consulates. The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a list of FBUs at
www.ssa.gov/foreign/foreign.htm.
An applicant for an original SSN who is under age 12 may apply by mail. The applicant can send the
completed Social Security form SS-5 and required proofs (must be original documents or copies
certified by the custodian of the record) to the servicing FBU. Applicants age 12 and older who have
never had a SSN before must have an in-person interview.
All applicants for replacement cards may apply by mail. The same form is used for an original SSN or
replacement card. The form asks for the SSN and other biographical information. If the SSN is
unknown, SSA can search for the SSN with the biographical information. If no SSN is found, then SSA
will send a letter stating that fact and ask the applicant to apply for an SSN.
For a complete list of SSA FBUs abroad, please visit www.ssa.gov/foreign/foreign.htm.
Applicants will need an appointment, which they can make by email or phone call.
Question 5: Can a Social Security Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) abroad verify a Social Security
number if the U.S. citizen living abroad does not know what his/her Social Security number is, or
even whether he/she has one?
Answer: A person may inquire in person with a FBU to find out if he or she already has an SSN. The
FBUs can provide the SSN in person if that person provides proper identification. The FBU cannot
provide any written confirmation of the SSN other than a replacement SSN card. If the inquirer needs
written proof of SSN, he or she must submit an application for a replacement SSN card. SSA is
prohibited by law from disclosing the SSN by phone or letter, even to the number holder. Please note
that this inquiry must be made directly to a FBU and cannot be made at a consular section of an embassy
or consulate overseas that does not have a Federal Benefits Unit.
NOTE: Not all FBUs have access to SSA computer systems during all local business hours because of
time zone differences and SSA systems being offline at night (Eastern time) for updates and
maintenance. Customers should call ahead to see if the FBU they wish to visit will have such access
during their planned visit.
Question 6: What documentation is required to apply for a Social Security card?
Answer: Section 205(c)(2)(B)(ii) of the Social Security Act provides that applicants must submit
evidence to establish their age, identity, and citizenship or lawful non-citizen status. 20 CFR Part 422,
Subpart B sections 422.103- 110, provide further details about these requirements.
All applications for SSNs, whether original, replacement, or for change of name or other biographical
data, use the same form, the SS-5 FS. There is no fee for this service. Page 2 of Form SS-5 FS provides
the required evidence requirements for original and replacement Social Security cards. Please also see
https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm for information about documentation required.
In most cases, a full-validity, unexpired U.S. passport is sufficient proof of U.S. citizenship, age, and
identity, but for purposes of an application for a Social Security card/number, it can only be used to
establish any two of these three facts. A second document is required to prove the third fact. For
example, if the U.S. passport is offered to establish U.S. citizenship and identity, another document,
such as a birth certificate, would be needed to establish the age of the applicant.