How to get someones social security number online for free

Yes, but it is not easy. If you can show that you are in danger due to domestic violence or other abuse, or you are experiencing significant, ongoing financial harm due to identity theft, Social Security can assign you a different number. 

Victims of domestic violence, abuse or harassment must complete a statement explaining their need for a new number and provide documentation of the abuse, such as:

  • Police reports.
  • Medical records of injuries.
  • Restraining orders.
  • Letters from shelters, counselors, friends or family members with direct knowledge of the situation. 

Social Security can help you gather evidence.

If you are changing your name, do that first; Social Security will need to see court approval of the change. If you are also seeking new Social Security numbers for your children, bring proof of custody. You’ll find more information in the Social Security pamphlet “New Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims.”

In cases of identity theft, you will need to demonstrate that:

  • Your number is being used for fraudulent transactions. 
  • You are suffering ongoing harm because of it (a lowered credit rating, for instance, or a loan denial).
  • You have exhausted all other means at your disposal to solve the problem. 

The Social Security publication “Identify Theft and Your Social Security Number” has more details, as well as information on how to protect against identify theft and report and resolve problems.

You can’t change your Social Security number simply because your card has been lost or stolen, or to avoid bankruptcy or legitimate debts. The only other reasons Social Security will consider assigning a new number are: 

  • Sequential numbers assigned to members of your family are causing confusion.
  • Another person was assigned or is using your number.
  • You have religious or cultural objections to certain numbers or digits in your original number. Social Security requires written documentation supporting the objection from a religious group with which you have an established affiliation. 

Whatever your reason for needing a new number, you can only apply for one in person at your local Social Security office. Local offices fully reopened April 7 after being closed to walk-in traffic for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Social Security recommends calling in advance and scheduling an appointment to avoid long waits.

You will need to show proof of your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status — Social Security has checklists of acceptable documents.

Keep in mind

  • Changing your number does not affect the information in your Social Security file. The old and new numbers are cross-referenced to make sure your earnings history and other data is not lost. 
  • Getting a new number can significantly complicate other areas of your life, such as getting a passport, receiving federal or state financial assistance, or maintaining your credit history. A less drastic option may be to put a block on your number, which prevents anyone, including yourself, from accessing your Social Security information online or by phone. To implement a block on your number, or to lift one, contact Social Security.

SSN-Check.org is proud to provide the most comprehensive free resource available on Social Security Information including free SSN Lookup and SSN Validation tools.

Search by Social Security Number to see when and where a number was issued and determine the number's validity.

We also offer detailed fact sheets about Social Security taxes, Social Security disability and retiree benefits, as well as a Social Security and Medicare Tax Calculator.

View full list of SSN tools »

  1. Home
  2. Frequently Asked Questions
  3. How can I find out someone's Social Security number for free?

One way to look up a person's SSN information is through the United States Social Security Administration. On their website, you can conduct up to ten social security number searches each and every day. It is a free service, provided by the United States government.



Can you look up your Social Security number online?

Log onto the Social Security Administration's website. You can also retrieve your SSN through this website but for security reasons, the SSA will send you a new card rather than provide the information online. The Resources section contains a link where you can fill out the application.

Can you look up someone's SSN?

One way to look up a person's SSN information is through the United States Social Security Administration. On their website, you can conduct up to ten social security number searches each and every day. It is a free service, provided by the United States government.



How do I run a Social Security number?

To run an SSN Trace, Checkr submits the candidate's Social Security Number to a data provider, who then generates a report through a credit bureau. This report returns a list of known names and addresses for the SSN, compiled from credit and banking history for the given SSN.

How do you find your SSN if you forgot it?

You can find your Social Security number on tax documents and bank or financial statements. If you don't have any documentation, you can request a new Social Security card online with the Social Security Administration.



How To Find Social Security Number by Name Free

How do I find a deceased parent's Social Security number?

The funeral director normally provides a copy of the Statement of Death to close relatives of the deceased, like a spouse or child. If these methods fail, contact your local SSA office to inquire about getting the relative's Social Security number.

What can someone do with your Social Security number?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.

Can someone take out a loan in my name without me knowing?

This makes it easy for identity thieves to use your stolen information—anything from your Social Security number to your banking information—to get a quick loan. Payday loans make it easy for thieves to obtain cash in your name without much verification.



What can someone do with last 4 digits of SSN?

As long as a hacker or scammer has access to other personal information such as your name and address, they can use the last four digits of your SSN (in most cases) to open accounts in your name, steal your money and government benefits, or even get healthcare and tax refunds in your name.

What does your Social Security number tell about you?

Many businesses ask for your SSN because it is a convenient way to identify you in their system. As a result, your social security number can now reveal all kinds of information about you, including places you've lived, your credit history, and maybe even medical conditions.

Are Social Security numbers public after death?

Americans are told to jealously guard their Social Security numbers, but after one dies, the government goes public with that coveted information. It is all included on a Master Death List.



How can I get my husband's Social Security number?

To get an SSN for your spouse, apply at a social security office or U.S. consulate. You must complete Form SS-5. You must also provide original or certified copies of documents to verify your spouse's age, identity, and citizenship.

Can a child collect Social Security from a deceased parent?

Within a family, a child can receive up to half of the parent's full retirement or disability benefits. If a child receives survivors benefits, they can get up to 75% of the deceased parent's basic Social Security benefit. There is a limit, however, to the amount of money we can pay to a family.

Is my SSN on my bank statement?

Finding your SSN is possible by checking your Social Security card, but you can also find it on bank statements or tax returns.



Can I get my Social Security number before receiving the card?

You can also provide the SSA with a telephone number and the SSA will notify you telephonically of the SSN issuance before you receive your card in the mail. Another alternative is to call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for your SSN.

Is your SSN on your passport?

No, your United States passport does not show or contain your Social Security number. If you notice that your Social Security number is on your passport, then you should contact the Department of State to get that error corrected.

How do I find out if my ex husband receives Social Security?

How can I find out if a former spouse is collecting Social Security benefits on my record? You ask the Social Security Administration. It can tell you the name of any “auxiliary beneficiary,” including an ex-husband or ex-wife who is drawing or has drawn benefits on your earnings record.



How long do you have to be married to collect spouse Social Security?

What are the marriage requirements to receive Social Security spouse's benefits? Generally, you must be married for one year before you can get spouse's benefits. However, if you are the parent of your spouse's child, the one-year rule does not apply.

Can a divorced woman collect her ex husband's Social Security?

Social Security Benefits for Divorced Women

Thus, divorced women receive Social Security benefits either as retired workers, divorced spouses, or surviving divorced spouses. They can also receive widow benefits from a prior marriage that ended in widowhood.

How are the first 3 numbers of your Social Security number determined?

The first three (3) digits of a person's social security number are determined by the ZIP Code of the mailing address shown on the application for a social security number. Prior to 1973, social security numbers were assigned by our field offices.



Can you get a credit card in a deceased person's name?

That's not difficult to do – you just need a copy of the deceased person's death certificate – and then send it along to the appropriate bank, credit card firm, estate planning attorney and any creditors that might have an account open.

Can two people have the same Social Security number?

"Social Security numbers can be associated with multiple individuals, and that individuals can have multiple SSNs associated with them.

Can someone use your Social Security number with a different name?

“The important thing for people to understand is that once someone has your Social Security number, particularly in combination with your name and address, they can do pretty much anything that requires your SSN,” said Brian Focht, an attorney and head of the Law Offices of Brian C.