Can You Change Your Social Security Number? Here’s the Surprising Truth

Your Social Security number (SSN) is one of your most important identifiers. This unique 9-digit number, usually assigned at birth, follows you for life—used by banks, employers, the IRS, and many other institutions to verify your identity.

Given its importance, your SSN is usually yours to keep. But did you know that in a few specific situations, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will actually issue you a brand new number? 

A staggering 23.9 million Americans fell victim to identity theft in 2021 alone, according to FBI data. And nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives. You may need to change your Social Security number for a fresh start for these and a few other reasons.

So, can you get a new social security number? And what’s the process to follow if you qualify? Here’s what you need to know when obtaining a new social security number.

3 Serious Reasons You Might Need to Change Your Social Security Number

While your Social Security number is meant to be a permanent identifier, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will allow you to change it for a few serious reasons:

1. You’re a Victim of Identity Theft

Identity theft is a growing problem, impacting over 50,000 Americans in 2021 alone, according to FBI data. This crime occurs when someone uses your personal information, including your Social Security number, without your permission. 

Some signs your SSN may be compromised:

• Unexplained withdrawals from your bank account
• Unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report 
• Bills or collection notices for things you didn’t purchase
• The IRS notifies you that more than one tax return was filed under your SSN

If you’ve experienced repeated identity theft and your SSN continues to be used fraudulently despite efforts to protect it, the SSA may approve a new number.

2. You’re Facing Harassment, Abuse, or Life Endangerment 

Situations of domestic violence, abuse, harassment, or even life endangerment may warrant a change of your SSN so your abuser can’t use it to locate you. 

Over 61 million women and 53 million men have experienced intimate partner violence and abuse in their lifetime. If you’ve escaped an abusive situation but your abuser has your SSN, they may be able to track you down. The same goes if you’re a victim of life-threatening harassment.

In such situations, the SSA can approve a new SSN to help protect your location and identity. You must provide evidence such as police reports, restraining orders, or letters from shelters or counselors. 

3. You Have Religious or Cultural Objections to Certain Numbers

In rare cases, the SSA will change your Social Security number if you have a sincere religious or cultural aversion to certain numbers or digits in your current SSN. 

For example, some people have a superstition about the number “666” and don’t want it appearing in their SSN. Others have cultural beliefs about lucky and unlucky numbers.

If you object to your SSN on religious or cultural grounds, you’ll need to provide the SSA with a written explanation as well as documentation from your religious group or cultural authority. However, “casual” objections to your number aren’t sufficient.

The Drawbacks of Changing Your Social Security Number

While getting a new SSN can provide a much-needed fresh start for victims of identity theft or domestic violence, it’s important to understand the limitations and potential complications before applying.

1. Your Old SSN Is Still Attached to You

Getting a new Social Security number does not erase your old one. The old number will remain in the SSA’s records attached to your name and will still be listed as belonging to you in many other places, such as:

• The IRS and state tax agencies
• Credit bureaus
• Banks and creditors where you had accounts  

This means that any tax, credit, or banking history under your old number will still be connected to you. You can’t use a new SSN to escape debts, legal issues, or a bad credit history.

2. A New SSN Doesn’t Automatically Update Everywhere

When you get a new Social Security number, you’ll need to manually update it with everybody who relies on that identifier, including:

• Your employer for payroll and tax purposes
• Banks, credit unions, and financial service providers
• The IRS and state tax agencies
• Pension providers and investment managers
• Doctors’ offices and insurance carriers
• The DMV and passport office

Until you update your information, gaps in your records could occur. There may be confusion as service providers and agencies attempt to match your new number to old records.

3. You May Encounter Skepticism and Delays 

Some companies and institutions have fraud prevention measures that may be triggered when you attempt to make changes to long-standing accounts. 

For example, if you update your SSN on an account you’ve had for decades, the bank may require extra verification or an authentication services login before processing the change. They want to ensure you’re not an identity thief trying to access the account illegally.

These additional security checks are ultimately for your protection, but they can lead to a frustrating process of proving and re-proving your identity as you work on updating your SSN everywhere.

How to Apply for a New Social Security Number

Can you change your social security number? The short answer is yes. If you’ve experienced one of the situations that qualifies for a new SSN and have decided to pursue that option, here are the next steps to follow:

At the office, you’ll meet with an SSA representative who will verify your documents and process your application. They’ll also interview you about your reasons for needing a new number. 

Assuming everything is in order, you’ll receive your new Social Security number and card by mail within 10 to 14 business days.

Moving Forward with Confidence: Is a New Social Security Number Right for You?

Changing your Social Security number is not a decision to make lightly. The process isn’t easy, and a new number comes with complications as you transition everything in your financial life over to it. However, for some people in extreme situations — repeated identity theft, domestic violence, or harassment—getting a new SSN may be a necessary part of moving forward with safety and security.

If you’ve determined you need a new Social Security number after exhausting other options, you now know what reasons the SSA considers valid, what evidence you’ll need to provide, and how to navigate the application process.

Remember, a new SSN doesn’t erase your old one. So gather those key original documents, fill out the application thoughtfully, and prepare for some legwork updating all the institutions that use your SSN as an identifier. 

The transition may be a hassle, but you’ll come out the other side empowered, protected, and ready for that fresh start. If you believe a new Social Security number is right for you, seize that opportunity to improve your life.