How can I obtain a Social Security number for an adopted child?
To apply for an SSN, adoptive parents should file Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) with the U.S. Social Security Administration. A foster child in the custody of a government agency or court following termination of his or her birth parents’ rights (usually because of abuse or neglect) will usually receive an SSN through the custodian, who then will provide the SSN to the prospective parent. If a prospective parent and the birth parent share information about the adopted child (for example, in open adoptions), the prospective parent should be able to obtain the child’s SSN from the birth parent. A similar situation can occur when a child is adopted by a relative. However, an SSN is not always immediately available for other adoption situations. To address this situation, the adoptive parents should apply to the IRS for a temporary taxpayer identification number (TIN).
