You probably weren’t thinking about Social Security numbers and birth certificates when welcoming your tiny bundle of joy. Before long though, you’ll need these proofs of identity, age and citizenship and they’ll be essential throughout your child’s life.
For kids, birth certificates are often required for enrolling in school and joining sports or other activities. You’ll need their Social Security number to get medical coverage, apply for government services, open a bank account or buy savings bonds for them.
Later in life these documents will be needed for obtaining a driver’s license, getting married, providing identity for employment, traveling, buying a home or car, and replacing the other document if lost.
When you complete the application for your baby’s birth certificate in the hospital, you’ll be asked if you’d like to apply for a Social Security number for them as well. If you don’t receive your child’s birth certificate and Social Security card within eight weeks of birth—or if you receive them and can’t find them later—you’ll need to replace them.
To replace your child’s birth certificate, choose one of the following options:
If you have questions, call the Office of Vital Records at 804-662-6200.
To replace your child’s Social Security card, complete both step 1 and step 2:
Local Social Security offices include:
Richmond
1834 W. Cary St. Richmond, VA 23220
1-866-679-6684
Midlothian
13551 Waterford Pl. Midlothian, VA 23112
1-877-773-7231
Sandston
245 E. Williamsburg Rd. Sandston, VA 23150
1-866-218-2307
Petersburg
100 Poplar Dr. Petersburg, VA 23805
1-877-803-6322
If you have questions, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security office.