Can I change my Social Security number?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue a new number only in certain very extreme cases. A new SSN may be issued if you can prove that someone has stolen your number and is using it illegally. You must provide evidence that the number is actually being misused, and that the misuse is causing you significant harm on an ongoing basis. If your card has been lost or your number has fallen into the wrong hands, that's not enough. Further, SSA will not give you a new SSN to aid in avoiding legal responsibility, or in hiding bad credit or a criminal record.

SSA may also assign a different number if:

• Sequential numbers assigned to members of the same family are causing problems
• More than one person is assigned or using the same number
• There is a situation of harassment, abuse or life endangerment

To get a new Social Security number, you must visit an SSA office.