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How to Fax Forms and Documents to Social Security (SSA)

Social Security accepts forms by fax at your local office, but a fax copy can't replace original documents like a birth certificate. Here's what to fax and what not to.

Published: 2026-10-19

The Social Security Administration (SSA) says you can submit forms to your local office by fax, by mail, through a drop box, or by uploading them online. If your office asked you to fax a form and you don't have a fax machine, you can send it from your phone or computer with an online fax service. There is one important limit: SSA does not accept a faxed copy from you as evidence of an original document. Fax the forms; present the originals the way your office tells you.

A fax can't replace your original documents

SSA policy (POMS GN 00301.031) says a fax copy from a claimant or other third party is generally not acceptable, because SSA can't tell whether the original document was genuine or unaltered. Don't rely on a fax for evidence documents such as a birth certificate; ask your local office how to present your originals.

Medical providers: use Electronic Records Express

Doctors, hospitals and other providers sending disability medical records to SSA use Electronic Records Express, with SSA's barcoded request letter as the first page. AnytimeFax is for individuals sending their own forms, not for providers sending records on a patient's behalf.

What you need

  • The completed and signed SSA form, as a PDF, DOC or DOCX file — up to 10 MB in total and 20 pages per order.
  • The fax number of your local Social Security office, taken from the office itself or from SSA.
  • An email address where you can receive a one-time verification code.
  • A payment card if your fax is longer than one page. Your first one-page fax is free (once per email address).

Step-by-step

  1. Check what your office asked for

    Read the letter or instructions you received. Make sure fax is an option for that form, and note any reference the office asked you to include.

  2. Get the right fax number

    Ask your local Social Security office for its fax number, or find your office through SSA's website. Don't use a number from an unofficial website.

  3. Separate forms from original evidence

    Fax the form itself. Don't rely on a fax for evidence documents, such as a birth certificate; SSA generally doesn't accept fax copies from claimants as evidence.

  4. Scan and upload

    Scan the signed form to PDF so every field and signature is legible. Upload one or more files on Send a Fax; they are merged in the order you upload them.

  5. Verify your email and pay

    Enter the one-time code sent to your email, choose your option and pay. Because the form contains your Social Security number, you'll confirm at checkout that you're sending it on your own behalf.

  6. Keep your proof and follow up

    Save your order ID (it starts with AF-) and check the Track Order page. Then confirm with your office that they have your form.

Tips

  • If SSA offers online upload for your form, that is another official option and may be simpler.
  • Add a short cover page with your name and the reason for the fax if your office asks for one.
  • Keep the original signed form and your order ID until SSA confirms it has what it needs.
  • AnytimeFax can't receive faxes yet, so ask SSA to reply by mail or phone, not by fax.

Common mistakes

  • Faxing a birth certificate or other original document and assuming it counts as evidence.
  • Using a fax number found on an unofficial site instead of getting it from your local office.
  • Sending a blurry photo of the form, which can be hard to read once converted to fax.
  • Assuming a delivery confirmation means SSA has processed your form.

Delivery expectations

Standard, Extended and Large orders are delivered within 24 hours, and the free one-page option can take up to 3 days. Urgent orders ($20) are processed within 90 minutes of payment confirmation. A delivery confirmation means the fax was transmitted to the office's fax number; it does not mean SSA has reviewed, accepted or acted on your form.

Alternatives

  • Uploading the form online, when SSA offers it.
  • Mailing the form to your local office.
  • Leaving it in your local office's drop box.
  • Taking original documents to your office, or asking how they want originals presented.
Fax Your SSA Form

Frequently asked questions

Yes. SSA says you can submit forms to your local office by fax, as well as by mail, drop box or online upload.

Not as evidence. SSA policy says a fax copy from a claimant is generally not acceptable, because SSA can't verify the original. Ask your local office how to present your original documents.

Get it from your local office directly or through SSA's website. We don't list SSA fax numbers because they vary by office.

With AnytimeFax, files are uploaded over HTTPS, stored encrypted with AES-256 and automatically deleted 30 days after your order is completed. Only you and authorized operators can open them.

Our confirmation shows the fax was transmitted to the office's number. To know whether SSA has your form, contact your local office.

No. SSA asks medical providers to use Electronic Records Express. AnytimeFax is not a HIPAA business associate and does not sign Business Associate Agreements.

Official sources

Last verified: 2026-10-18

AnytimeFax is an independent service operated by Rise & Built Corp. It is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any government agency. Third-party requirements were checked on the date shown above; always confirm current requirements with your local office.