Can I change my Social Security number? (2024)

FAQs

Can I change my Social Security number? ›

The Bottom Line

The Social Security Administration does allow you to change your number, but only under limited circ*mstances, such as identity theft or if your safety is in danger. You will also need to supply appropriate documentation to support your application for a new number.

The Bottom Line

The Social Security Administration does allow you to change your number, but only under limited circ*mstances, such as identity theft or if your safety is in danger. You will also need to supply appropriate documentation to support your application for a new number.

There is no charge for correcting your Social Security card or getting one for the first time. Follow this process: Learn what documents you will need to correct a card or get an original card for an adult or child, citizen or non-citizen. Print and fill out the application, Form SS-5.

If you decide to apply for a new number, you'll need to prove your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or immigration status. For more information, ask for Your Social Security Number and Card (Publication Number 05-10002). You'll also need to provide evidence that you're having ongoing problems because of the misuse.

Call us. Available in most U.S. time zones Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., in English, Spanish, and other languages. Tell the representative you want to update your contact information. Call TTY +1 800-325-0778 if you're deaf or hard of hearing.

To request a different Social Security number, contact your local Social Security office for an in-person appointment.

Victims of identity theft sometimes want to change their Social Security number. The Social Security Administration very rarely allows this. In fact, there are drawbacks to changing your number. It could result in losing your credit history, your academic records, and your professional degrees.

If your name or number on the Social Security card is incorrect, contact any Social Security office to make changes. Check your Form W-2 to make sure your employer's record is correct and, if it isn't, give your employer the accurate information.

If someone uses your SSN to obtain credit, loans, telephone accounts, or other goods and services, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC collects complaints about identity theft from those whose identities have been stolen.

Am I allowed to update it with my employer? Yes. IRS Form W-4 states that you should “consider completing a new Form W-4 each year and when your personal or financial situation changes.” In fact, in California, employees have a protected right to update their personal information.

How do I lock my SSN? ›

This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778). Once requested, any automated telephone and electronic access to your Social Security record is blocked.

You cannot use two at the same time—with rare exceptions. The SSA may issue a replacement SSN for many reasons. One is to prevent recurring identity theft.

Based on the information you enter, IdentityTheft.gov will create your Identity Theft Report and recovery plan. If you create an account, we'll walk you through each recovery step, update your plan as needed, track your progress, and pre-fill forms and letters for you.

Yes, the Social Security Administration may allow you to modify your number in certain instances. However, unlike your phone number, you can't change your Social Security number at the drop of a hat. You'll need to request a change from the SSA with a legitimate reason and proof to substantiate your request.

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

Use our automated phone assistance

You will need to provide your current direct deposit routing number and account number to change your information over the phone. Call TTY +1 800-325-0778 if you're deaf or hard of hearing.

File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Report identity theft at the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft webpage.

Locking your Social Security number prevents anyone — including you — from changing or accessing your Social Security record. If your Social Security number is compromised and you're already the victim of identity theft, act quickly to safeguard your personal information.

(2) Limits on the number of replacement cards. There are limits on the number of replacement social security number cards we will issue to you. You may receive no more than three replacement social security number cards in a year and ten replacement social security number cards per lifetime.