Social Security Numbers

How to Apply for a Social Security Number/Replacement Card

How do I apply for a Social Security number for my child under the age of 12?

To apply for a Social Security number for a child under age 12 the following steps are required. Complete an Application for a Social Security Card, Form SS-5-FS (PDF 136 KB) – all questions must be answered and legible.The SS-5 form must be submitted along with the following:
Proof of the child’s birth: Original birth certificate or original Consular Report of Birth Abroad – the latter only if issued prior to child attaining 5 years of age.a. If the child was born in the U.S., you must also submit proof that you or the child has resided outside of the U.S. for a significant period of time, to explain why a U.S. Social Security number has not been issued in the past. Proof of foreign residency can be obtained from the National registry (i.e. Folkeregisteret, Skatteverket, Maistraatti) specifying all periods of residence in the foreign country. Other documents can include medical, school and employment records.b. If the child was born in the U.S., complete and submit only Page 1 of Form SSA- L706 (PDF 31 KB). This allows the Social Security Administration to verify the birth certificate with the custodian of the record in the U.S.
Proof of the child’s U.S. Citizenship: Original U.S. passport, original U.S. birth certificate, or original Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Proof of the child’s identity: Original U.S. or foreign passport, must be current and signed by the parent of the child
Proof of the identity of the parent signing the application: Original U.S. or foreign passport, must be current and signed

We cannot accept photocopies of the above documents.

If you are applying for a Consular Report of birth/U.S. passport for your child, please request the Embassy staff to also provide certified copies of all the documents listed so that you can mail these copies with form SS-5 to our office in Oslo.

All required documents should be mailed to:
Federal Benefits Unit
U.S. Embassy
Postboks 4075 AMB
0244 Oslo
Norway

If you are mailing originals within Norway, please enclose a self-addressed return envelope with a barcoded label for return postage by registered mail, so that you can track your envelope. Without the barcode from the post office, the envelope will be returned by regular mail.

Applicants living in Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland can obtain “No Fee Notarized” copies of U.S passports/Consular Reports of Birth at the U.S. Embassy in their country of residence. Please do not mail original documents to Oslo as we are unable to return them to you by registered mail. Information on obtaining certified copies can be found here. (PDF 464 KB)

How do I apply for a Social Security number for myself OR my child over the age of 12?

For first time applicants for U.S. Social Security number over the age of 12, the following steps are required:

Anyone over the age of 12 must apply in person at a U.S. Embassy, for a short interview. If living in Norway, send an email to fbu.oslo@ssa.gov to schedule an interview appointment. Outside Norway, contact the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit in your country of residence. CopenhagenACS@state.gov for Denmark, Stkacsinfo@state.gov for Sweden, HelsinkiACS@state.gov for Finland and reykjavikconsular@state.gov for Iceland.

A. Complete Application for a Social Security Card, Form SS-5-FS . All questions must be answered and legible.

B. At the time of your interview, you must provide the following original documents – we do not accept photocopies. It will expedite your visit to the Embassy if you bring in your original documents AND photocopies. We will review and retain the photocopies, and return your original documents to you. If you do not have all the required documents with you at your interview, you may have to return for a second interview.

1. Proof of birth

a. If born in the U.S.: Original U.S. birth certificate from the Office of Vital records. If you do not have this, please obtain a new one by following instructions at www.vitalchek.com

i. If you or the child was born in the U.S. you must submit documentary proof that you or the child has resided outside of the U.S. The proof of foreign residency is needed to explain why a Social Security number has not been issued in the past. The proof should cover a significant portion of the entire period of time you or the child has been outside of the U.S. (Click HERE to see list of suggested documentation; other documents may be submitted for consideration.)

ii. If you or the child was born in the U.S. Form SSA- L706 (PDF 31 KB) (download a PDF of Form SSA-L706 (PDF / 1st page) must also be completed, signed and submitted along with the application and other documentation. This allows the Social Security Administration to verify the birth record with the custodian of the record.

b. If born outside the U.S.: U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad (if issued prior to applicant turning age 5), or Birth certificate from country of birth.

2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship

a. Original U.S. birth certificate, or

b. Original U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or

c. Original U.S. Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate, or

d. Original U.S. Passport.

3. Proof of identity

a. Original U.S. Passport, must be current and signed, or

b. Original Foreign Passport, must be current and signed.

NOTE: If the name at birth and name on the identity document are different, proof of name change must also be submitted.

4. Proof of the identity of the parent signing the application

If applicable – a parent can sign the form for a child up to age 18; a child can sign the form above age 12.

a. Original U.S. Passport, must be current and signed, or

b. Original Foreign Passport, must be current and signed.

Applying for Social Security Card before travel on valid visa allowing me to work in the U.S.

I have obtained a U.S. Visa that allows me to work in the U.S. Can I apply for a Social Security Card before I travel to the U.S.?

No. If you have obtained a U.S. visa that allows you to work in the U.S. you must apply in person for a Social Security Card after you enter the U.S. at a local Social Security Office.

You can obtain the address of the nearest Social Security Office at http://socialsecurity.gov under the heading “Find A Social Security Office”.

You will need to complete an Application for a Social Security Card, Form SS-5-FS (PDF 136 KB), and provide the original documents listed above.

Lost/Misplaced Social Security Card

I have lost or misplaced my (or my child’s) Social Security Card. I am (or my child is) a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien. How can I find out my Social Security Number? How do I replace the card?

You should apply for a replacement card even if you cannot recall your Social Security Number. Complete Page 1 of the Application for a Social Security Card – Form SS-5 – and please ensure that all questions are answered in a legible manner.

We cannot accept photocopies of the identity documents.

If you are mailing originals within Norway, please enclose a self-addressed return envelope with a barcoded label for return postage by registered mail, so that you can track your envelope. Without the barcode from the post office, the envelope will be returned by regular mail.

Applicants living in Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland can obtain “No Fee Notarized” copies of U.S passports/Consular Reports of Birth at the U.S. Embassy in their country of residence. Please do not mail original documents to Oslo as we are unable to return them to you by registered mail. Information on obtaining certified copies can be found here. (PDF 464 KB)

Suitable proof of identity documents:

Original U.S Passport, must be current and signed;
Original Permanent Resident Alien card, must be current;
Original U.S. state driver’s license, must be current;
Original Foreign Passport is acceptable;

If the replacement card is for a child under the age of 12, proof of identity for both the child and the parent who signs the form is required.

The completed application and identity document(s) should be mailed to our office in Oslo.

I have married or divorced and need to change my name on my Social Security records, how do I do that?

To change your name on your Social Security records the following steps are required;

Complete an Application for a Social Security Card, Form SS-5-FS (PDF 135 KB) – all questions must be answered and legible.

Provide the following “No Fee Notarized” copies from the U.S. Embassy in your country of residence. You will find the information here. (PDF 464 KB)

- Proof of the name change, showing old and new name:
  Original marriage or divorce decree.
- Proof of identity in New Name, as required: Valid U.S. or foreign passport, must be signed
The completed application and documents should be sent by regular mail to us

Federal Benefits Unit

American Embassy

PO Box 4075 AMB

0244 Oslo

What is the processing time for an application for a social security card?

For non-U.S. born applicants: If all documents are correctly submitted, the application will be processed by our office in Oslo within a week.

The actual social security card can take up to 8 weeks as it will be mailed from the U.S. to the address provided in the application.

For U.S. born applicants who have never had a SSN, the processing time may be up to 10 months as the applicant’s birth must be verified by

Social Security Administration with the custodian of the record in the State where the applicant was born.

U.S. Embassy in Norway