New baby: getting the birth certificate and Social Security number
At the hospital, fill out the birth registration form carefully; it registers the birth with your state. Check the box to request a Social Security number, and the card usually arrives by mail in a few weeks. Order certified birth certificates from your state or county vital records office. Unmarried parents can usually sign a voluntary parentage form at the hospital. Then add your baby to insurance, claim tax credits and update your W-4.
Your checklist
- Fill out the hospital birth form carefully
- Check the box for a Social Security number
- Watch for the card in the mail
- Order certified birth certificates
- Ask about the parentage form if unmarried
- Use them for insurance and taxes
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
At the hospital
Staff will give you a birth registration form (sometimes called a birth certificate worksheet). The hospital sends it to your state to register the birth. Double-check spelling and dates.
Social Security number
The easiest way is to check the box on the hospital form requesting a Social Security number. The card usually arrives by mail within a few weeks. If you didn’t request it, apply at Social Security later with the birth certificate and your ID.
Certified birth certificates
Order certified copies from your state or county vital records office, usually for a fee. You’ll need them for a passport, school enrollment and benefits. Use official sites to avoid extra fees.
Unmarried parents
Many hospitals offer a voluntary acknowledgment of parentage form to legally establish the father or second parent. It can affect custody, support and benefits, so read it carefully.
Home births
Contact your local registrar or vital records office to register the birth.
Next steps
Add your baby to health insurance (deadlines are short), claim the child on your taxes, update your W-4 and work benefits, and apply for a passport if you’ll travel.
Official sources, and where to look
[your state] vital records birth certificate[your state] acknowledgment of paternity
Common questions
How long does a baby’s Social Security card take?
Often a few weeks after the birth is registered, if requested at the hospital. Contact Social Security if it hasn’t arrived after several weeks. More ›
Can I fix a mistake on the birth certificate?
Yes. Contact your state vital records office about an amendment; it’s easier to fix soon after the birth. More ›
How do I get a Social Security number for my baby?
Request it on the hospital birth registration form. The card is mailed to you. If you didn’t, apply at Social Security with the birth certificate and your ID. More ›
How do I get a copy of my baby’s birth certificate?
Order a certified copy from your state or county vital records office, online, by mail or in person, usually for a fee. More ›
How long does it take to get a birth certificate?
It varies by state, from days to several weeks. Ordering directly from the official office avoids extra service fees. More ›
What is an acknowledgment of paternity?
A voluntary legal form unmarried parents can sign to establish the father. It affects custody, child support and inheritance, so read it carefully. More ›
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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.