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social security
SSA
easy difficulty

SS-5: Application for a Social Security Card

Used to apply for an original Social Security card, a replacement card, or to change information on your Social Security record.

15 minutes

to complete

Free

filing fee

5 fields

to fill out

Need help filling out this form?

Our AI wizard guides you through every field step by step, explains each question, and catches mistakes before you submit.

What Each Field Means

1.

Full Name

Required

Your full legal name as you want it shown on the card.

Tip: This will appear on your Social Security card. It should match your immigration documents.

2.

Citizenship Status

Required

Your current citizenship or immigration status.

Tip: Select your current status. Work authorization is required for an unrestricted SSN.

3.

Date of Birth

Required

Your date of birth.

Tip: Must match your birth certificate or passport.

4.

Place of Birth

Required

City and state (or country if born outside the U.S.).

Tip: If born outside the U.S., enter the city and country of birth.

5.

Mother's Name at Birth

Required

Your mother's full name at her birth (maiden name).

Tip: This is your mother's name before she was married. Used for identity verification.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Name doesn't match immigration documents

Using preferred name instead of legal name

Selecting wrong status

Applying before work authorization is approved

Date format errors

Doesn't match other documents

Missing city name

Using abbreviations

Using married name instead of maiden name

Leaving blank

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