Applying for a Social Security Number

If you plan to work in the United States, you will need to learn about obtaining a Social Security Number. The government uses Social Security Numbers for tracking payments of income tax, allocating government benefits to you, and for many data collection reasons.  A Social Security Number is required if you are working in the US.  

To acquire a Social Security Number, you must visit your local Social Security Office in person. The office closest to campus is in downtown Davenport.  You do not need to make an appointment. 

When visitng the office, you need to bring your passport and visa, I-94 card, I-20 or DS-2019, job offer letter, and application form, called the SS-5.

Important points

• You should wait approximately 10 days after you arrive in the US before you apply for a Social Security Number, so your immigration data is accessible to the Social Security Office.
• You need to have a job offer before you can apply for your Social Security Number.
• In Iowa, you do NOT need a Social Security Number to obtain a driver's license. 
• Once you have a Social Security Number, you use that same number for as long as you work in the US.

Location

Social Security Administration
Suite 100
131 West 3rd Street
Davenport, IA 52801
563/326-1621 phone
800/772-1213 toll free
Map

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(except federal holidays)