I might have a really big problem on my hands. -Name Change, SSN-

[TheMissingM]

Alright so I'm troubled right now with what I'm facing, around 3 years ago my parent's(and my) home burnt down in a total loss fire, nothing was salvaged. We lost all sorts of possessions but more importantly.. my SSN card which was stored in a 'safe' place did not escape from that fire.

Recently I discovered that in order to go through with my name change I'm going to need even more money which just isn't an option right now, so I went with plan B which was to request a SSN card replacement. Unfortunately I did not memorize my number, I used to have a document that had it typed down but that was in the same house that burnt down so that information is gone.

My issue right now is that, I'm twenty four years old and I do not have a driver's license, state ID or anything like that. I used to have a state ID but it long since expired and again, was in the house that burnt down. This means that the information needed to replace my SSN isn't there... the only thing I have on my person is my birth certificate.

So now I'm in a really bad situation, I read that the SSN is required for legally changing your name to begin with but I can't even request a replacement for my card because I lack the documents to prove my identity(I never had them, to be fair.)

So now I'm wondering if I can even legally change my name, anyone have any ideas here..? I'm a bit stumped what I can do in my given situation.

[Sydney_NYC]

If you are employed, your employer would have your SSN. Another option is if your parents can get copy of their tax return from the IRS where you were a dependent, then your SSN would be on that tax form.

As a side note, your SSN should be memorized, it's one of those critical things in life. Until you get that card, you will NOT be able to change your name. You also need a valid state ID to change it as well in most states.

[Devlyn]

It looks like the birth certificate is all you need: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm

Hugs, Devlyn

[iKate]

SSA can look it up if you don't remember your number, especially if your parents know theirs.

When I went they were really nice. The person who processed my app pulled up everything including my mom and dad's record and commented that I put the wrong last name for my mom.

So go with the BC and they will hook you up.

Some offices may require an appointment but I think that is just for benefits and not cards.

[Mariah]

The birth certificate will get you access to your SSA card and as a result a state issued ID. Hugs
Mariah

[lisarenee]

Your parents might be able to request a new one for you. I know that works for Birth Certificates as my mother ran into a catch 22 when she lost her Driver's License. The DMV wanted a Birth Certificate in order to replace her License and the Health Department wanted a License to issue a Birth Certificate. Fortunately for her, my Grandmother is still around and was able to request a Birth Certificate for her. I wonder what would have happened had that not been the case.

https://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm

If you can't get a State ID or Passport, this seems to indicate that SSA will take

• Employee identification card;
• School identification card;
• Health insurance card (not a Medicare card); or
• U.S. military identification card.

[Sspar]

in PA you can get your birth certificate with 2 bills in your name.
If you call them on the phone, give them your story,, ( as direct
and to the point as possible)..  Usually, you can find someone who
can help you find a solution that will work.
.
Hint.. being polite but persistent goes a long way..

[TheMissingM]

I contacted Social Security over the phone, waited about 40 minutes for an agent and when I finally got one... Basically got no where. So the only thing I have to go on is gathering the only identification means I have, which is my birth certificate copy and going to my local office... Odds are I'm going to be denied though, this is really not looking good right now.

[FTMax]

I contacted Social Security over the phone, waited about 40 minutes for an agent and when I finally got one... Basically got no where. So the only thing I have to go on is gathering the only identification means I have, which is my birth certificate copy and going to my local office... Odds are I'm going to be denied though, this is really not looking good right now.

From the sound of things other people have posted, I wouldn't say you're out of luck. Take whatever documents you can with you. Copy of your birth certificate. If you have any mail in your name (especially if it's official like a utility bill or bank statement), take it. Your parents should also be able to pull their old tax records, which would have your SSN if you were claimed as a dependent. They may be able to do it online now. I think the last time I tried to do it, it said the IRS could mail it to me. But still - even if you had to wait a week for that to come, that would get you what you need.

[TheMissingM]

From the sound of things other people have posted, I wouldn't say you're out of luck. Take whatever documents you can with you. Copy of your birth certificate. If you have any mail in your name (especially if it's official like a utility bill or bank statement), take it. Your parents should also be able to pull their old tax records, which would have your SSN if you were claimed as a dependent. They may be able to do it online now. I think the last time I tried to do it, it said the IRS could mail it to me. But still - even if you had to wait a week for that to come, that would get you what you need.

I've already asked my parents, the most I can probably get them to do is fill out the required form and put their SSN down. I am not marked as a dependent under them and they claim they can't get too old of tax records(Not sure if they're being honest.. they're not 100% supportive of my transition.)

So I'm going to have to print out the form, get it filled in and take my copy of my birth certificate in and hope I can get somewhere... It's really not looking too good here, I don't know how much different things work in Ohio compared to the other areas mentioned.

[Jessica Merriman]

I don't know how much different things work in Ohio compared to the other areas mentioned.

Social Security is Federal. Same in every state.

So you have never worked? Employer even past should be able to give you the number. No Drivers license or State ID at 24??? Um..................

[TheMissingM]

So you have never worked? Employer even past should be able to give you the number. No Drivers license or State ID at 24??? Um..................

To keep things simple, I never tried to get my driver's license because I've never had to up to the point. Never owned a vehicle either.. My state ID expired a long time ago and was lost in the house fire I mentioned.

The only work I've done is basically small gigs, which can't even count as employment really.

[KatelynBG]

If you have a bank account, they should have your social on file. Even a small savings account. Even if you had a bank account at one time, chances are the bank will have your ssn. Take your birth certificate down to your bank and see if you can get your social. A bank statement with your current address can also serve as an identifying document.

[KarynMcD]

A bank wouldn't give it to you.
Even if they could see the full number on there screens, they would never give it out.

[iKate]

Worse come to worse, you can order copies of your parents tax return from the IRS. Or rather, your parents can and it should list your SSN since you are one of their dependents.

However I doubt it will need to get that far.

If the BC is a photocopy, see if you can get a replacement. That shouldn't be too hard to do.

Then you can go down to SSA and get a replacement card.

[KatelynBG]

A bank wouldn't give it to you.
Even if they could see the full number on there screens, they would never give it out.

Not necessarily. Probably not without ID or if you already knew the bank employee but I work at a bank and have for years and if I have properly ID'd someone or they are a known customer to me, I old release that info upon request. I would definitely ask questions first to make sure I was comfortable with it and maybe run it by a supervisor first, but it's not impossible. Keep in mind I am saying someone in person, in front of me. That info would never be released online or over the phone but you'd be surprised what can be accomplished in person at your bank.

[jenifer356]

as Katelyn says in person is so much more productive - online or on the phone the people (esp government SSA types) can be so dismissive and cold - in person you can usually find someone willing to help even if you have to ask for higher level employees (supervisor, manager)

be well
jenifer

[BridgetYvonne]

A veteran friend of mine who lives in Phoenix told me when I 1st got started M2F, to contract SAGA (S. Az Gender Alliance) they are located in Tucson Az. Perhaps they can help you. I live in the Pac NW. They helped me. When I got notified that my sex status had been approved, we went to DMV & got my new license. I don't think they even cared that I was in transition. I guess they wanted they money for my ID/license. When I got back to my home state, I went to DMV, showed them my AZ license & voila I had my new female state license. I even have both licenses in my shadow box. Hopefully SAGA can help.