How do I go about getting another copy of my Social Security or Birth Certificate?
 

Recently, I needed to provide another form of identification in the form of a Social Security Card or Birth Certificate, and I am unable to locate either.

What is the process required to get another copy of both/either, and which of the processes is faster and more efficient?

I'm interested in getting either of the two forms of identification as soon as possible, with as little hassle as possible, but seeing that I'm not familiar with the process to obtain copies of either, I'd greatly appreciate some advice and guidance here.

Thanks!

A certified copy of your birth certificate must be obtained from the records office in the county in which you were born. I think you have to do this in person and have a driver's licence to do it.

A new SS card can be obtained from your local SSA office. Again, I think you have to do it in person.

The birth certificate was faster for me, as they did it while I waited. A new SS card takes a week or two to get in the mail.

You can get a certified copy of your birth certificate from the courthouse in the county where you were born. It costs somewhere between $7-$10 I think. As for the social security card, I know that we have a social security office in my town, so that is where I would check first. If not there, ask the people at the courthouse.

Edit: Wow, in the time it took me to type this out, Lebell came through with exactly the same answers.

Ok, i think the birth certificate could come from the hospital where you were born? Or at least they could tell you where to get a new one.
I checked the back of my SS card, and it mentioned "your local Social Security office." So, check the gov't part of the phone book, and give em a call.

I didn't need to be present to obtain my birth certificate. I was able to have it re-issued via phone conversation from Oregon (born in California).

The social security office will provide you with a temp card while the new one is enroute through the mail.

If you don't live in the county you were born, your social security card (your temp card) is the fastest to obtain.
If you live in the county you were born, either one is just as fast.

Regardless of the one you decide to get for now, make sure you follow through and obtain both for the future.


EDIT: oh yeah, did you already ask your parents? I don't want to call em sneaky, perhaps reluctant ;), but all of my friends' parents kept the originals and gave their children certified copies. You might have your tucked away in the family bible or something.

The rules vary from state to state. In California, birth certificates can be obtained from the state Office of Vital Records or from the County Recorder's Office in the county where you were born. The cost will vary slightly. You may need to include a notarized statement identifying yourself if you want a certified copy rather than an informational copy. An easy way to find out the particulars in your state would be to google for the name of your state, then "order birth certificate."

This is part of what I do for a living. :)

you can use this form to get a new SS card

http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

I lost my social security card when I was at basic training. I used the website that Cynthetiq provided and it only took me a week to get my replacement.

Really nice info everyone!

Thanks much.