An application for an SSN card is made by submitting a completed paper Form SS-5, or by completing an in-office interview, which results in a systems-generated summary (the Social Security Number Application Process(SSNAP) printout for the applicant to review. All information is collected electronically and the paper Form SS-5 and SSNAP printout are destroyed, unless the applicant asks to keep the SSNAP printout. See RM 10205.175

An application for an original SSN card may be completed through EAB. SSA offers the EAB program through State Vital Statistics Offices. This program assigns SSNs to newborns as part of the hospital birth registration process.

When the hospital representative asks for information to complete the birth certificate, they also ask the parents if they would like the State's vital statistics office to forward information to SSA to assign an SSN. If the parent agrees, the hospital representative checks a block on the form indicating that the parent wants an SSN assigned to their child.

The hospital forwards this information to the State's vital statistics office along with birth certificate information.

The State vital statistics office then provides SSA with an electronic record used to assign an SSN and issue a card. The parent's signature on the birth registration form and the check in the block indicating the parent wants an SSN for the child constitute a valid application for an SSN.

An application for an original SSN or a replacement SSN card may be completed through EAE. This process is currently available to individuals who are admitted to the U.S. as immigrants. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS) collect enumeration data as part of the immigration process. When an immigrant requests an SSN card as part of the immigration process, DHS transmits the data elements collected for enumeration purposes to SSA once the immigrant arrives in the U.S. Using this data, SSA assigns an original SSN or replacement card to the immigrant , if no prior SSN is found, SSA issues an original or replacement card using the data collected,and mails the SSN card to the address provided by DHS or DOS. See Enumeration at Entry, RM 10205.600.

An application for an original SSN or a replacement SSN card may be completed through EBE. This process is currently available to individuals who live in the United States and who apply for either work authorization and/or lawful permanent residency status. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collects enumeration data during the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) application process. When an applicant requests an SSN card as part of the application process, DHS transmits the data elements collected for enumeration purposes to SSA once they have approved the application. Using this data, SSA assigns an SSN to the applicant, if no prior SSN is found, or sends a replacement card if requestedand mails the SSN card to the address provided by DHS. See Enumeration Beyond Entry, RM 10205.700.

An applicant for a replacement SSN card may apply online if they have a mySocialSecurity account and meets the requirements in RM 10205.630B, Internet SSN Replacement Cards (iSSNRC).

An applicant for an original or replacement SSN card may apply online and finish the application in office if they meet the requirements in RM 10205.635, Online Social Security Number Application Process (oSSNAP) Overview.