Chicago, IL Office
Documents Needed at the Chicago Social Security Office
A complete checklist of what to bring to the Chicago-west Social Security Office, organized by the service you need. The SSA only accepts originals or certified copies — photocopies and notarized statements are always rejected.
← Back to office pageUniversal rule: bring originals only
Every document on this page must be a government-issued original or a certified copy (issued by the agency that created the record, with a raised or embossed seal). The SSA staff will inspect and return all documents the same day.
Do not bring: photocopies, notarized affidavits, statements from family members, or documents printed from websites. They will be refused.
New Social Security card (first-time)
Bring one document from each of these three categories:
Proof of U.S. citizenship or work-authorized immigration status
- U.S. birth certificate (state-issued, with raised seal)
- U.S. passport (current or expired)
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551 / green card)
- I-94 with work authorization + I-766 (EAD)
Proof of age
- Birth certificate (preferred)
- U.S. passport
- Religious record made before age 5 showing DOB
- Hospital record of birth
Proof of identity
- U.S. driver's license (valid, not expired)
- State-issued non-driver ID
- U.S. passport
- School ID card (for minors, with photo)
- Military ID (for service members/dependents)
Replacement SSN card
Before you visit: in most states you can request a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount without ever going to an office. Try that first.
If an in-person visit is required, bring:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- If name has changed since your last card: legal proof (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order)
Name change on SSN card
Bring:
- Your current photo ID
- Original or certified copy of the legal name-change document:
- Marriage certificate (for name change due to marriage)
- Divorce decree (for return to maiden name)
- Court order for legal name change
- Amended birth certificate
Note: the name-change document must be in English or translated by a certified translator.
Retirement benefits application
- Original or certified birth certificate
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (if not on birth certificate)
- W-2 forms for the most recent tax year (or self-employment tax returns)
- Current year's military service papers (DD-214) if applicable
- Marriage certificate (if claiming spousal benefits)
- Bank name, account number, and routing number for direct deposit
- Photo ID
Disability benefits (SSDI / SSI) application
- Birth certificate or other proof of age
- Photo ID
- Medical records: doctor names, addresses, dates of treatment, prescriptions
- Names and contact info of doctors, hospitals, clinics where you've been treated
- List of medications with dosages
- Work history: employer names, dates, and type of work for the last 15 years
- Most recent W-2 or tax return
- Bank info for direct deposit
Medicare enrollment
- Birth certificate
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
- Photo ID
- Medicare card (if already enrolled in Part A)
- Current health insurance info (employer coverage details, if applicable)
Still not sure what to bring?
Call the Chicago office directly at (866) 614-4761 or the SSA national line at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm what applies to your situation before driving over.