How to Get a New Social Security Card

A social security number (SSN) is a nine digit number which is issued to the U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents of the U.S. The number allocated under section 205(c)(2) of the Social Security Act, is issued by the Social Security Administration.

It can be obtained by applying on Form SS-5, which is basically an 'Application for A Social Security Number Card'. The purpose of this card and number is to track individuals for taxation purposes and for providing other benefits.

There are 3 types of the cards which are as follows:

Cards for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents: These are the most common, which contain the card holder's name and his SSN number. They are issued only to the U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Not Valid For Employment Cards: Such cards are restricted as cannot be used as proof of work authorization.

Valid For Work Only With DHS Authorization Cards: These are also restricted type of cards which are issued to the people who have temporary work authorization in the U.S. Unlike the Not Valid For Employment cards, these can satisfy the I - 9 requirement in case they are accompanied by a proper work authorization card.

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act was passed by Congress in 2004, which tightened the grip on the Social Security Administration for redesigning these cards in order to prevent forgery. The basic features of the new cards are created by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Government Printing Office (GPO) design teams.

Here are a few simple steps which have to be followed in order to get a new social security card.

» Get the 'Application for A Social Security Number Card' form and fill it prudently. This form is also known as Form SS-5 and can be easily downloaded from the official website.

» An identity proof and citizenship proof is required along with the form, which can be in the form of the applicant's passport or driver's license. The citizenship proof can include the citizen's birth certificate, his Consular Report of Birth, his Certificate of Citizenship, or his Certificate of Naturalization.

» After completing the SS-5 application form and attaching the necessary documents, take the form and documents to a local Social Security office and apply for a new card.

It is important for every U.S. citizen to handle his social security card properly and report to the authorities in case of its loss or theft. The card should be immediately replaced in such cases to prevent its misuse.