Your Social Security number (SSN) is your key to unlocking the door to tracking your credit, opening a bank account, obtaining benefits and making large purchases.
You receive a card when you're assigned your number, but what happens if you misplace it? What other documents have Social Security numbers on them? We’ll explore what documents you can turn to and why you must keep them safe.
Key Takeaways
Tax documents, bank loans and statements, birth certificates, military records, government forms and medical insurance forms will have your Social Security number on them.
You can find your Social Security number on documents by contacting your parents and ex-employers or by applying for a new card.
You cannot use the 1040 tax form as proof of your Social Security number.
What Documents Have Social Security Numbers on Them?
If you have misplaced your social security card and need your Social Security number, check government-issued documents and those used for financial purposes.
Here are documents that will have your Social Security numbers on them:
Tax return forms
U.S. Social Security card
Social Security Administration documentation
W-2 form
DD214 form
NGB 22 form
SSA-1099 form
W-4 Withholding Allowance Certificate
Bank statements
Bank loans
Pay stubs
Military records
U.S. Military ID card
Military dependent's ID card
Birth Certificate
Divorce decree
State-issued identification card
Driver's license
Court Order Granting a Name Change
How to Find Your Social Security Number
Your Social Security number is so important, and it’s frustrating to lose it. Here’s a list of ways to find it other than on documents.
Contact Your Guardians
If you don't have any documents with your Social Security number, your next best option is to ask your parents or a legal guardian if they have it. They could potentially have a copy of the card or another important document where you can locate it.
Contact Your Employer
Reach out to your current or ex-employer, as they likely have your Social Security number for tax purposes. The Social Security Administration requires all employers to verify their employees' Social Security numbers, so they should be able to give it to you.
Request a New Social Security Card
You can always request a new Social Security card if you’ve tried searching through your documents and asking your guardians and employers with no luck. Thankfully, the process of replacing a lost card is not too difficult, and it's free. You can request it in two ways: online or in person at the Social Security office.
Requesting a new Social Security card online:
Log into your Social Security account or create one for free
Click on your profile page
At the top of the page, select the "Replace your Social Security Card" option
Answer the questionnaire to determine if you're eligible for application
Complete the online form
Requesting a new Social Security card offline:
You can apply in person at the Social Security office if you're not a U.S. citizen or you don't have a mailing address.
Visit your nearest Social Security office
Complete the SS-5 form
Bring your proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status and proof of identity
It typically takes around 14 business days for your new card to be ready.
Why Is It Important to Safeguard Documents With a Social Security Number?
Your Social Security number is extremely sensitive information that you need to keep safe because of identity theft and fraud.
Because your social security number is a personal identification with no biometrics, it’s sensitive to identity theft.
If someone obtains your Social Security number, they may be able to apply for credit cards and loans without paying them back, among other things.
Have you spent years building a good credit score? This can be gone in a matter of a few days if someone has stolen your Social Security number. Your benefits, like medical insurance, can also be taken advantage of and can be a painful process, especially if you need to file a police report.
CPA and award-winning author, Geoffrey M. Schmidt, explains:
“What can someone do with just your Social Security number? As it turns out, not much without other information. Have you ever applied for a loan for example, and filled out two boxes: your name and your Social Security number? No, of course not. So job #1 is keeping your Social Security card separate from your other identification. I wouldn’t carry it around in your wallet.”
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What makes Trustworthy a popular choice is continuous support in the form of free one-on-one productivity and onboarding sessions, so you know exactly how to use the system.
The advanced security systems give you peace of mind that your documents are secure, thanks to the SOC 3 certification and the (AES) 256-bit encryption standard. Additional security measures like 2-factor authentication, multi-factor authorization formats, and biometric authentication protect your documents from data breaches and other cyber attacks.
Documents You Can Submit as Proof of Your SSN
The great thing about Social Security numbers is that you don't need a Social Security card to use as proof of your number when you're applying for credit, accounts or driving licenses. There are many different documents you can use as proof.
Acceptable Documents to Submit as Proof of SSN
Here are some documents you can use instead of your Social Security card:
Tax return forms
U.S. Social Security card
Social Security Administration documentation
W-2 form
DD214 form
NGB 22 form
SSA-1099 form
W-4 Withholding Allowance Certificate
Bank statements
Bank loans
Pay stubs
Military records
U.S. Military ID card
Military dependent's ID card
Birth Certificate
Divorce decree
State-issued identification card
Driver's license
Court Order Granting a Name Change
Unacceptable Documents to Submit As Proof of SSN
You cannot use tax forms like the 1040 form, as you’re the one who completes it, therefore, it’s not accepted as proof of a Social Security number. You may also not use any name change documents, only a court order document granting the name change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do if someone steals your SSN?
You need to act fast, or you may risk losing money and your hard-earned credit score.
The first thing you need to do is ensure the thief cannot use your money. Add a security alert to your credit report, known as a fraud alert. You should also review all your credit reports to see if there are any signs of identity theft.
You will also need to alert the Social Security Administration that someone has stolen your Social Security number and you believe they may attempt to use it fraudulently. During this time, you should closely monitor your credit reports for anything unusual and suspicious, such as identity theft.
Cybersecurity Expert and Berkeley professor, Anthony D. Joseph, explains:
“The alerts provide you with important and specific information that you should then act on to help protect your credit and identity.”
If your Social Security number was stolen or if your credit report is showing someone is using your number, file a report with your local police. They will open a case of fraud and identity theft.
Is your SSN on your passport?
No, you won't find your Social Security number on your passport, even though you can use it to apply for a passport.
Can I verify my SSN online?
Yes, you can verify your Social Security number on the Social Security Administration verification service for immediate results.
