Applying for a Social Security number
- If you have access to a U.S. military base legal office that will make Certified True Copies of your documents, click here.
- Otherwise, you will need to apply using Your Original Documents. Click here.
- If you prefer to apply in person, please contact the Federal Benefits Unit, Embassy Tokyo.
Children under age 12
Please note that an application for a Social Security Number can only be submitted after the child receives a full validity (5 year) passport.
To apply for your child's Social Security number, we will need you and your child's passports and the child's birth certificate (if born in the U.S.) or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (if born outside the U.S.)
If your child was born in the U.S. and moved overseas as an infant, please contact the Federal Benefits Unit, Embassy Tokyo as you will also need to supply documentary evidence.
Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN)
Non-U.S. citizens and those who do not reside in the U.S. may be eligible for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for U.S. tax purposes. This category applies to Japanese citizen spouses resident in Japan without Legal Permanent Residence in the United States. Find more information on ITINs here.
Immigrating the the U.S?
If you and/or your Japanese spouse are immigrating to the U.S., you will receive a Social Security number once in the U.S. as a Legal Permanent Resident. You cannot apply from within Japan and must apply in the U.S.
Studying or working in the U.S?
Persons headed to the U.S. on student or work visas cannot apply for a Social Security number overseas. Please apply in the United States.
Mandatory Interview Certificates
If you are seeking a Mandatory Interview Certificate in order to obtain your first-ever Social Security number (in accordance with the U.S.-Japan Totalization Agreement), please view our Totalization page.
Need to look up your Social Security Number?
Effective June 24, 2013 the Social Security Administration updated the regulations concerning Social Security Number verifications. A replacement Social Security Number card will not be issued to non-U.S. citizens or residents who have no current need for a Social Security Number.
If you are a U.S. citizen or legal Permanent Resident Alien ("Green Card" holder) and you need to verify your Social Security number, please directly contact the Federal Benefits Unit, Embassy Tokyo.
If you are not a U.S. citizen or legal Permanent Resident Alien ("Green Card" holder) and you need to verify the details shown on your Social Security Number record, you must apply directly to the Social Security Administration for a printout of your Social Security Number record (known as a Numident). For more information, please visit SocialSecurity.gov.
Applying for a Replacement Social Security Card
American Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents can apply for replacement Social Security cards through Embassy Tokyo. Please contact the Federal Benefits Unit, Embassy Tokyo. You will need to bring your current valid passport or permanent resident card, along with the SS-5 application form (PDF 164 KB).
Please note: Replacement Social Security cards are issued overseas to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents only. If you are not a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, and you are currently residing in Japan, you will not be entitled to a replacement card even if you misplace it.
Amending Your Social Security Card
Amendments such as name changes can be filed at Embassy Tokyo. Please contact the Federal benefits Unit, Embassy Tokyo.
If there is a name change, you will need to bring current valid photo identification as well as evidence of the name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or court order authorizing the name change).
Please note: Replacement Social Security cards are only issued overseas to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. If you are not a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, and you are currently residing in Japan, you will not be entitled to a replacement card even if you misplace it. If you would like to report a name change, the Federal benefits Unit, Embassy Tokyo can assist in amending the record in the SSA system, but a replacement card will not be issued.