Social Security Number Prefix List

Your 9 digit Social Security number helps the government accurately record your covered wages or self-employment earnings. They also use it to monitor your record once you start getting benefits.

You need a SSN to get a job, collect benefits and get some other government services. But you don't often need to show your Social Security card. Do not carry your card with you. Keep it in a safe place with your other important papers.

The first 3 numbers of a Social Security number is called the prefix. These numbers tells you what state that SSN was issued in. You can see the Social Security number prefix list below.