Get a newborn's Social Security number through birth registration

Request the number during birth registration

The birth-registration paperwork asks whether you want to request a Social Security number for the baby. This arrangement is called Enumeration at Birth. It connects the request with the birth information rather than requiring an ordinary office application at the outset.

SSA's child-number publication explains that parents are asked for their SSNs. Not knowing both parents' numbers does not prevent a request through this process. Ask the birth-registration staff if you are unsure whether you selected the SSN request.

If the hospital request was not made

You can request a number later. SSA allows you to begin a child's first-number application online and complete the process at an office or Card Center with the required evidence. If online access is unavailable, ask SSA about the paper application and appointment route.

This later application can require verification of the birth record. It should not be treated as a guaranteed quicker alternative to a hospital request that is already being processed.

Prepare evidence for the child and applicant

For an office application, SSA needs proof of the child's age, identity and citizenship, plus evidence of the applying adult's identity and relationship to the child. The evidence selector distinguishes these separate requirements.

A birth certificate can establish age and citizenship, but it is not a general substitute for identity evidence. SSA lists alternatives for young children, including certain medical records. Check the specific requirements before asking a provider for a record. Use originals or issuing-agency certified copies.

Use the official state timing reference

Hospital applications pass through birth-registration processing before SSA issues the card. SSA’s state table describes the time for the state to send the application and paperwork to SSA; its FAQ says to allow an additional two weeks for SSA to send the card by mail. Read the current table and instructions rather than treating the state figure alone as total delivery time or a guarantee.

If the relevant waiting period has passed and the card has not arrived, contact SSA. Explain that the request was made through birth registration and give the application circumstances through SSA's secure verification process.

Keep the issued card secure

The number and card are issued without an SSA application fee. Once the card arrives, check the child's name and keep it in a safe place. A later name or adoption-related correction has its own evidence requirements. Do not send the baby's number, birth certificate or medical records to this directory.