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Social Security: Rule Changes
Are Security Driven
San Antonio Express-News
January 9, 2006
Question: I hear that Social Security has changed its requirements for obtaining a Social Security card. My friend had a bit of difficulty with this when she recently visited one of your offices. Can you explain what the changes are?
Answer: A new law, Public Law 108-458, includes several provisions that change rules for assigning a Social Security number and issuing a card. To get a number or a replacement card, you must prove your citizenship or immigration status and your identity.
Under the new law, only certain documents can be accepted as proof of citizenship. These include a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, and a certificate of naturalization or citizenship.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, different rules apply for proving your immigration status, and those haven't changed. Also under the new law, only certain documents can be accepted as proof of identity. An acceptable document must show your name, identifying information about you, and preferably a recent photograph.
For example, if you are a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your U.S. driver's license, state-issued non-driver identification card or U.S. passport as proof of your identity.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current U.S. immigration documents. Acceptable documents include your From I-551, I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport, or your work permit card I-766 or I-688B.
If you need to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show proof of your legal name change. Documents that Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change are your marriage document, a divorce decree stating you may change your name, a certificate of naturalization, or a court order for a name change. If the documents do not give enough information to identify you, then you must also show two identity documents, one showing your new name and the other your old name.
Under the changes, you are now limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits.
For example, changes in non-citizen status that require card updates do not count toward the limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship.
These rules help ensure that only those who should receive a Social Security number do so. They make numbers less accessible to those with criminal intent and prevent individuals from using false or stolen birth records or immigration documents to obtain one.
Oscar Garcia is a public affairs specialist at the Social Security Administration. Contact him at oscar.h.garcia@ssa.gov or at Social Security Administration, 4100 S. New Braunfels, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78223.
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