In general, the Social Security Administration will NOT give you a new Social Security number.
However, if you meet one of the exceptions below, you will have to visit your Social Security office or card center.
Generally, they will only give you a new Social Security in the following circumstances :
- Sequential numbers have been assigned to members of the same family and are causing problems;
- More than one person has been assigned, or is using, the same number;
- An individual has religious or cultural objections to certain numbers or digits in the original number;
- A victim of identity theft continues to be disadvantaged by using the original number; or
- Situations of harassment, abuse, or life endangerment, including domestic violence, has occurred.
To apply for a new number:
Step 1: Complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
Step 2: Gather documents proving:
- Identity;
- U.S. citizenship;
- Immigration status;
- Age (birth certificate or U.S. passport);
- Evidence of legal name change; and
- Evidence to support your need for a new Social Security number.
Step 3: Take your completed application and documentation to your local Social Security office or Social Security Card Center.
All documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. The SSA will not accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.