Consular FAQS

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 (click HERE to download a PDF of SS-5-FS) - all questions must be answered and legible.
• Provide the following original documents - photocopies are not acceptable. The completed application and documents should be mailed to us (see: How do I contact the London Federal Benefits Unit?).
• Proof of the child's birth
• Original U.S. birth certificate, or (b) below,
• If the child was born in the US 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 Social Security number has not been issued in the past. Proof of foreign residency can include medical, school and employment records.
• If the child was born in the U.S. Form SSA- L706 (click HERE to download a PDF of Form SSA-L706) 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.
• Original Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Proof of the child's U.S. Citizenship
• Original U.S. birth certificate, or
• Original Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Proof of the child's identity
• Original U.S. Passport, must be current and signed
• Original United Kingdom Passport, must be current and signed
• Proof of the identity of the parent signing the application
• Original U.S. Passport, must be current and signed
• Original United Kingdom Passport, must be current and signed

To apply for a Social Security number for anyone over the age of 12 the following steps are required;

Anyone over the age of 12 must present themselves in person at a U.S. Embassy, Consulate or designated U.S. Military installation. See How do I contact the London Federal Benefits Unit? for our Public Hours. an appointment is not needed.

• Complete an Application for a Social Security Card, Form SS-5-FS (click HERE to download a PDF of SS-5-FS) - all questions must be answered and legible.
• Provide the following original documents - photocopies are not acceptable.
• Proof of birth
• Original U.S. birth certificate, or (b.) or (c.) below
• If you or 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 Social Security number has not been issued in the past. (Click HERE to see list of documentation)
• If you or the child was born in the U.S. Form SSA- L706 (click HERE to download a PDF of Form SSA-L706) 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.
• Original Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or
• Original birth certificate other than above
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship
• Original US birth certificate, or
• Original Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Original Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate
• Proof of identity
• Original U.S. Passport, must be current and signed
• Original United Kingdom Passport, must be current and signed
• 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.
• Original U.S. Passport, must be current and signed
• Original United Kingdom Passport, must be current and signed

If you have obtained a U.S. Visa that allows you to work in the U.S. you must apply for a Social Security Card after you enter the U.S. You may apply at the nearest 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 (click HERE to download a PDF of SS-5-FS) and provide the original documents listed above.

A Social Security Card itself is not needed. Knowing your number is what is important. All employers, financial institutions, educational institutions, the Internal Revenue Service etc. always verify the Social Security Number with the Social Security Administration, regardless of whether or not a Social Security Card is presented. In part the reason for this is the possibility of altered or fraudulent Social Security Cards being presented.

Complete the Request for Verification of a Social Security Number (click HERE to download a PDF of SSN Verification). The form can be emailed or mailed to the Federal Benefits Unit, (see: How do I contact the London Federal Benefits Unit?). We will mail you a verification of your Social Security Number within 3 business days.
To ensure your privacy we are unable to disclose the social security number to you by telephone or email.

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 - (click HERE to download a PDF of SS-5-FS) - all questions must be answered and legible.
• Provide the following original documents - photocopies are not acceptable. The completed application and documents should be mailed to us (see: How do I contact the London Federal Benefits Unit?)
• Proof of the name change
• Original marriage or divorce decree
  If the marriage or divorce certificate is over 2 years old or does not contain biographical data such as a date of birth or age, you must also submit proof of identity in your OLD name. If you have no identification in your old name, you must write a statement as to why you do not have such proof of identity and submit proof of identity in your NEW name.
• Proof of identity in Old Name, as required
• Original current or expired U.S. or UK passport, must be signed
• Original driving license
• Original current or expired U.S. military identification
• Proof of identity in New Name, as required
• Original current U.S. or UK passport, must be signed
• Original driving license
• Original current U.S. military identification