What do the numbers of your social security number mean

Social Security Number Structure

Social security numbers are issued by the US Social Security Administration, and are used to help identify the citizens of the United States by number. These important 9-digit numbers provide information that can be used to help people obtain credit, apply for a job, and identify themselves for the purposes of taxation. They also prove that individuals are American citizens. All social security numbers start with three digits, then two in the middle, and finish with four numbers. The first three numbers are called the area number. The area number shows the region or state where a person was born, and was first adopted in 1936. Here are some links to more information about social security area numbers:

• Area Numbers Chart
• How Area Numbers are Obtained
• SSN Numbering System
• Questions about Social Security Numbers Answered

The group numbers are the two middle numbers of a social security number. These numbers do not represent the geographical region, but they do represent the order in which a number was issued for a particular region. For example, if someone was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, then the area number (the first three digits) represents that geographical part of the state, and the group number shows the order in which the person was born within that particular area. This number can be reissued at the discretion of the Social Security Administration. The numbers 00 are never assigned as a group number, so if these numbers are submitted they will usually be flagged as fraudulent. More information on group numbers can be found here:

• The Structure of SSNs
• Comprehensive Information on Social Security Numbers
• Social Security Number Structure Basics
• Social Security Number Reference Guide
• The Purpose and Use of SSNs

The final four numbers of a social security number are called the serial number. These numbers are designated in chronological order, and correspond with the area and group numbers. Often, many companies and creditors verify someone’s identity by asking for the last four, or serial number on a person’s SSN. These numbers are random and designed to help distinguish one number from the next.

In today’s modern world, identity theft has become a very serous issue. Some thieves may try to obtain merchandise or credit with a fake social security number. The group number and serial number will never be zeros in succession. Social security numbers will also never contain a letter in any portion of the number. The United States government has ways to detect an illegitimate number, and also posts some helpful information for merchants, creditors, and citizens so they can detect when a number is fake. For more information on discerning between real and fake social security numbers, as well as general information, please see one of the following links:

• How Criminals Can Use a Social Security Number
• How to Identify False Social Security Card and Numbers
• Information about Invalid Social Security Numbers
• Tips for Employers
• Identifying SSNs
• How to get a New Social Security Card
• What to do if You Lose Your Social Security Card
• Validate Someone’s Identity by SSN
• Social Security Number FAQ’s
• Identity Theft & Your Social Security Number
• The Official Social Security Website

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Social Security "Area Code" Number Chart

Important Notes:

1. * = 700-728 issuance of these numbers to railroad employees was discontinued July 1, 1963.
2. If the same area number appears above more than once, it is because certain numbers were transferred from one State to another or that the area number was divided for use amongst certain geographical locations.
3. Any number beginning with "000", "666", "900-999", has a middle "00", or ends in "0000" will never be a valid SSN.
4. Originally, the first three digits were assigned by the geographical region in which the person was residing at the time the number was assigned. "Generally, numbers were assigned beginning in the northeast and moved westward. So people on the east coast had the lowest numbers and those on the west coast had the highest numbers".
5. Since 1972/1973, when SSA started assigning SSNs and issuing cards centrally from Baltimore, the Area Number assigned has been based on the ZIP code in the mailing address provided on the application for the original Social Security card. The applicant's mailing address does not have to be the same as their place of birth or residence. Prior to 1972/1973, social security numbers were assigned by field offices. Therefore, the Area Number does not necessarily represent the State of residence of the applicant, either prior to 1972/1973 or since.
6. People born in the United States since 1987 may have had their SSN applied for them by the hospital at birth. This policy varies by State.
7. Effective June 25, 2011, the SSA began a new randomized assignment methodology, called "SSN Randomization", in an effort to extend the longevity of the nine-digit SSN nationwide as well as for security since randomization makes the newly assigned SSN's more difficult to reconstruct using public information. Unused area numbers previously assigned to states, as well as previously unassigned area numbers, will now be available in the new randomization system.
8. Numbers in red were originally assigned to these states but were subsequently unassigned come June 2011 and used in the new randomized assignment. Numbers in these "officially" unissued series may still have been issued for applicants in these states prior to randomization.
9. Social Security Numbers are never reassigned after someone dies. Despite issuing over 450 million SSN's since 1936, and assigning about 5.5 million new numbers a year, they can still issue new numbers for several generations.

Information is from sources believed to be reliable but cannot be guaranteed. The information presented is solely intended to assist site visitors in better understanding Social Security Numbers.

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