You create a Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount, not through a separate signup form

The Social Security Administration does not have a traditional "account creation" process. Instead, you set up access to your existing Social Security record through my Social Security, which is the official portal where you view your earnings history, check benefit statements, and manage your Social Security information online.

To start, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account". You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — either a U.S. phone number, a mobile device with a camera, or answers to security questions based on your credit history. The verification step happens immediately after you enter your basic information.

Once you complete verification, your account is active and you can log in right away. You do not need to visit an office, call, or wait for approval. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount using your Social Security number and email address.
  • Identity verification happens during signup and requires either a phone number, mobile device camera, or answers to credit history questions.
  • Your account is active immediately after verification — no waiting period or office visit is needed.
  • Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, request a replacement card, check benefit status, and change your contact information.
  • If you cannot verify online, you can create a limited account and complete verification in person at a Social Security office.

What you need before you start

Have your Social Security number ready. You will also need a valid email address that you can access during the signup process — the Social Security Administration sends a confirmation link to that email, and you must click it to complete registration.

For identity verification, choose one of three paths: provide a U.S. phone number (they will send a code by text or call), use a mobile device with a camera to photograph your driver's license or state ID, or answer security questions about your credit history. The camera method is fastest if your device supports it. If you do not have a phone number or camera, the security questions route works but requires you to know details from your credit file.

If you do not have a way to verify online, you can still create a limited account and finish verification in person at a Social Security office. This takes longer but is an option if the online methods do not work for you.

Step-by-step: Creating your account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account". Enter your email address and create a password — it must be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character like ! or #. Confirm your password and move to the next screen.

Enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and the state where you were born. The system will ask you to confirm your name as it appears in Social Security's records. If the name does not match what you expected, do not proceed — contact the Social Security Administration before creating your account, because a mismatch usually means your record has an error.

Next, choose your verification method. If you select phone verification, enter a U.S. phone number and choose whether to receive the code by text or voice call. If you choose the camera method, follow the on-screen instructions to photograph your ID — make sure the image is clear and all four corners are visible. If you choose security questions, answer the questions about your credit history as accurately as you can.

Once verification is complete, you will see a confirmation screen and can log in immediately. Write down your email and password in a safe place — you will need them every time you log in.

What you can do once your account is active

Your my Social Security account shows your complete earnings history — the wages and self-employment income Social Security has on record for you. This is important to check because errors in your earnings record can lower your future benefits. You can see year-by-year totals and flag any missing or incorrect entries.

You can request a replacement Social Security card through your account if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged. The card will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can also change your mailing address, phone number, and email address directly in your account settings.

If you are not yet receiving benefits, you can view an estimate of what your retirement, disability, or survivor benefits might be. If you are already receiving benefits, you can see your payment amount, payment date, and the account where deposits go. You can also view your Social Security Statement, which summarizes your work history and benefit estimates.

If you cannot verify your identity online

If none of the online verification methods work for you — for example, if you do not have a phone number, a camera, or credit history on file — you can create a limited account and complete verification in person. Start the signup process at ssa.gov/myaccount, but when you reach the verification step, select "I cannot verify online" or "Verify in person".

The system will give you a confirmation number and instructions to visit your local Social Security office. Bring a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). An employee will verify your identity and activate your full account on the spot.

You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Call ahead if you can — many offices now require appointments, and wait times vary by location.

Keeping your account secure

Your my Social Security account holds sensitive information, so treat your password like you would a PIN for your bank account. Do not share it with anyone, and do not use the same password for other websites. Change your password every few months if you can remember to do it.

Enable two-factor authentication if the Social Security Administration offers it in your account settings — this adds an extra step when you log in from a new device or browser. Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from Social Security asking you to "verify" your account or click a link — the Social Security Administration does not ask for passwords or personal information by email or text. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click any links and report it to the Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

If you forget your password, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Forgot password". You will verify your identity again using the same method you used during signup, and then you can create a new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security account to get a Social Security card or check my benefits?

No. You can request a replacement card or check your benefit status by phone (1-800-772-1213) or in person at a Social Security office. The online account is faster and more convenient, but not required.

What if my name has changed since I got my Social Security number?

You can still create an account using your current name, but Social Security's records may show your previous name. After you create your account, contact Social Security to update your name in their system. Bring a government ID and a document showing your name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) to your local office or mail copies to the address on ssa.gov.

Can I create an account for someone else, like a parent or child?

No. Each person must create their own account using their own Social Security number and email address. If you are a representative payee managing benefits for a minor or someone who cannot manage their own affairs, you have different access through a separate process — contact your local Social Security office for details.

How long does verification take?

Online verification is instant — you will know within seconds whether you passed. If you choose in-person verification, it depends on how busy your local office is, but the verification itself takes about 10 minutes once you are seen.

What if I get an error message during signup?

Common errors include a mismatch between the name you entered and the name in Social Security's records, or a phone number that is not recognized as a U.S. number. Try the camera or security question verification method instead. If you keep getting errors, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask an employee to check your record for errors before you try again.