How can I get a second Social Security number and start over legally?

Asked by: Gregg Cassin  |  Last update: October 30, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (45 votes)

People who want to ask for a new Social Security number must:
  1. Apply in person at a Social Security office;
  2. Complete an application;
  3. Provide a statement explaining the reasons for needing a new number;
  4. Provide current, credible, third-party evidence documenting the reasons for needing a new number; and.

Can you be issued 2 Social Security numbers?

A person can request a new Social Security number, but only under certain conditions: Where sequential numbers assigned to members of the same family are causing problems.

Does changing your Social Security number change your credit?

Since your Social Security number is so closely tied to your credit history, you may be wondering if changing the number would affect your credit score. In short — it shouldn't. That's because the old and new numbers are cross-referenced to ensure your earnings history and other financial information is not lost.

Can someone get a new Social Security number?

You can't get a new Social Security number: If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, but there's no evidence that someone is using your number. To avoid the consequences of filing for bankruptcy. If you intend to avoid the law or any legal responsibility.

How much does it cost to change your Social Security number?

If you do not begin the application online, you will need to fill out and print an Application for a Social Security Card and bring it to your local Social Security office. There is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free.

How to get a 2nd Social Security number and start over legally

15 related questions found

How long does it take to get a new Social Security number?

You can replace your card online and receive it in 14 days. You can also use your account to check the status of your request and manage other benefits you receive from us. Trouble signing in? Start the application online and visit your local SSA office for additional guidance for completing your application.

What can someone do with my SSN and DOB?

What Can Someone Do with Your Social Security Number?
  • Open Financial Accounts. Your Social Security number is the most important piece of personal information a bank needs when extending you credit or opening an account. ...
  • Get Medical Care. ...
  • File a Fraudulent Tax Refund. ...
  • Commit Crimes. ...
  • Steal Your Benefits.

What happens when you get a new Social Security number?

Fortunately, you won't have to worry about your Social Security benefits if you change your number—the Social Security Administration links your new number to your old one so your benefits get transferred to the new number.

How do I protect my Social Security from identity theft?

Here are 10 things you can do to safeguard your SSN:
  1. Offer an Alternative Form of ID. ...
  2. Ask Why They Want It and How It Will Be Handled. ...
  3. Leave Your Card at Home. ...
  4. Shred Mail and Documents With Personal Details. ...
  5. Don't Use Your SSN as a Password. ...
  6. Don't Send Your SSN via an Electronic Device. ...
  7. Don't Give It out to Strangers.

What is a CPN number?

A CPN, or credit privacy number, is a nine-digit number that's formatted just like a Social Security number (SSN). It may also be called a credit profile number or credit protection number. Companies that sell CPNs to consumers market them as a way to hide a bad credit history or bankruptcy.

Can you start a new credit file?

There is no legal way to obtain a new and separate personal credit file to replace your existing file.

Does your SSN tell your age?

The Serial Number, itself, doesn't say anything about your location or age that the Group Number and Area Number don't already say, although since they are assigned consecutively, they could potentially reveal your relative age within a Group and an Area.

How many Social Security numbers can there be?

To date, 450+ million SSNs have been issued, but with just under 1 billion possible number combinations, there has never been a need to recycle numbers, and the SSA notes that it does “not reassign a Social Security number (SSN) after the number holder's death.” Of course, at some point the numbers will run out and ...

Do SSN get reused?

To date, 453.7 million different numbers have been issued. Q20: Are Social Security numbers reused after a person dies? A: No. We do not reassign a Social Security number (SSN) after the number holder's death.

How much is my Social Security number worth?

The company found that buyers are currently willing to pay just $1 for a Social Security number, which is the same amount they'll pay for user and password information to Brazzers, a pornographic website.

How would I know if someone is using my Social Security number?

To see if someone's using your SSN, check your credit report. You can check it online through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports. Or you can call their phone number at 1-877-322-8228 to request your free copy.

What can someone do with the last 4 digits of your SSN?

As long as a hacker or scammer has access to other personal information such as your name and address, they can use the last four digits of your SSN (in most cases) to open accounts in your name, steal your money and government benefits, or even get healthcare and tax refunds in your name.

How do I get a new name and Social Security number?

To change the information on your Social Security number record (i.e., a name or citizenship change, or corrected date of birth) you must provide documents to prove your identity, support the requested change, and establish the reason for the change.

Can I change my name and Social Security number?

If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you must tell Social Security so you can get a corrected card. You cannot apply for a corrected card online.

Can someone open a bank account in your name without you knowing?

The accounts are then used to either launder money or commit future fraud. Criminals use stolen credentials and personal data to open accounts in the names of individuals without their knowledge. The information used to open these accounts often comes from data breaches and other data compromises.

Can someone take out a loan in my name without me knowing?

This makes it easy for identity thieves to use your stolen information—anything from your Social Security number to your banking information—to get a quick loan. Payday loans make it easy for thieves to obtain cash in your name without much verification.

Can someone access your bank account with your SSN?

They can use your SSN to open a bank account in your name.

That means that anyone with your SSN can easily open a bank account in your name, especially if the identity thief already obtained a driver's license in your name.

What can someone do with your Social Security number?

Once someone has your Social Security number, they can essentially become you. They may be able to collect tax refunds, collect benefits and income, commit crimes, make purchases, set up phone numbers and websites, establish residences, and use health insurance—all in your name.

What documents do I need to apply for Social Security?

Social Security
  1. Your Social Security card or a record of your number.
  2. Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. ...
  3. If you were not born in the U.S., proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.

Who had the first Social Security number?

This particular record, (055-09-0001) belonged to John D. Sweeney, Jr., age 23, of New Rochelle, New York. The next day, newspapers around the country announced that Sweeney had been issued the first SSN.