Apply for a Social Security Number

• 1). Gather documents that prove your spouse’s identity and legal residence in the United States. These may be the original documents or copies that have been certified by the issuing agency. Acceptable documents include a passport, state ID, driver’s license and legal residence card.
  
  
• 2). Have your spouse complete an application for a Social Security card. You can obtain this form from the Social Security website or from your local Social Security office (see Resources).
  
  
• 3). Submit the form. You may mail the form and supporting documents to a local office, or your spouse may submit it in person (see Resources).
  
  
• 4). Wait for a response from the Social Security Administration. If your spouse is eligible for a Social Security number, the office will process the application and send the card via mail.
  
  

Apply for a ITIN

• 1). Have your spouse complete Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. This form is available from Social Security Online (see Resources).
  
  
• 2). Gather the required documents. Your spouse must provide a federal income tax return from the previous year, unless he qualifies for an exception. He must also provide documents that prove his identity and foreign status, such as his passport and driver’s license.
  
  
• 3). Submit the application and supporting documents to the following address: Internal Revenue Service, Austin Service Center, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342. Your spouse also can submit the application and documents through an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or through an Acceptance Agent (see Resources).