How to Find Your Social Security Number

How Do I Find My Social Security Number?

If you are unsure of your SSN, you may be able to verify the number by looking at certain documents, such as your:

Social Security Card

If you've never been employed or paid taxes, you may not have a Social Security card. When you receive your first card, your name and nine-digit SSN are printed on its face. If you no longer have a card, you can request a new one online or through your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.

Tax Documents

Look for tax forms like an old tax return, W-2 or 1099 forms. These documents are usually provided by your employer. If you used a tax preparer, ask if they still have a copy on file. Unfortunately, the IRS generally won't give you your SSN over the phone or online for security purposes. Even if you request a tax transcript, only the last four digits of your SSN will be listed.

Bank and Financial Statements

Old bank or brokerage statements may list your SSN, so it's worth combing through your paper documents or searching your online accounts. You may find it on a statement, document or annual tax form stored in your account. Financial institutions often don't include the full nine digits due to privacy concerns, but it's worth a look.

Employment Records

When you get a job, your employer must verify your SSN and make sure it matches your name so your earnings can be tracked for tax purposes. If other avenues to find your SSN have failed, call your employer's human resources or payroll department and explain the situation. They'll likely want to verify your identity before handing over your SSN, but it's one way to find your number without having to get a replacement card.

Learn more: How Long Should You Keep Bank Statements?

How Can I Find My Social Security Number Online?

Short answer: You can't. The SSA website offers ways to get a replacement card but doesn't provide a way to look up your number. Increasingly, government agencies, companies and organizations no longer display your full nine-digit SSN online for your security.

If the methods above don't turn up your Social Security number right away, your surest bet is to go through the SSA to have a new card sent to you with your number.

Tip: The Social Security Administration also won't provide your Social Security number over the phone or via email.

How to Get a New Social Security Card

You can request a replacement Social Security card online with the SSA by creating or logging in to your account. To be eligible for a new card, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old
• Have a U.S. mailing address
• Not be requesting any changes to your card, such as a name change
• Have a state-issued driver's license or ID card

Online replacement is available in 43 participating states and Washington, D.C.

You can also call your local SSA office or 800-772-1213 for information on how to replace your card. If you go to your local office, it may be able to issue you temporary documentation verifying your SSN, which you can keep on hand while you wait for your new card to come in the mail.

What to Do if Your Social Security Number Is Stolen

You may not need to replace your Social Security card if you can remember your number. But if your card is lost or stolen and you're concerned your SSN may be compromised, consider taking some preventive steps to ensure someone else can't use your information to open accounts in your name.

• Notify the Social Security Administration. Contact the SSA to notify them if you believe your SSN was lost or stolen or that someone may be attempting to use it fraudulently.
• Report identity theft. If you believe your information was stolen or that someone is using your SSN without your permission, the SSA recommends reporting it to the Federal Trade Commission.
• Add a security alert. You have the right to contact Experian and request that a fraud alert be added to your credit report. Experian will notify the other two credit reporting companies—Equifax and TransUnion—so they can add alerts as well.
• Review your credit reports carefully. Take time to review all three credit reports to check for signs of identity theft and fraud. If you find any accounts you don't recognize or fraudulent information, you have the right to file a dispute online, by mail or over the phone.
• Monitor your credit going forward. Experian's free credit monitoring service helps you stay on top of your credit by alerting you to any changes or new accounts on your credit report. While you're at it, consider Experian's identity theft monitoring service, which scans the dark web for your information and provides identity theft insurance.

Tip: Take steps to safely store your Social Security card. Keep the physical card at home in a secure place and avoid emailing or texting your SSN. If you need to share your SSN, use secure channels and ask the recipient how they protect your number.

Learn more: Ways to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

If you lose or can't recall your Social Security number, all is not lost. You can likely find it in old documents like your tax returns and financial documents. Otherwise, you can request a replacement card from the SSA. And if you're concerned your number is compromised or stolen, act quickly to protect your credit.

Experian's free credit monitoring can help you stay ahead of fraud by alerting you to changes in your credit report. If the changes look off, you can act fast to limit any damage.