What you need to do to set up a my Social Security account

A my Social Security account is an online portal run by the Social Security Administration where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit estimate, and manage your Social Security information without visiting an office. You create it directly on the Social Security website using your email address, a password you choose, and identity verification through a third-party service.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have the right documents ready. You will need a valid Social Security number, a U.S. mailing address, and a way to prove your identity — either a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Social Security uses a company called ID.me to verify who you are before your account goes live.

You do not need to call Social Security, visit an office, or pay anything. The account is free, and you can start using it when ready after verification is complete.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account" to begin; you will need an email address and a strong password.
  • Social Security will ask you to verify your identity through ID.me, which accepts a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
  • The verification step usually completes in minutes, but can take up to 24 hours if Social Security needs to review your documents manually.
  • Once your account is active, you can view your earnings history, check your benefit estimate, and change your address or phone number without calling.
  • If you cannot verify through ID.me, you can request an in-person verification at your local Social Security office instead.

Step-by-step: Creating your account on ssa.gov

Start at ssa.gov/myaccount. Click the blue "Create an account" button on the homepage. You will be taken to a page that asks for your email address — use one you check regularly, because Social Security will send you a confirmation link there.

Enter your email and click "Next." Social Security will send you a message with a link to confirm that email address belongs to you. Open your email, click the link, and you will return to the website. Now you create your password. Social Security requires at least 12 characters, including uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character like ! or @. Write this password down or use a password manager — you will need it every time you log in.

After you set your password, Social Security asks a few security questions: your date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your state of residence. Answer these honestly — they are used to verify your identity later. Then click "Next" to move to the identity verification step.

How identity verification works through ID.me

Social Security uses ID.me, a third-party verification service, to confirm you are who you say you are. This step is required before your account becomes active. ID.me will ask you to upload a photo of a valid ID — a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The photo must be clear, show your full face, and match the name and date of birth you entered.

You can upload your ID using your phone camera or a computer. ID.me's system scans your document and checks it against government records. If everything matches, you will see a message saying your identity is verified, and your my Social Security account will be ready to use when ready — usually within minutes.

If ID.me cannot verify you automatically, a person at ID.me will review your documents. This manual review can take up to 24 hours. You will receive an email when the review is complete. If ID.me still cannot verify you — for example, if your ID is expired or the photo is too blurry — you will be told why and given the option to try again or request in-person verification at a Social Security office instead.

What to do if ID.me verification fails

If you cannot verify through ID.me after multiple attempts, you have another option: in-person verification at your local Social Security office. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and tell the representative you want to create a my Social Security account but need in-person help. They will schedule an appointment for you.

Bring your original ID and your Social Security card (or a document showing your number, like a tax return or W-2) to the office. A staff member will verify your identity in person and set up your account while you wait. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. Your account will be active by the end of the appointment.

In-person verification is also an option if you do not have a digital camera or smartphone to upload a photo to ID.me, or if you prefer not to use the online verification system.

What you can do once your account is active

After your account is verified and active, you can log in anytime at ssa.gov/myaccount using your email and password. Your account shows your earnings record — a year-by-year breakdown of wages Social Security has recorded under your number. This is important to check because errors in your earnings record can lower your future benefit amount.

You can also see a benefit estimate, which shows what you might receive at different ages (62, full retirement age, or 70). This estimate is based on your current earnings record and assumes you will keep working until the age you choose. The estimate updates each year after you file your taxes.

Your account also lets you change your address, phone number, or email address without calling or visiting an office. You can request a replacement Social Security card (in most states), check the status of a card request you have already made, and view your payment history if you are already receiving benefits.

Protecting your my Social Security account

Your account contains sensitive information, so treat your password like you would treat your Social Security number. Do not share it with anyone, do not write it on paper you leave lying around, and do not use the same password for other websites. If you think someone else knows your password, change it when ready by logging in, clicking "Settings," and selecting "Change password."

Social Security will never ask you for your password by email, phone, or text. If you receive a message claiming to be from Social Security and asking for your password, it is a scam — do not respond. Real messages from Social Security come through your my Social Security account itself, not through email or text.

If your account is hacked or you notice activity you did not authorize, call 1-800-772-1213 right away. Social Security can lock your account and help you regain access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a my Social Security account to get benefits?

No. You can file for benefits by phone, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office without ever creating an account. The account is optional and exists to let you manage your information online. However, if you are already receiving benefits, an account makes it easier to check your payment status and update your address.

What if I do not have a driver's license or passport?

You can use a state ID card or military ID instead. If you do not have any of these, request in-person verification by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring whatever government-issued ID you do have to your appointment, and Social Security will work with you to verify your identity.

Can I create an account for someone else, like a family member?

No. Each person must create their own account using their own email address and Social Security number. If you are helping an elderly parent or a family member who cannot use the internet, you can help them through the process, but they must be the one to verify their identity through ID.me or in person.

How long does it take for my account to be ready after I verify my identity?

Usually a few minutes. If ID.me verifies you automatically, your account is active when ready. If a person at ID.me needs to review your documents, it can take up to 24 hours. You will receive an email when your account is ready.

What if I forget my password?

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Forgot password?" on the login page. Social Security will send a reset link to your email address. Click the link, create a new password, and you can log in again. Make sure you use a password you will remember, or store it in a password manager.