Baby's Social Security Card

  • Getting a Social Security number for your newborn is voluntary and there are advantages.  Your baby's Social Security card will allow you to:
    • open a bank account for your child
    • get medical coverage for your child
    • apply for government services for your child 
    • buy savings bonds for your child.
  • The easiest time to do this is when you give information for your child’s birth certificate if you have delivered your baby at the hospital.  
  • If you delivered your baby at home, you will need to submit an application for new social security card. You can apply at a Social Security office with:
    • a completed application for a Social Security card
    • original documents proving your child’s U.S. citizenship, age and identity. 
    • Additionally you will need to show documents proving your identity and your relationship to the child (birth certificate should work).
  • Click here for specific examples of these documents.