What happens if I change my Social Security number?

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice. See Lexington Law’s editorial disclosure for more information.

A Social Security card is one of the most important forms of personal identification for U.S. citizens. Your nine-digit, government-issued Social Security number (SSN) was likely assigned at birth, but what if you need to change yours now? Maybe you’ve been a victim of identity theft or your number puts you in danger, as in a domestic violence situation. Changing your Social Security number is a process that can indirectly affect your ability to get credit and requires changes to your other official documents.

Can I change my Social Security number?

If you’re considering changing your Social Security number, your first question may be whether it’s even possible. According to the Social Security Administration, you can change your SSN only in these circumstances:

• Your number is so similar to that of someone else in your family that it’s causing problems
• Your SSN was mistakenly issued to more than one person
• Someone stole your identity
• Using your current number exposes you to danger (domestic violence, harassment, etc.)
• You have a religious or cultural objection to some of the digits in your number (written documentation is required to validate this)

Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about your Social Security benefits if you change your number—the Social Security Administration links your new number to your old one so your benefits get transferred to the new number. However, other aspects of your life may be affected.

Will a new Social Security number affect my credit?

Credit bureaus don’t consider changes to Social Security numbers when determining someone’s credit score. But they do consider credit history. And although the Social Security Administration states they cross-reference the new number with the old number,  when you use your new number to apply for credit, your credit reports may still indicate that you have no credit history.

This can hurt your chances of getting credit, since payment history accounts for 35 percent of your FICO^® credit score. In fact, FICO won’t even generate your credit score if you have fewer than six months of credit history. 

How can you fix this? You have a few options. If you’re applying for a loan with a new Social Security number, explain the situation and provide the loan company with your old SSN. That old number is still linked to your credit history. Of course, this may undermine the reason you got the new number (e.g., if you were in danger and didn’t want to be tracked with the old number).

Or you have the same options as those who are new to credit: you can find a cosigner or get a secured credit card to help you start over.

Healthy credit isn’t just important for getting loans or credit cards, though—it’s increasingly important for things like employment and housing options too. Keep this in mind as you consider changing your Social Security number.

You’ll need to update some documentation with your new number as well, such as your passport, upcoming tax returns, driver’s license and federal aid forms (such as student loans). Contact each agency to let them know about your new number and follow their process for updating your information.

If you’re thinking of changing your Social Security number in hopes of resetting your credit score, think again. As stated above, not having a credit history associated with your new number makes getting credit more difficult.

Similarly, don’t fall prey to scammers who promise to improve your credit by providing you with a Credit Privacy Number (CPN). A CPN may look like a Social Security number, but it has no legal standing or connection to the Social Security Administration. In fact, it’s illegal to use a CPN to apply for credit. Those who claim you can use a CPN as you would your Social Security number are misinformed or lying.

How to apply for a new Social Security number

From renewing driver’s licenses to paying bills, most transactions today can be completed online. Unfortunately, changing your Social Security number isn’t one of them. To change your number, call your local Social Security office and schedule an in-person appointment. Once there, you’ll need to complete an application and produce the following:

• An explanation of why you need a new SSN
• Current evidence from a credible third party that supports your explanation
• Identification establishing your legal U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of age and identity
• Proof of legal name change, if applicable

After you’ve changed your number, inform any other parties that need your correct Social Security number, such as: 

• Employers
• Banks
• Lenders (such as your mortgage company)
• The DMV
• The main three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion)
• Insurance company

Your list may include more than these. Think of who previously required your Social Security number and contact them to update their records.

Protect your identity and watch your credit reports

The Federal Trade Commission documented 313,391 reports of identity theft in the U.S. in 2019. Identity theft may be why you changed your Social Security number. If so, the last thing you want to do is go through that process again. To protect your identity, take these simple steps:

• Shred discarded documents that have your Social Security number and other legal information on them. Thieves often get this information by going through personal garbage.
• Every year, check your free credit report from the three main credit reporting agencies. You’ll see if anyone has been applying for credit using your name and Social Security number.
• Beware of shoulder surfers. If you’re inputting your Social Security number in a public space, check to be sure no one is nearby reading your number. If someone asks for your Social Security number in public, jot it down rather than saying it aloud. Overhearing someone’s Social Security number is an easy way to steal it.
• Consider who you give your Social Security number to. Just because someone asks for your number doesn’t necessarily mean you must provide it. According to the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, you don’t have to provide your Social Security number unless required by federal law (such as for a passport). If someone asks for your number and you’re unsure why that person needs it, ask. If you feel uncomfortable, don’t share your number.

If you’ve changed your Social Security number and it’s affected your credit, the consultants at Lexington Law Firm can help. Our team has more than a decade of experience assisting those who need to repair their credit. Contact us to learn how we can help you, too.

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