Can You Get a New Social Security Number? Here's How it Works
5 min read
Think someone’s using your Social Security number (SSN)? Or worried your number is putting you at risk? In rare situations, the government can issue you a brand-new SSN, but it’s not as simple as asking for one. In fact, most people who want a new number never get one.
This guide breaks down when and how you might qualify for a new SSN, how long it takes, who makes the decision, and what to expect along the way.
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Why would someone need a new Social Security number?
Getting a new SSN is a big deal; your original number is tied to your lifetime earnings, tax records, and government benefits like SSI, SSDI, and Social Security retirement benefits. But in rare cases, the Social Security Administration (SSA) allows people to start over with a fresh number.
Here are the most common reasons someone might request a new SSN:
Ongoing identity theft that’s causing serious financial or legal problems
Harassment or abuse, especially when tied to your SSN or location
Witness protection or domestic violence cases where safety is at risk
Adoption, in some child welfare or legal situations
Religious or cultural reasons, though these are rarely approved
And no, losing your Social Security card doesn't necessitate a new number (unlike your credit cards).
You’ll need strong documentation to prove that your current SSN is causing harm, and that changing it is necessary for your safety or well-being.
Who decides whether you get a new number?
The Social Security Administration makes the final call. You’ll need to apply in person, provide extensive documentation, and meet strict criteria. The SSA reviews each case individually, with a focus on whether:
Your identity has been misused in a way that continues to harm you
You've taken steps (like credit freezes or police reports) that haven’t worked
Changing your number is the only reasonable solution
There are safety or security concerns that justify issuing a new SSN
This isn’t something a bank, credit bureau, or identity theft protection company can decide; it’s strictly up to the SSA.
How common is it to get a new SSN?
Very uncommon. Most identity theft cases, even serious ones, are resolved without issuing a new number. In fact, the SSA goes out of its way to avoid issuing new SSNs, because switching numbers can cause long-term problems with credit history, tax records, and Social Security earnings.
In 2023, the SSA received nearly 5,000 requests from individuals seeking a new Social Security number, primarily due to identity theft, harassment, or major safety concerns. Yet, fewer than 500 requests were approved.
So while many people hoped for a new number, the SSA granted them sparingly for serious safety reasons (like domestic violence or trafficking), not routine issues.
How long does it take to get a new SSN?
The timeline can vary, but it’s not quick. Here’s what to expect:
You’ll need to schedule an appointment with your local SSA office (walk-ins are no longer accepted).
You must bring original documents proving your identity and the reasons for your request.
SSA staff will review your application and may ask for additional evidence or follow-up appointments.
If approved, you’ll receive your new SSN in the mail, typically within 2–4 weeks after final approval.
Keep in mind: changing your number means starting over in many systems. You’ll need to update your SSN everywhere it’s on file—from your job and IRS, to your bank, utility accounts, and credit cards.
Why you probably won’t ever need a new SSN
Even in cases of identity theft, the SSA almost always recommends fixing the problem rather than replacing the number. That’s because:
You can place a fraud alert or credit freeze to stop misuse
You can report ID theft and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov
Your old number is already linked to your work history, Social Security benefits, and tax records, starting fresh can lead to errors, delays, or lost benefits
Unless you’re facing continued harm or a serious safety threat, you’re better off keeping your number and cleaning up the fraud.
What happens if you get a new SSN?
If your request is approved, your new number will:
Be assigned just like any other SSN; randomly generated, with no special markings
Not be linked to your old number (except within SSA systems)
Require you to manually update every system that has your old SSN on file
Cause temporary issues with your credit history, employment records, or tax filings if not handled carefully
In most cases, your old SSN will still exist in SSA records, but you won’t use it anymore.
Do they ever reuse Social Security numbers?
No; once a Social Security number is assigned, it's never given to anyone else, even after death. This helps prevent identity theft, tax mix-ups, and benefit fraud. The number stays permanently linked to that person’s record in the Social Security system.
So will they run out of numbers?
You might wonder if we’ll ever run out. There are technically 1 billion possible SSNs, but many combinations (like numbers starting with 000, 666, or 900–999) are never used. That leaves around 130 million usable numbers still available. With about 3.6 million babies born in the U.S. each year, we’ve got enough to last roughly 36 more years. Plus, since 2011, the SSA has randomized number assignments to stretch supply, and if needed, they could expand the system further in the future.