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The Daily Insight Hub

How are the first 3 digits of your social security number determined?

Author

Daniel Santos

Updated on February 02, 2026

The first three (3) digits of a person’s social security number are determined by the ZIP Code of the mailing address shown on the application for a social security number. The number merely established that his/her card was issued by one of our offices in that State. See also High Group List of SSN’s.

How can you tell what state a social security number was issued?

The first three digits (the area number) of a SSN are determined by the state where the number was issued. You can get the state-assigned list for each 3-digit origination code by visiting

What numbers can SSN start with?

Any number beginning with “000”, “666”, “900-999”, has a middle “00”, or ends in “0000” will never be a valid SSN….The first three digits of a Social Security Number correspond to locations as follows:

SSN232 237-246 681-690
StateNorth Carolina
SSN526-527 600-601 764-765
State or TerritoryArizona

Do social security numbers start with 800?

Since 1972 SSNs have been issued centrally and the area number in SSNs assigned since 1972 corresponds to the residence location of the applicant as indicated on the application for the SSN. An area number in the 800 series is bogus, so any SSN beginning with an “8” is invalid. An area number of “000” is also invalid.

Can a social security number start with 111?

No valid SSN has 9 identical digits or has the 9 digits running consecutively from 1-9. For example, all of the following SSNs are invalid: 111-11-1111. 999-99-9999.

Can a social security number start with a 0?

Serial number 0000 is never used. Each State goes through all of its area numbers with group number 01 and serial numbers 0001-9999 and 7999 before using group number 03. Thus, 989,901 SSN’s can be issued for each area number. Additional area numbers have been designated for these locations.

How are Social Security numbers listed in each state?

List of Social Security Numbers for Each State Follow is a list of social security numbers for each state. The listing is organized in ascending order based on the SSN prefix, with the corresponding issuing state listed. SSN Prefix = Issuing State 001-003 = New Hampshire 004-007 = Maine 008-009 = Vermont 010-034 = Massachusetts

Where do I Find my Social Security number?

The number merely established that his/her card was issued by one of our offices in that State. See also High Group List of SSN’s. The chart below shows the first 3 digits of the social security numbers assigned throughout the United States and its possessions.

What are the first three numbers on a Social Security card?

The first three numbers are the area number. Until 2011, this number corresponded with the state or territory in which the number was assigned. However, after 2011, numbers were assigned at random.

Where are the prefixes for Social Security numbers?

Prefix List for Social Security Numbers 001-003 New Hampshire 040-049 Connecticut 050-134 New York 135-158 New Jersey 159-211 Pennsylvania