TN 73 (02-23)

RM 10205.635 Online Social Security Number Application Process (oSSNAP) Overview

Citations: 20 CFR 422.103, 20 CFR 422.107

Social Security Number (SSN) applicants who have a my Social Security account may be able to apply for a replacement SSN card online via the Internet Social Security Number Replacement Card web application (iSSNRC). For information on the iSSNRC requirements, see RM 10205.630B. SSN applicants who do not have a my Social Security account or who have an account but do not meet the criteria to apply for a card via iSSNRC, may be able to file for a replacement SSN card via the Online Social Security Number Application Process (oSSNAP). SSN applicants may also be able to apply for an original SSN card via oSSNAP.

A. Description of the Online Social Security Number Application Process (oSSNAP)

The Online Social Security Number Application Process (oSSNAP) is a partially automated web application, which allows applicants who meet certain criteria to start and submit an SSN application online for either:

  • an original SSN card;

  • a replacement SSN card that requires no change to the SSN record; or

  • a replacement SSN card that requires a name change on the SSN record.

These applicants need to provide all required evidentiary documents to the local Social Security Administration field office (FO) or Social Security Card Center (SSCC). The applicant must do this within 45 calendar days from the oSSNAP submission date to complete the process. An FO technician adequately reviews the applicant’s evidentiary document(s). Additionally, for replacement card applications, an FO technician compares data entered in oSSNAP with data on the applicant’s SSN record (i.e., SSN, name, date of birth, place of birth and parent's names).

NOTE: Data entered in oSSNAP remains in the agency’s systems for up to 45 calendar days. An applicant who does not provide the evidentiary document(s) to the local FO or SSCC within 45 calendar days needs to file a new SSN card application.

B. Criteria to apply for a replacement SSN card via oSSNAP

To be eligible to apply for a no-change replacement SSN card or a name-change replacement SSN card via oSSNAP, the applicant must meet all of the following criteria:

  • be 18 years of age or older when the applicant applies through oSSNAP;

  • have a U.S. mailing address (includes military Army Post Office (APO), Diplomatic Post Office (DPO), and Fleet Post Office (FPO) addresses);

  • have proof of identity of the applicant and number holder (if applying on behalf of that individual);

  • have proof of responsibility, custody and relationship if applying on someone else’s behalf; and

  • have evidence of a name change event and new name (e.g., a marriage certificate or divorce decree) for a name change request.

    NOTE: Applicants who do not meet the above criteria must apply for a replacement SSN card in the local FO or SSCC.

C. Criteria to apply for an original SSN card via oSSNAP

To be eligible to apply for an original SSN card via oSSNAP, the applicant must meet all of the following criteria:

  • be 18 years of age or older when the applicant applies through oSSNAP;

  • have a U.S. mailing address (includes military Army Post Office (APO), Diplomatic Post Office (DPO), and Fleet Post Office (FPO) addresses);

  • have proof of age, identity and U.S. citizenship or alien/immigration status of the individual whom the SSN is for and proof of identity for the applicant (if applying on behalf of that individual); and

  • have proof of responsibility, custody and relationship if applying on someone else’s behalf.

    NOTE: Applicants who do not meet the above criteria must apply for an original SSN card in the local FO or SSCC.

    IMPORTANT: Original SSN card applications for an individual age 12 or older require an in-person interview before the application can be processed and the individual is subsequently assigned an SSN. See Mandatory In-Person Interview for Social Security Number (SSN) Applicants Age 12 or Older, in RM 10205.110 .

D. How to Start the SSN card process online

SSN card applicants who meet the criteria in either RM 10205.635B or RM 10205.635C in this section can start the SSN card application process online by accessing the Social Security Number and Card page located on the Social Security Administration’s public website.


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110205635
RM 10205.635 - Online Social Security Number Application Process (oSSNAP) Overview - 02/27/2023
Batch run: 10/08/2024
Rev:02/27/2023