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A birth certificate and Social Security card help prove your baby’s legal identity and age. A Social Security card is needed to enroll your baby in medical coverage.
If you’re having your baby in a hospital, the staff will walk you through the process of getting these important documents.
Getting your baby’s birth certificate
When you’re having a baby, your first thought probably won’t be about paperwork. That’s why the staff will provide you with the documents you need.
You’ll need information about both parents, including:
- Their full names, and the mother’s maiden name (if applicable)
- Their Social Security numbers
- A mailing address or addresses
Parents will also need to provide a driver’s license, passport, or other valid ID.
When you complete the application, you can also apply for a Social Security number. Just check “Yes” on that section of the form. Everything will be mailed to you at a later date. Be sure the mailing address you provide is one that you check regularly.
Getting your baby’s Social Security card
If you did not request a Social Security number through the birth certificate process, you can still get one. The process might be slower, however.
You’ll need to do the following at a Social Security office:
- Complete an application
- Prove your child’s U.S. citizenship, age, and identity
- Prove your identity and your relationship to your child
Bring your baby’s birth certificate. Parents need to provide a government-issued ID.