When completing a passport application, one of the sections requires your social security number (SSN). Moreover, when submitting your application, you must provide supporting documentation, and some people often include their social security cards. The question is: do you need your social security card to get a passport?
Do You Need Your Social Security Card To Get a Passport?
When applying for a passport, the following documents are integral:
- The passport application form: Depending on the passport application, you may fill out DS-82 or DS-11. You may also need to include other forms, e.g. when replacing a lost passport.
- Proof of identification: Here, you must include one primary photo ID, e.g., a valid driver’s license or two secondary photo IDs, e.g., an expired driver’s license and an employee ID. A social security card also suffices as a secondary ID if you wish to use it.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship: Birth certificates and previous passports are good examples of acceptable documents.
- Two passport photos.
Can you get a passport without a social security card? Yes. Since passport offices accept other photo IDs, you do not need to hand in your card to apply for a passport.
Can You Get a Passport Without a Social Security Number?
While you do not need to include your social security card with your documents, passport application forms require the number. Can you get a passport without a social security number? Yes, but it depends on the reason behind the omission, as follows:
- Willful omission or you have forgotten your SSN: You will likely encounter a delay in processing and could even face a passport denial. Worse still, the IRS can impose a penalty on your application.
- No SSN: You should present a signed and dated statement asserting you do not have an SSN. You could face a penalty or passport denial if the statement is untrue.
- You cannot access your SSN: If you are overseas, you can still get a passport but will likely get one with limited validity.
While it may seem a slight omission, this decision affects your travel plans.
Does My Passport Have My Social Security Number?
Given the focus on the SSN, you may wonder, “Does my passport have my social security number?” It does not appear. Instead, passport offices use it to process your application in line with IRS requirements.
