What to Bring to the Social Security Office: Document Checklist by Task

Most wasted trips to a Social Security office end the same way: a document was a photocopy, an ID had expired, or the visitor did not know that the task could be finished online. This checklist is organized by the reason for the visit so you can pack exactly what the Social Security Administration (SSA) will ask for.

Two rules apply to every visit:

1. Originals or agency-certified copies only. SSA does not accept photocopies or notarized copies. Certified copies are fine when issued by the record holder, for example a certified birth certificate from the state vital-records office. Your documents are examined at the window and handed back.
2. Book first. SSA asks visitors to schedule, and appointment holders are served before walk-ins. Every option is on the appointment page.

Proof of identity (needed for almost every visit)

Bring one current, unexpired document with your name and either a photo or a physical description:

• U.S. driver's license
• State-issued non-driver ID
• U.S. passport

Backup documents SSA may accept if you have none of the above: U.S. military ID, employee or school ID with photo, health-insurance card (not a Medicare card), or a certificate of naturalization. The office decides case by case.

Checklist by task

Replacement Social Security card

• Proof of identity (above)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship if SSA has not verified it before: birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Non-citizens: current DHS document (I-551, I-766, or I-94 with unexpired passport)
• Form SS-5 (can be completed at the office)

Most adult citizens can skip the visit entirely and replace the card online.

Name change

• Original marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order showing the old and new name
• Proof of identity in either name
• Form SS-5

Full details in the name change guide.

Child's first Social Security card

• Child's U.S. birth certificate (certified) or passport
• Evidence of the child's identity: school record, medical record, adoption decree or passport
• Parent's own proof of identity
• Form SS-5 signed by the parent

Children 12 and older must come in person.

Retirement or spousal benefits

• Social Security number (the card itself is not required)
• Original birth certificate or other proof of age if SSA does not already have it
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status if not already on record
• Last year's W-2 forms or, if self-employed, the tax return
• Military discharge papers (DD-214) for service before 1968
• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
• Marriage certificate, and divorce decrees for marriages that lasted 10 years or more, when claiming on a spouse's or ex-spouse's record

Retirement claims can be filed online; the retirement guide walks through it.

Social Security Disability (SSDI)

Everything in the retirement list, plus:

• Names, addresses and phone numbers of every doctor, clinic and hospital that treated you, with approximate dates
• Names and dosages of medications
• Medical records you already hold (SSA will request the rest)
• Work history for the past 15 years: job titles, employers, dates and duties
• Any workers' compensation or other disability-benefit award letters

See SSDI vs SSI for how the two programs differ.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Everything in the SSDI list, plus proof of income and resources:

• Bank statements for every account
• Pay stubs, pension or other income statements
• Lease or mortgage statement and recent utility bills
• Vehicle registration and any life-insurance policies
• For non-citizens, the DHS document showing qualifying status

The SSI application guide explains the income and resource limits.

Medicare enrollment

• Social Security number
• Proof of age if not on record
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residence of at least five years
• If you are past 65 and had employer coverage: Form CMS-L564 (Request for Employment Information) completed by the employer, and Form CMS-40B

How the enrollment periods work is in the Medicare enrollment guide.

Benefit verification or proof-of-income letter

• Proof of identity only

This letter is printed instantly in a my Social Security account, so a visit is rarely needed; see benefit verification letter.

Direct deposit or address change

• Proof of identity
• For direct deposit: a voided check or the bank's routing and account numbers

Both changes can be made online or by phone; the visit is optional.

Reporting a death, or applying for survivors benefits

• Death certificate (the funeral home usually reports the death to SSA)
• Your proof of identity and relationship: marriage certificate, children's birth certificates
• The deceased person's Social Security number
• Recent W-2 or tax return of the deceased worker

What to leave at home

SSA offices are federal facilities screened by the Federal Protective Service. Visitors pass through a metal detector and bags are inspected. Do not bring:

• Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives and multi-tools
• Pepper spray or mace
• Scissors, box cutters or other blades

Phones and laptops are allowed. Large bags slow screening.

Tips that save a second trip

• Check the office type. In New York City, Philadelphia, Orlando and the Twin Cities, card and name-change work is done only at a Social Security Card Center. Each office page on this site says which applies.
• Bring the originals even if you already uploaded copies. The online and phone intake does not replace document review.
• Write down what you want to accomplish. Appointments are task-based; a retirement appointment will not also process a child's card unless you ask when booking.
• Arrive 10 minutes early, not 45. Early arrivals wait in the lobby like everyone else.
• Check whether the task needs a visit at all. Replacement cards, benefit letters, direct deposit, address changes and retirement applications are all online at ssa.gov/myaccount.

Related

• Find your local Social Security office
• Social Security office hours
• Is the Social Security office open today?
• Social Security phone numbers