SSN or ITIN finder
Answer up to five questions to see whether you can get a Social Security number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration, or need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, and which form to use.
General information only. This follows the public rules of SSA and the IRS. It does not decide anything: the agency decides each application. This is not legal or tax advice.
SSN and ITIN at a glance
| Compared | SSN | ITIN |
|---|---|---|
| Who gives it | Social Security Administration | IRS |
| Who can get it | U.S. citizens and noncitizens with permission to work (rarely, others for a benefit) | People who need a U.S. tax number but cannot get an SSN |
| Form | SS-5 (or in the immigrant visa application) | W-7, usually with a tax return |
| Lets you work | Yes, unless the card says “Not valid for employment” | No |
| Expires | No | Yes, if not used on a federal return for 3 tax years in a row |
Read more in SSN or ITIN? Which number you need, and how to get it.
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