Printable Social Security Card Application

If you thought acquiring a Social Security card was as easy as taking candy from a baby, you were wrong. It’s a common misconception, but there’s actually an entire application process dedicated to obtaining one of these coveted cards. Lucky for you, we’ve got the inside scoop on how to make this process a breeze.

Filling out the Application

First things first, you’re going to need to fill out an application. And not just any old application, but specifically the “Application for a Social Security Card.” Because who doesn’t love filling out forms, am I right?

The good news is, the application is only two pages long and only requires basic personal information like your name, date of birth, and contact information. Just make sure you fill out the entire form and don’t leave any blanks. Otherwise, you might end up with a Social Security card that reads “John Doe” instead of your actual name.

Gathering Required Documents

In addition to the application, you’re also going to need some required documents to prove your identity. This includes proof of citizenship or legal status in the United States, as well as proof of your identity. Accepted forms of identification include a U.S. driver’s license, a state-issued non-driver identification card, or a U.S. passport.

If you don’t have any of these documents, don’t worry. There are other secondary forms of identification you can use, such as a school ID or a health insurance card. Just make sure you have at least two forms of identification, and that they’re both original copies or certified copies.

Submitting Your Application

Once you’ve completed the application and gathered all your required documents, you can submit everything to your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest office by visiting the Social Security website and using their office locator tool.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even make an appointment to hand-deliver your application in person. But if you’re feeling lazy, you can also just mail everything in. Just make sure you send it to the correct address and that you use a tracking number to ensure your application doesn’t get lost in the mail.

Waiting for Your Card

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…actually receiving your Social Security card! Unfortunately, this is the part of the process that can’t be expedited. Once you submit your application, it can take anywhere from two weeks to two months to receive your card.

The good news is, you can check the status of your application online using the Social Security website. So, if you’re feeling impatient, you can constantly refresh the page to see if your card has been mailed out yet.

In Conclusion

Acquiring a Social Security card may not be the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s a necessary step in adulting. By following these tips, you can make the process as painless as possible and hopefully receive your card in a timely fashion. And just think, now you can finally apply for that credit card you’ve been eyeing!