DS-260 Social security number - Lost previous SSN

[sseitiess 0]

I lived in the US almost 20 years ago, and had a SSN then. However, since it's been a long time since then and I had moved a few times during this period, I can't find my SSN card, nor can I remember the number. I also worry that my old SSN was used by someone else for fraud during the period that I was away from the US (I was once a victim of identity theft in the US).

 

Should I select the following options on the DS-260:

"Yes" to "Were you issued a number?"

Tick the "Do not know" box

"Yes" to "Do you want a new card issued?"?

 

Any idea what might happen if the relevant department found records of my previous SSN?

 

Edited December 12, 2023 by sseitiess

[JeanneAdil 6,492]

Before ticking anyting ,  make an appointment at SS office and get a new card 

 

[Crazy Cat 41,836]

Just now, JeanneAdil said:

Before ticking anyting ,  make an appointment at SS office and get a new card 

 

I don't think OP is in the US.

[JeanneAdil 6,492]

6 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

I don't think OP is in the US.

sorry missed that

OP should look thru his personal paperwork for any document that he might have used needing SS#

example - like for renewal of a F1 ? or a temporary state driving license as some states use the SS #

work visa?   SS # would be on paperwork W2

as he can apply for renewal online if he can find the #

 

if ID fraud and someone used his SS# to file tax returns  (it does happen more often then we know about) ,  then he will run into issues and he needs to correct sooner not later

[sseitiess 0]

Thanks, but could I get a new SSN issued to me if I can't find my previous SSN (it has been almost 20 years!)? I read somewhere here that SSNs are "for life". What would the SSA do if I say I don't know my previous SSN and request for a new card to be issued - would they issue a new number or look up my previous number?

[IWander 589]

4 hours ago, sseitiess said:

I lived in the US almost 20 years ago, and had a SSN then. However, since it's been a long time since then and I had moved a few times during this period, I can't find my SSN card, nor can I remember the number. I also worry that my old SSN was used by someone else for fraud during the period that I was away from the US (I was once a victim of identity theft in the US).

 

Should I select the following options on the DS-260:

"Yes" to "Were you issued a number?"

Tick the "Do not know" box

"Yes" to "Do you want a new card issued?"?

 

Any idea what might happen if the relevant department found records of my previous SSN?

 

Unkown is the truth what is the worry?  Having or not having an SSN isn't a cause for denial of a visa.  

2 minutes ago, sseitiess said:

Thanks, but could I get a new SSN issued to me if I can't find my previous SSN (it has been almost 20 years!)? I read somewhere here that SSNs are "for life". What would the SSA do if I say I don't know my previous SSN and request for a new card to be issued - would they issue a new number or look up my previous number?

Look it up

[OldUser 6,635]

1 hour ago, sseitiess said:

Thanks, but could I get a new SSN issued to me if I can't find my previous SSN (it has been almost 20 years!)? I read somewhere here that SSNs are "for life". What would the SSA do if I say I don't know my previous SSN and request for a new card to be issued - would they issue a new number or look up my previous number?

They'll likely look up your previous number.

 

You may want to contact your old employers and banks if you dealt with any of those 20 years ago. Also, if any immigration paperwork involved SSN in the past, you can file FOIA to get everything you ever filed with USCIS.

Edited December 12, 2023 by OldUser

[Gary Rich 261]

1 hour ago, sseitiess said:

Thanks, but could I get a new SSN issued to me if I can't find my previous SSN (it has been almost 20 years!)? I read somewhere here that SSNs are "for life". What would the SSA do if I say I don't know my previous SSN and request for a new card to be issued - would they issue a new number or look up my previous number?

https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card/get-started/applicant

[top_secret 2,417]

SS 

8 hours ago, sseitiess said:

Should I select the following options on the DS-260:

"Yes" to "Were you issued a number?"

Tick the "Do not know" box

"Yes" to "Do you want a new card issued?"?

 

On a DS-260 those seem like completely valid and correct answers.  I can't see how it would make any difference for immigration.  Presumably they would request SS issues a new card when the immigrant arrives.  SS would most likely look up the old number and process the request as a replacement card rather than a new number. If you want a new number due to fraud, just get whatever card SS sends you and go down to the SS office once you get here. They will want hard documented proof of the fraud to change the number. Whatever SS does or does not send , it would be an easy problem for the new immigrant to solve with a trip to the SS office once they get here.  No need to worry about it before arrival and not an immigration issue. 

Edited December 12, 2023 by top_secret