Social Security Number (SSN) Prefix by State

Over the years there have been various ways of assigning the nine digit numbers used for Social Security cards. One of these ways was to use specific prefixes for applications made in certain states. This means that on some Social Security cards we can determine which state they were issued in.

What Is the Purpose of Social Security Numbers?

Social Security numbers are one of the most important pieces of identification we have in our lives. We might not be able to buy alcohol with it as proof of age but it is intrinsically attached to who we are.

It is used to help us get bank accounts, credit cards, loans, passports and driving licenses to name just a few. It is also our unique tax number that allows Social Security insurance deductions to be made from our wages.

The Social Security system collects taxes from U.S. workers to add to a fund which supplies state pensions and funds disability benefits programs for those who are temporarily or permanently disabled.

This tax number allows us to file our yearly taxes and is actually a requirement for those who want to legally work in the United States.

Social Security Numbers Since 1936

It was back in 1936 that the Social Security Administration began to issue nine digit numbers with the purpose of tracking the earnings of American workers. Initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt after the depression it was designed to help the American people after retirement and in the case of disability.

Since the start the Social Security nine digit number has consisted of a three digit area number followed by two digit group number and finally a four digit serial number. Prior to 1973 Social Security numbers were assigned by individual field offices.

The number assigned established that the card had been issued by one of offices within a state

Social Security Numbers After 1973

Since 1973 all Social Security numbers began to be issued from the administration's central offices. The first three digits of the numbers issued since this time were determined by the Zip Code of the mailing address found on the application for the Social Security number.

In the table below you will see the first 3 digits of the Social Security numbers that were assigned throughout the U.S. and its possessions. You may note in some cases that the same area may be shown more than once. This means that certain numbers have transferred from one state to another or there has been geographical division of that particular area.

You will probably note that there are a lot of numbers that were never issued and this is due to a major change that took place in 2011. The system in place since 1973 was eventually determined to be limiting in terms of potential unique numbers so it was discontinued in 2011.

Social Security Numbers Since 2011

On June 25^th 2011 the way Social Security numbers were issued was changed in order to increase the potential pool of available unique number combinations. This change made approximately 420 million numbers available for assignment.

This new change is known as “randomization.” It was developed by the Social Security Administration to help protect the integrity of Social Security numbers. It essentially removed the geographical significance of the first three digits.

Another benefit of this new system was that previously unused area numbers are now available for use. The numbers 000, 666 and 900 – 999 however are still not being used. The administration has never allowed 000 and the connotations of 666 to Christians has also eliminated that as an option.

Can I Still Tell in Which State a Social Security Number Was Issued?

If the Social Security number was issued after June 25^th 2011 then the first three digits or area code no longer have geographical significance. If your card pre-dates 2011 then the first three digits will be indicative of a specific geographical region.

Using the table found earlier in this post you can likely determine which state the card was issued from.

Conclusion

The State specific prefixes on Social Security card numbers between 1973 and 2011 indicate which state that card may have been issued in. This system however was replaced in 2011 for a more random issuing process.

All new Social Security cards issued after 2011 will have a random non geographically significant first three digits. Using this system millions of new numbers became available for the growing U.S. population.

Reference SSA Locator

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