Social Security Number Prefixes by State
Area-number allocations · Source: Social Security Administration
- states
- 51
- states & territories
- 55
- area numbers assigned
- 724
- randomization began
- 2011
The first three digits of a Social Security number are the area number. For cards issued before SSA randomized assignment on June 25, 2011, the area number told you which state or territory issued the card. The table below lists the area-number ranges assigned to each U.S. state and territory, choose one for its exact ranges and sample number patterns, or use the SSN validator to look up a specific number.
SSN area numbers by state & territory
What the area number does, and doesn't, tell you
For a pre-2011 number, the area number reflects the state or territory tied to the original application, usually the mailing address on the form, not necessarily where the holder was born or lives now. Larger states were assigned several ranges to keep up with demand, which is why a state like California or New York has many more prefixes than a small one.
A few ranges were never about a state at all: some covered railroad workers or special programs, and others were simply never issued. So a prefix is a strong hint about issue location, not proof of personal history. Our guide to reading an SSN and how SSNs were issued go deeper.
Since June 25, 2011, none of this applies to new numbers, they're assigned randomly with no geographic meaning. See SSN randomization explained for what changed and why these tables only describe older numbers.
Frequently asked questions
- Do the first 3 digits of an SSN show the state?
- For Social Security numbers issued before June 25, 2011, yes, the first three digits (the 'area number') were tied to the state or territory where the card was issued, usually the applicant's mailing-address state. Numbers issued after randomization no longer indicate a location.
- What is an SSN area number?
- The area number is the first three digits of a Social Security number. Originally it reflected the issuing state (or, for very old numbers, where the holder lived). Each state was assigned one or more ranges of area numbers.
- Did SSN prefixes ever overlap between states?
- Each area number belonged to one place at a time, but high-growth states were assigned several ranges. Pick a state below to see its exact ranges, or use the SSN checker to look up a specific number.
Related: SSN validator · area numbers list · how to read an SSN · randomization