Applying for a Social Security Number
For applicants under 12 years old
You can also request a Social Security Number at a Social Security Agency in the United States: Request a Social Security number | SSA or, if you reside in Ecuador, you can apply at the Regional Federal Benefits Office (RFBO) at San Jose, Costa Rica.
In order to do this, you will the following documents:
- Valid U.S. Passport for applicant.
- Valid Proof of ID for parent of applicant (Passport is preferred)
- Foreign birth certificate.
For Ecuadorian Birth Certificates, please request an “Acta Registral de Nacimiento” issued is less than 30 days.
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (if applicable).
- Print and fill out the SS-5 form (PDF 150Kb).
If you are applying from Ecuador, please use a U.S. Address since the mail service in Ecuador is limited and if you enter an address in Ecuador, you may not receive the card.
You can send all the originals to the San Jose office or, our recommendation, send notarized copies that have been notarized at any U.S. Mission Abroad. Once you have all these documents, please make an appointment for a notarial service.
You will need to send the originals or notarized copies to the San Jose Office. Please check the SSA website for their address: SSA Regional Offices.
For applicant 12 years old and older
If you are over 12 years old and you are uncertain that you ever had a Social Security Number; you need to contact Regional Federal Benefits Office at San Jose first to confirm that you have never been issued a Social Security number.
We can only provide this service if you are:
- a U.S. Citizen,
- Over 12 years old and,
- Never had a Social Security Number (SSN)
If you qualify to apply locally, you need to gather the Required Documentation.
