Can I change my Social Security number?

Q & A Main Article 2

The Social Security Administration will only issue a new Social Security number (SSN) in very specific or extreme situations, so it’s not likely that you’d be able to change yours.

Those rare situations in which they might change your SSN are if 

  • someone stole your number, is using it illegally (this has to be proven) and it’s causing you significant harm on an ongoing basis 
  • sequential numbers assigned to members of the same family are causing problems
  • more than one person is assigned or using the same number
  • there’s a situation involving harassment, abuse or life endangerment

If you think that you might qualify for getting a new SSN, you must visit a Social Security Administration office.