Get Your Social Security Number 5

Footnote: It is true that the application form for an SSN asks for identfying information, such as date of birth, place of birth, parents' names, and (optionally) the applicant's race. But none of this identifying information is encoded in the SSN itself--not the person's date of birth, place of birth, or race.

Social Security numbers, also known as SSNs, are allocated through a process called randomization that was introduced in June 2011.

The first set of three digits is called the Area Number. The second set of two digits is called the Group Number. The final set of four digits is the Serial Number.

Social Security numbers were grouped by the first three digits of the number (called the area number) and assigned geographically starting in the northeast and moving across the country to the northwest. But if you look closely at the distribution pattern you will see an apparent anomaly. The First Social Security Number and the Lowest Number Social Security Administration (.gov) https://.ssa.gov › history › ssn › firstcard Social Security Administration (.gov) https://.ssa.gov › history › ssn › firstcard

The Social Security Administration does not issue SSNs beginning with the number 9. Numbers beginning with a “9” may be a Social Security Administration issued Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the IRS that has 9 digits beginning with the number 9.

Since 1972, the Social Security Administration has been issuing SSN's centrally from its headquarters in Baltimore. The area code now indicates the person's State of residence as shown on the SSN application. There are several exceptions to these rules. Meaning of the Social Security Number Social Security Administration (.gov) https://.ssa.gov › policy › docs › ssb Social Security Administration (.gov) https://.ssa.gov › policy › docs › ssb PDF