How to Find SSN by Name and Address: Our Expert Tips

Cindy Ellis - April 14, 2023

Your social security number is an essential piece of personal identifying information, but you may not have access to this number if you’ve lost it or misplaced your personal records. Finding your social security number again may seem like a daunting process, but it is actually quite simple. Our article tells you how to find your social security number using your name and address, and how to avoid scams while searching for this information.

What Is Your Social Security Number (SSN)?

Your social security number (SSN) is a numerical identifier that is assigned to every U.S. citizen. The social security administration and social security numbers were created in 1936, and they are used to track the recipients of government benefits and earnings in addition to tracking tax and credit reports of each person.

Your SSN is commonly requested on items like job applications, financial documents, and even medical documents. You also utilize your SSN as an identifier when applying for government benefits such as social security benefits and disability payments.

Because your social security number is a highly personal piece of information, you must keep this number private. Be wary of who you provide this number to and stay aware that identity fraud may be easily committed when someone has your social security number.

Reasons to Find Your Social Security Number

There are many reasons why you might be looking for your social security number. We list these below so you can understand common reasons that SSNs are sought-after.

• You might have lost your SSN card or record of the number, and you need a copy of your SSN for your records.
• You need your SSN to apply for a bank loan, a job, or another important opportunity.
• You want to verify your SSN, but all you have are your name and address.

Our list of reasons isn’t comprehensive, and you can really have any reason for trying to find your SSN. As long as you aren’t attempting to locate someone else’s social security number or you are engaged in illegal activities, using our recommended search methods for finding your SSN is totally legal.

Can You Find an SSN by Name and Address?

If you have no record of your social security number, you may be able to access information about your SSN and even request another card using your name and address. Your full legal name is an especially important part of this process. However, you should note that you can only find your social security number using your personal information. Attempts to find someone else’s SSN or use another person’s name or address to access their SSN are highly illegal and will land you in legal trouble, usually with the charge of identity fraud.

Only conduct searches for the SSN that belongs to you in order to avoid legal issues and other problems.

Methods for Locating Your Social Security Number

There are a couple of different options for locating your social security number based on what you need to find, such as a record of the number, a copy of your SSN card, or information on your number to update the information connected to it. We give you an overview of these processes below.

All of your social security number business should be handled through the U.S. Social Security Administration’s website. This ensures that you get the information you need, without putting your personal details at risk.

• To replace your SSN card, gather your personal information such as your name and address, and visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. You may also be able to call the SSA for information on your next steps.
• To request a social security number if you don’t already have one, you will need to submit an application on the SSA’s website. Make sure to have important personal identifying information handy to help you complete this process.
• To find your social security number, check your IRS tax records, search your personal records such as credit reports, or contact the SSA directly for more information.

Keep in mind that you won’t be able to find your social security number via public records or other online resources, as SSNs are kept completely private to prevent them from being used as part of identify fraud schemes or scams. Only official government websites, personal tax and credit records, and official government contact forms can help you track down this information.

Staying Aware of Scams

Social security number scams are one of the most commonly encountered scams. These fake phone calls and emails claiming there are issues with your SSN typically target the elderly, people who depend on benefits related to the SSN, or individuals that don’t understand the importance of keeping their SSN private.

It’s very important to stay aware of scams that ask for your social security number, as losing the privacy of this information often leads to identity theft, lost money, and other serious issues that are hard to untangle.

You can spot a scam phone call or email by looking for tell-tale signs such as:

• The person asking for your information is using vague language but insists there is a problem.
• The person is insisting on your SSN information, but they refuse to answer questions about why they might need that information.
• The person is pressuring you to also hand over money or pay fees for their services, and they are insisting that payment is given in a specific way, such as gift cards.
• You receive these requests for your SSN in suspicious ways, such as phone calls from unknown or withheld numbers, emails from sketchy-looking addresses, or even direct messages on social media websites.

For more information on avoiding social security number scams, consult the scam awareness information on the Social Security Administration’s website.

What Should I Do if My Social Security Number Is Stolen?

If you believe that your social security number has been stolen and you are a victim of fraud or identity theft, your first step is reporting this to the SSA and the Federal Trade Commission. Doing this as quickly as possible after you discover the issue will help you avoid serious damages, fraud, and money loss.

You should also take steps to freeze your credit history and check any credit card or bank account information you have to make sure it hasn’t been compromised.

Locating the SSN Information You Need

Finding your social security number sounds like it might involve lots of complicated steps and bureaucracy, but this process is surprisingly simple. As long as you have your full legal name and address, you can contact the Social Security Administration for a replacement SSN card or information regarding your SSN.

You should also take steps to check through personal documents such as tax and credit records to locate your SSN and stay informed of this important personal identification number.