Documents Needed at the New Bedford Social Security Office

Universal 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

See the full retirement application guide →

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

See the full disability application guide →

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)

Office information