How do I apply for a Social Security number for my child under age 12?
It takes about 5-6 months to be assigned a SSN and receive an original Social Security card when you apply overseas. You may apply for an original SSN at the Embassy, only if you and your child are U.S. citizens.
To apply for a Social Security number for a child under age 12 the following steps are required;
1) Please schedule an appointment for notary services. If, at the same time, you are also applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, please schedule only the Consular Report of Birth Abroad appointment.
2) Download, complete, and sign the Application for a Social Security Card, Form SS-5-FS all questions must be answered and legible. Please type or print the answers.
3) Provide the following original documents:
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- Original U.S. birth certificate;
- Consular report of birth abroad (FS-240);
- Original Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate;
- Unexpired U.S. passport of the child;
- U.S. passport of the U.S. parent signing the application.
How do I apply for a replacement Social Security card at the Embassy?
You can replace your Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you may not need to get a replacement card. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime.
You may apply for a replacement card at the Embassy, only if you are a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident. It takes about 3-4 months to receive get a replacement card when you apply overseas:
1) Please schedule an appointment for notary services.
2) Download, complete, and sign the Application for a Social Security Card, Form SS-5-FS. All questions must be answered and legible. Please type or print the answers.
3) Provide the original U.S. Passport, unexpired and signed OR the original unexpired I-551 (“green card”) and the original unexpired foreign passport.
If you were assigned a SSN when you were in the U.S. on a work visa but you never received the Social Security card or it was lost/stolen and you need the SSN for tax purposes, you need to file an application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when you file your taxes with IRS. You may find more information here.