How to Set Up Your my Social Security Account Online

A few things to sort out before you begin. To get this account creation process to work smoothly, you'll need three things in place.

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First, you'll need your smartphone for at least part of this process, since you'll be using it to snap photos of your ID and a selfie for identity verification.

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Second, you'll need your own personal email address. Don't use an email that belongs to someone else, like a spouse or another family member. If you don't already have an email address, go ahead and set one up before you get started.

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Third, we recommend double-checking that the name on your ID matches the name on file with your Social Security card. If you can't locate your card, an old Social Security retirement benefit statement will also show how your name is listed with SSA. If the names don't line up, it could create problems when verifying your identity. Later in this video, we'll cover what to do if that happens.

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All right, let's head over to the ssa.gov website. To set up a new online account, click the sign-in button in the top right corner. You'll see two options for creating an account: login.gov and ID.me.

Step 1: Open SSA.gov and choose Sign in

Step 2: Choose your sign-in provider

Social Security website page for signing in or creating an account, offering sign-in options with LOGIN.GOV or ID.me, a notice about accepting SSA terms of service and privacy policy, and links to create accounts and sign-in help.

For U.S. citizens living in the U.S., either option will work, but we tend to see more people choose login.gov, especially since many already have a login.gov account from setting up TSA PreCheck at some point. This video walks through the login.gov process specifically, though you're welcome to switch over to ID.me if login.gov isn't cooperating. That said, for U.S. citizens living abroad, ID.me tends to offer more flexibility when it comes to entering international addresses and phone numbers during setup.

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Once you click "Sign in with login.gov," you'll land on a page where you can either sign in to an existing account or create a new one. We'll go ahead and select the "Create an account" tab. Keep in mind that if you already have a login.gov account, you can skip a few of the early steps shown here.

Step 3: Select Create an account on Login.gov

Login.gov page showing that SSA uses Login.gov to enable safe, secure sign-in. Two buttons labeled 'Sign in' and 'Create an account' appear above fields to sign in with email address and password, plus a submit button.

To move ahead, type in your email address, making sure it's genuinely yours, not a shared inbox or one already tied to a spouse or family member's account. The system checks for this and won't let you proceed with an email address that's already in use elsewhere. Next, check the box agreeing to the terms, then hit submit. You'll then see a confirmation that an email has been sent your way, so go check your inbox.

Step 4: Enter your personal email address

Login.gov page showing option for SSA users to sign in or create a new account with a field to enter email address and select email language preference: English, Español, or Français.

Step 5: Review the Rules of Use and submit

Account creation form for new users showing email entry field, email language preference options including English, Español, Français, and Simplified Chinese, a checkbox to accept Login.gov Rules of Use, and a blue Submit button below.

Step 6: Check your email for the confirmation link

Login.gov page instructing the user to check their email for a confirmation link to continue creating an account, with options to resend the confirmation email or use a different email address if having trouble.

Within a minute or so, an email from login.gov should show up asking you to confirm your address. Inside, you'll find a large blue button labeled "Confirm email address." Click it, and you'll be taken to a page where you'll create a strong password for your login.gov account. After typing your password twice to confirm it matches, take a second to jot it down somewhere safe, or let your browser save it for you automatically. Either way, hang on to this password. Also worth noting: your username will be the same email address you used earlier. Once that's done, click continue.

Step 7: Confirm your email and create a password

Login.gov webpage showing a form to create a strong password after confirming email address, requiring a password of 12 characters or longer without common phrases or repeated characters, with fields for Password and Confirm password, a checkbox to show password, a blue Continue button, and links for Password safety tips and to Cancel account creation.

Step 8: Confirm your password and continue

Login.gov webpage showing a password creation form with a confirmation message for email address verification, fields to enter and confirm a password, a password strength bar rated 'Great', and a blue 'Continue' button.

Next up is the authentication method setup. Two-step verification adds an important layer of security to your account, so SSA requires you to pick one of the listed methods. For this walkthrough, we'll go with the text message option since it's simple, but feel free to choose whichever method suits you best. After selecting "Text or voice message," scroll down a little and click continue at the bottom.

Step 9: Review authentication methods

Login.gov page for setting up authentication methods recommends adding multi-factor authentication with options: Face or touch unlock using fingerprint or face without a one-time code; Authentication application to generate secure codes; Text or voice message for receiving codes via SMS or phone call; Security key device connection with no code entry needed.

Step 10: Select your authentication method

Login.gov Authentication method setup page showing options for multi-factor authentication: Face or touch unlock, Authentication application, Text or voice message (highlighted), and Security key, each with a brief description and icon.

You'll then be asked to provide your mobile phone number, which is where you'll receive your two-step verification codes every time you log in going forward. Click "Send code" to trigger that first code. Check your phone, it usually shows up within seconds, though it can occasionally take a minute. Once the code arrives, type it into the "one-time code" field and click submit.

Step 11: Enter your phone number and request a code

Login.gov page for adding a phone number to receive a one-time code for sign-in, with options to get the code by text message or phone call, and a Send code button.

Step 12: Enter the one-time code

Login.gov page prompting user to enter a one-time code sent via SMS that expires in 10 minutes, with a field to input the code, a checkbox to remember the browser, a blue Submit button, and options to send another code, use a different phone number, get help if not receiving the code, and learn about authentication options.

The system will then offer to set up an additional layer of sign-in security. You're welcome to add it, but for this video we'll skip that step and click "Skip" at the bottom to keep things moving. On the next page, click "Agree and continue," which grants permission to link your login.gov account with the Social Security Administration.

Step 13: Review the additional sign-in security option

Login.gov webpage showing a confirmation that a phone was added to the account and a prompt to set up face or touch unlock for a more secure sign-in with options to set up or skip.

Step 14: Set up face or touch unlock or choose Skip

Login.gov screen showing a message that a phone was added to the account, with an option to set up face or touch unlock for more secure sign in, including an explanation that this method is phishing-resistant and does not store face or fingerprint recordings, and buttons to set up face or touch unlock or to skip.

Now for the more involved part. SSA has had to deal with a lot of fraud over the years, so this stage is all about proving you're really you. Grab your driver's license or state ID, since you'll use your phone to photograph the front, the back, and a selfie of yourself. You'll also need to enter your Social Security number, your personal phone number, and re-enter the login.gov password you just created. Click continue.

Step 15: Agree to continue to SSA

Login.gov page titled 'Continue to SSA' with a checkmark icon and user image illustration, showing that the email address will be shared with SSA. There is a warning to add a second authentication method to avoid losing access, and a blue button labeled 'Agree and continue' is highlighted.

The following page explains that the details you provide will be cross-checked against public records SSA has on file. Because of this, it's best to use your own phone number rather than a spouse's, since it needs to match your records. Check the box agreeing to the terms and click continue.

Step 16: Prepare to verify your identity

Login.gov webpage titled 'Let's verify your identity for SSA' with instructions to complete identity verification by having a driver’s license or state ID, entering your Social Security number, matching your phone number, and re-entering your Login.gov password, followed by a blue Continue button and a Cancel link below.

Here you'll see two ways to verify your identity. We'll choose the first, using your smartphone to photograph your license and yourself. If that route isn't available or doesn't work for you, the second option lets you verify in person at a nearby post office instead. For our purposes, we'll enter our phone number and click "Send link" to receive another text from SSA.

Step 17: Review and consent to identity verification

Login.gov page showing the steps to verify identity: Getting started, Verify your ID, Verify your information, Verify your phone number, Re-enter your password. The page explains how verifying your identity works with sections on verifying identity by providing ID, phone number, and other information, and securing account through password encryption. A checkbox is checked to allow Login.gov to use personal information for verification. Below is a link to learn about privacy and security measures, and a blue Continue button with a cursor hovering over it. A Cancel link is at the bottom.

Step 18: Send the verification link to your phone

Screenshot of Login.gov verification step asking users to choose how to verify their ID with the current option to use a phone to take photos of ID and yourself, including a phone number input field and 'Send link' button, with progress indicators showing this is the 'Verify your ID' step.

Step 19: Review the phone and in-person verification options

LOGIN.GOV webpage for verifying your ID with two options: using your phone to take photos of your ID and yourself by entering a phone number and clicking 'Send link,' or going to a participating Post Office to verify identity in person, with buttons and links for both options.

Step 20: Keep your browser window open

Login.gov webpage showing progress in account creation: Getting started completed, currently on Verify your ID. Message box warns: Do not close this window; the next step loads automatically after verifying ID on phone. Below, text says a message was sent to the phone, instructing user to check phone and follow instructions to take a photo of their ID. Navigation option to go back is available at the bottom.

Important: at this point, you'll shift over to your phone, but you'll need to return to this browser tab afterward, so don't close it. Once your ID is verified on your phone, this page will automatically refresh with the next steps.

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Here's what that text message looks like. Tap the link inside it, and you'll be guided through capturing three images. Place your ID on a dark, flat surface, use good lighting, and try to avoid glare and shadows. Don't worry if it takes a couple of attempts to get it right; most people need a try or two.

Step 21: Open the verification link on your phone

Screenshot of a text message from Login.gov containing a one-time code 123456 that expires in 10 minutes, a link to secure.login.gov for identity verification, and instructions to take a photo of an ID to access SSA, with a prompt to report junk and a note that the sender is not in the contact list.

First up is the front of your license. Tap "Take photo," and the app will prompt you to move your camera closer or farther until it captures a usable image. Next is the back of your license, tap "Take photo" again. This one can be a little finicky, but it should eventually confirm successfully. Afterward, you'll see both images with the option to retake either one. If they look good, tap continue to move on to the final photo.

Step 22: Photograph the front of your ID

Instructions to add photos of a driver's license or state ID card with tips for clear photos such as using flat dark surface, well-lit place, and avoiding glare. Sections to upload front and back of the ID with placeholders and a 'Take photo' button under the front ID section.

Step 23: Photograph the back of your ID and review both images

Mobile screen with instructions to take photos of the front and back of a driver's license or state ID with labeled boxes and buttons: 'Take photo' under each box and a blue 'Continue' button at the bottom.

That last image is essentially a selfie. Try to match the expression from your license photo as closely as you can, and remove anything covering your face, like glasses or a hat. Tap "Take photo," line your face up inside the green circle, keep a neutral expression, and tap the green checkmark. You'll get another chance to retake it if needed. Once you're satisfied, tap submit.

Step 24: Prepare to take your face photo

Login.gov verification screen instructing users to add a photo of their face for SSA access, with guidance to remove face-covering items, take the photo in a well-lit place, keep a neutral expression, and ensure the whole face fits within a green circle. A cartoon face illustration inside a green circle is shown with instructions to line up the face and hold still to capture the photo.

Step 25: Take your face photo

Instructions for adding a photo ID with tips and visuals. 'How to prepare for your photo' includes removing items covering the face, taking the photo in good light, keeping a neutral expression, and ensuring the face fits in a green circle. 'How to take your photo' shows a face aligned with a green circle and instructs to hold still for capture. Below, it shows tapping a green checkmark on the screen to accept the photo. A 'Take photo' button is at the bottom with a pointer hand icon.

Step 26: Review and submit your face photo

Screen showing a photo submission interface with instructions to keep expression neutral and face visible within a green circle, a green-bordered rectangle indicating photo upload, a message 'Image updated' with a green checkmark, and buttons labeled 'Retake photo', 'Submit' with a hand cursor icon hovering over it, and 'Cancel'.

SSA will then process your photos, which can take up to a minute. Assuming everything checks out, you'll see a message confirming, "We verified your identity document," along with instructions to switch back to your browser to wrap up account setup. Note: if verification doesn't succeed, you may need to retake the photos, try the in-person post office option, or restart the process entirely, possibly switching to ID.me.

Step 27: Wait while your images are processed

Login.gov webpage showing the process at the 'Verify your ID' step with a message saying 'We are processing your images' and a note that it might take up to a minute and will load the next step automatically, with a hand cursor icon pointing to the message. Options for Language, Help, Contact, Privacy & security, and Accessibility statement are visible at the bottom.

Step 28: Return to your computer after ID verification

A Login.gov page showing identity verification progress with 'We verified your identity document' and instruction to switch back to computer to finish verifying identity, including icons of a phone and a computer.

Back on your browser, the page will have refreshed with the remaining steps. Enter your Social Security number here, and we'd suggest checking the "show Social Security number" box to confirm you typed it correctly before clicking continue. The next screen recaps your contact information from the verification process, so double-check it for accuracy, then click submit.

Step 29: Enter your Social Security number

Login.gov webpage for entering Social Security number with steps progress bar showing 'Verify your information' highlighted, instructions about verifying identity, a masked Social Security number input box, option to show the number, and blue Continue button with Cancel link below.

Step 30: Review and submit your identity information

Login.gov webpage showing a verification form where users confirm their information including name, date of birth, ID number, address, and Social Security number, with options to update address and SSN details, a checkbox to show Social Security number, and buttons to submit or cancel.

You'll receive one more verification code by text. Enter that code once it arrives and click submit. Finally, re-enter your login.gov password and click continue.

Step 31: Enter the phone verification code

United States government Login.gov page with progress steps showing 'Verify your phone number' as active, asking the user to enter a one-time code sent via text (SMS) that expires in 10 minutes, with input field, submit button, option to send another code, use another phone number, or cancel.

You'll now be given a personal key unique to you, print it, write it down, or snap a photo, whatever works best. Keep this somewhere safe, since you'll need it later if you ever want to change your account password. Skipping this step means you'll have to verify your identity all over again down the road. Check the box confirming you've saved your personal key, then click continue.

Step 32: Re-enter your Login.gov password

Login.gov password re-entry webpage showing progress steps completed for getting started, verifying ID, verifying information, and verifying phone number, with password input field, show password checkbox, forgotten password link, continue button, and cancel link.

Step 33: Save your personal key securely

Login.gov account creation screen showing progress steps with four steps completed and the fifth step Re-enter your password pending. A message indicates verified information is secured. The screen instructs to save a personal key displayed as '1A2B - 3C4D - 5E6F - 7G8H' inside a shield icon. Options below include Copy, Download (text file), and Print. A warning states the personal key is needed to reset a forgotten password and should be kept safe and private, with a link to learn more about the key.

Step 34: Confirm that you saved your personal key

Screen showing a message that verified information is secured and instructing to save a personal key displayed as '1A2B - 3C4D - 5E6F - 7G8H' above an icon of a red shield. Options below the key include Copy, Download (text file), and Print. Text explains the importance of keeping the personal key safe to reset a password and verify identity. A checkbox labeled 'I saved my personal key in a safe place' is shown with a cursor hovering over it, and a blue Continue button is below.

This last step links your verified information to SSA. Click "Agree and continue."

Step 35: Connect your verified information to SSA

User interface page titled 'Connect your verified information to SSA' showing a list of shared verified data with SSA, including email address, full name, address, phone number, date of birth, and Social Security number, each marked with a green checkmark. There is an option to change the email address.

Even after making it this far, you might occasionally run into a message saying your identity couldn't be verified. This usually means the name SSA has on file doesn't match your ID, or your date of birth is off in their system somewhere. If this happens, reach out to Social Security directly to sort out the discrepancy, you may need to provide documentation such as your Social Security card or birth certificate.

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If everything checks out, though, you'll land on a preferences page inside your account. Take a moment here to choose how you'd like to receive notices from Social Security, electronically only, or both by mail and electronically. Once you've made your choice, click "Save and continue," and you'll see a confirmation that your preferences were updated. Click "Continue to homepage," and you're officially set up with your SSA account.

Step 36: Choose your notice preferences

Screenshot of My Social Security webpage showing 'Update Your Preferences' section with a blue information box emphasizing security and online notices, a 'Notice Preferences' section with options to receive only secure online notices or both paper and online notices, and a link to learn more about getting less paper mail.

Step 37: Confirm your preferences and continue to the homepage

My Social Security webpage showing a confirmation message that preferences were successfully updated and a blue button labeled 'Continue to Homepage.' Options for Privacy Policy and Accessibility Help are visible, with a 'Sign Out' link at the top right.

Step 38: Review your new Social Security account

If you'd like to learn more about navigating the features inside your new SSA account,