Does it matter where you apply for SSN?

[KariRu 0]

Sounds like a silly question but nevertheless, we are currently living in Arizona temporarily. I'm originally from CA and moved to AZ after marriage for a few months till my husband finished school. I went to my AOS interview in Phoenix, passed and am now waiting for my card. We are planning to back to CA in two weeks and I can't wait any longer .. So my question is can I apply in AZ and have it sent to Cali? Since the first numbers are based on the state you live in I want mine to have a CA number. Should I just wait till we get there and then apply?

Thanks

Edited March 12, 2009 by KariRu

[brnidokiegurl 1]

it takes about a week, (ahmed got his yesterday) if you want a ca number and are moving i would wait and do in ca so no changeing of address involved, far as i know a number is a number is a number but your choice

[Nich-Nick 3,355]

I read that the number no longer represents the office where you apply. That was changed over 30 years ago. So if you already have a mailing address in CA, then you're good to go. Apply in AZ with a CA mailing address.

Prior to 1973, cards were issued in local Social Security offices around the country and the Area Number represented the office code in which the card was issued. This did not necessarily have to be in the area where the applicant lived, since a person could apply for their card in any Social Security office. Since 1973, when SSA began assigning SSNs and issuing cards centrally from Baltimore, the area number assigned has been based on the ZIP code in the mailing address provided on the application for the original Social Security card. The applicant's mailing address does not have to be the same as their place of residence. Thus, the Area Number does not necessarily represent the State of residence of the applicant, neither prior to 1973, nor since.

[KariRu 0]

Thanks for your replies, I think that's what I am going to do apply in AZ and send it to my house in CA. Thanks