Temporary Social Security Card: What is it? How to Get it?

Whether you have misplaced your social security card, changed your name, or are an international student looking to apply for a job, getting a temporary social security card is the right way to go. But what is a temporary social security card? Can anybody apply for it? And what is the process of getting it? I answer all of these questions in detail in this post.

What is Social Security Card?

A social security card is a necessary identification document to get a job and collect government benefits. The card has your nine-digit Social Security Number written on it, which is assigned to citizens and authorized foreign nationals by the Social Security Administration. 

Losing a social security card can lead to identity theft, which can cause a lot of problems. Consequently, you must never carry your social security card in your wallet. Instead, always keep it in a safe place with other important documents.

What is a Temporary Social Security Card?

An American citizen can apply for a Temporary Social Security card to use as a temporary placeholder for all legal documentation. The card is valid for 30 days, and the applicant must apply for a new Social Security card in the 30-day validity period.

Authorized foreign nationals – including international students and J visa holders – can also get a temporary social security card at the time of initial employment. The temporary social security card allows them to start earning before they get their permanent SSN. 

That said, foreign nationals should acquire their SSN as soon as possible to apply for social security benefits and open a bank account.

The temporary card is no longer valid after the permanent one arrives later. For this reason, the temporary card must be shredded after it serves its purpose.

What is the Need for a Temporary Social Security Card?

Getting a temporary social security card will enable you to:

• Prove your citizenship status and get hired
• Show “two forms of I.D.” without needing to carry a birth certificate
• Open a bank account
• Get a loan
• Complete a school or university application

In other words, a temporary social security card can be used as a replacement for the permanent social security card in all circumstances until it’s valid.

Step by Step Guide to Get a Temporary Social Security Card

You can get a temporary social security card in four steps:

Step 1: Collect the Required Documents

You must gather documents that provide the SSA with basic information, which is your identity and age. You need at least one document to prove your identity, age, and citizenship status each. 

The following documents are acceptable to prove your identity: 

• Driver’s license 
• U.S. state I.D. card
• Passport

If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can prove your age by submitting:

• A birth certificate
• A hospital birth record
• A social security record or letter

Submitting a religious record should suffice if you don’t have those documents. If you are an adoptee, you can submit the adoption decree to prove your age.

To prove your U.S. citizenship or immigration status, submit whichever of these documents you have:

• Unexpired foreign passport
• Letter from your employer or a school official
• Form I-94
• Work permit

In some circumstances, temporary social security card applicants are asked for additional documents. 

For instance, if you’ve legally changed your name, you will need to provide any documents you used to change your name. You will also need to submit documents that have your old name on them and provide a reason why you’re requesting a name change.

Immigrants, exchange students, and international students must provide a letter from their employer or school to get a temporary social security number.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application

The next step is to print and fill out Form SS-5. You must fill out the form fully and adhere to the mentioned guidelines. If you do not fill it up correctly, your temporary social security card application may be rejected. It looks like in below screenshot.

If you’re aged 18 or over, sign on the bottom of the form. If you’re younger, a parent or guardian must sign on the bottom.

Step #3: Submit Your Documents

You can apply for a temporary social security card at your nearest Social Security office or online.

At The Closest SSA Office

Visiting the nearest SSA field office is the better way to submit your documents. These offices are present in every U.S. city and the British Virgin Islands, Samoa, and Canada.

While you will need to stand in line and go through the formalities with somebody, you will get a printout of the temporary social security card on the same day.

Bear in mind that you are required to submit a certified copy of a document to prove birth, marriage, or divorce in the U.S.

Using A My Social Security Account

You can use your My Social Security account and apply for the card online if:

• You are a U.S. citizen aged 18 or over, 
• Have a state I.D. or drivers license, and 
• Are not requesting a legal name change.

Applying online is faster and doesn’t cost you the time and money to visit the SSA office. All you have to do is print out Form SS-5, fill it up, scan it and upload it to your My Social Security account along with your other documents.

But the downside of applying for the card online is that, for security reasons, the SSA does not allow you to print your temporary social security card. 

Your card will arrive in the mail within ten business days of applying online.

There is a third way of applying for a temporary social security card: you can mail your documents and application to the SSA. If the SSA finds the form and documents accurate, the card will arrive in your mail within ten days. Regardless of whether your application is accepted or rejected, you will get your original documents back in the mail a few days after you send them. 

Step #4: Inform Your Employer(s)

If your application for a temporary social security card gets accepted, your old SSN must be replaced with the temporary SSN on your payroll and IRS paperwork. 

Remember to inform your employers that you’re getting a temporary social security card.

Frequently Asked Questions