After your baby is safely discharged from the hospital, one of the most important next steps is obtaining your baby’s Birth Certificate and Social Security Number (SSN).
These two documents serve as essential proof of identity and citizenship in the United States. While the process may seem complicated, it’s actually quite straightforward once you know what to prepare.
Step 1: Hospital Information Submission and Verification
After birth, the hospital submits the baby’s information to the Vital Records Office.
Before discharge, make sure the following details are correct:
- Baby’s English name spelling
- Parents’ names, birthplaces, and contact details
- Mailing address (ensure it’s a stable address)
⏱ It usually takes about 3–4 weeks for the Birth Certificate to become available for pickup or delivery.
Step 2: Obtain the Birth Certificate
There are two ways to obtain the Birth Certificate:
1️⃣ Walk-in Pickup
Bring valid ID and the hospital’s birth registration record to your local Vital Records Office.
2️⃣ Mail Application
Complete the request form, include a Money Order, and mail it to the address listed on the state’s Vital Records website.
💰 Each copy typically costs $25–35 USD.
We recommend ordering at least 3 copies for future use (passport, legalization, documentation, etc.).
Step 3: Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
Most hospitals offer the option to apply for your baby’s SSN at birth.
If you selected that option, the hospital automatically submits the request to the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the card will arrive by mail within a few weeks.
If not, you can apply manually:
- Once you receive the Birth Certificate, prepare:
- The original Birth Certificate
- Parent’s passport or ID
- Completed Form SS-5 (available on SSA’s website)
- Visit your nearest Social Security Office in person.
⏱ Processing time is typically 2–4 weeks, and the SSN card will be mailed to your address.
Both the Birth Certificate and SSN are essential identity documents — keep the originals safe.
Procedures may vary slightly by state, so check your local Vital Records Office for details.
If you need the documents urgently, you may request an expedited pickup.
Always ensure names, spellings, and dates are consistent across all records.