you changed the latter).
You can have the Social Security Administration block your number for you
If you’re still on the fence as to whether you want to submit a Social Security number change request, you can have the Social Security Administration block your number from any electronic access request, first.
“Once requested, any automated telephone and electronic access to your Social Security record is blocked. No one, including you, will be able to see or change your personal information on the internet or through our automated telephone service.”
To submit your Social Security number to be blocked from electronic access, call 1-800-772-1213.
If you need to have the block lifted for any reason, you can contact the administration to have your number unblocked after proof of identity is confirmed.
For more, don’t miss how to spot the most common identity theft scams and when it’s okay to give out your Social Security number.
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