What Documents Do You Need to Sign Up for Medicare?
To sign up for Medicare, you’ll typically need proof of identity and age (such as a birth certificate or passport), your Social Security number, and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency. If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, much of this may be on file. If you’re enrolling after 65 due to employer coverage, you may also need employer forms like CMS-L564 to prove you had creditable health insurance and avoid late-enrollment penalties.
For most people, you can sign up online at SSA.gov in about 10 minutes, or visit your local Social Security office if you need in-person help. Preparing your paperwork ahead of time means no delays in coverage and no missed deadlines.
If you’re not sure what to bring or how to start, GenerationHealth can guide you through every step of the Medicare enrollment process.
📍 Learn more at generationhealth.me/how-to-sign-up-for-medicare-parts-a-and-b
Quick Documents Checklist
Government ID (driver’s license or state ID)
Proof of age/citizenship (birth certificate or passport)
Social Security number or benefits statement
Current/previous health coverage (employer, union, COBRA)
Form CMS-L564 (Request for Employment Information) — if delaying Part B due to group coverage
Proof of end date for group coverage (to avoid Part B late-enrollment penalty)
Marriage certificate (if qualifying through a spouse’s work history)
FAQ Information
1. What documents do I need to sign up for Medicare?
You typically need your Social Security number, proof of age (such as a birth certificate), and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. Applicants who qualify through a spouse may also need marriage or divorce documents.
2. Do I need my birth certificate to apply for Medicare?
Yes, a birth certificate or other proof of age is commonly required. If you cannot locate it, Social Security may accept alternative documents such as a U.S. passport or a delayed birth record.
3. What if my name has changed since my birth certificate?
If your current legal name is different from the name on your birth certificate, you may need marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or legal name change documents to complete your Medicare enrollment.
4. Do I need tax documents to sign up for Medicare?
Tax documents are not required to enroll in Medicare. However, if your income affects your Part B or Part D premiums (IRMAA), Social Security may request recent tax returns to verify income.
5. What documents do I need if I’m applying during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?
If you delayed Medicare because you had employer coverage, you’ll need form CMS-L564 (Request for Employment Information) and CMS-40B (Application for Part B). Your employer must complete and sign Form L564.
6. Do I need proof of health insurance when applying for Medicare?
Only if you’re applying during a Special Enrollment Period. Proof may include employer coverage letters, insurance cards, or payroll records showing active health coverage.
7. What documents does Social Security accept for proof of citizenship?
Accepted documents include a U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
8. Can I apply for Medicare if I don’t have all my documents?
In most cases, yes. Social Security may be able to verify some information electronically. However, missing documents can delay approval, so it’s best to gather as much as possible before applying.
9. Do I need to bring original documents or copies?
Social Security requires original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency. Regular photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted.
10. Do I need my spouse’s documents to apply for Medicare?
You may need your spouse’s documents if you qualify for Medicare through their work history. This may include marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or death certificates.
1) Do I need my birth certificate to enroll?
You don’t always need the original certificate. A valid U.S. passport or other official proof of age/citizenship works. Bring one government-issued proof of identity plus one proof of age.
2) What if I’m still working at 65?
You can delay Part B if you have creditable employer coverage. Keep Form CMS-L564 and a letter from HR showing your continuous coverage and the end date—you’ll need both to avoid penalties when you retire.
3) I’m on COBRA—does that count as creditable for Part B?
COBRA does not protect you from the Part B late-enrollment penalty. If you’re 65+, enroll in Part B when first eligible unless you’re covered by active employer insurance.
4) Enrolling online vs. in person—what should I prepare?
For SSA.gov: have your driver’s license, Social Security number, and prior coverage details handy. For in person: bring hard copies (or certified copies) of the same, plus any employer forms.
5) Name or address mismatch?
Bring documentation that connects prior/maiden names (marriage certificate, court order). Mismatches can slow verification.
6) What if I can’t find my documents?
You can request replacements (e.g., birth certificate from vital records, Social Security card from SSA). Meanwhile, bring any alternative proofs you do have to keep things moving.
Explore More Medicare Enrollment Resources
If you’re preparing to enroll in Medicare or want to avoid common mistakes, these detailed guides will help you understand every step of the process:
When to Apply for Medicare: Key Enrollment Periods Explained
Learn the difference between the Initial, Special, and General Enrollment Periods and the exact timeline for enrolling.
👉 https://generationhealth.me/when-to-apply-for-medicare-key-enrollment-periods-explained/When to Apply for Medicare – Avoid Penalties and Gaps in Coverage
See how missing your enrollment window can lead to lifelong penalties and how to avoid costly coverage gaps.
👉 https://generationhealth.me/when-to-apply-for-medicare-avoid-penalties-and-gaps-in-coverage/What Documents Do You Need to Sign Up for Medicare?
A complete checklist of documents required for Medicare Parts A and B, including SEP forms, proof of identity, and citizenship paperwork.
👉 https://generationhealth.me/what-documents-do-you-need-to-sign-up-for-medicare/Do You Need Medicare if You Still Work?
Find out whether employer coverage allows you to delay Medicare without penalties and when a Special Enrollment Period applies.
👉 https://generationhealth.me/do-you-need-medicare-if-you-still-work/How to Correct a Medicare Application
Instructions for fixing mistakes on your Medicare application and when to contact Social Security or your Medicare plan.
👉 https://generationhealth.me/how-to-correct-a-medicare-application/
Identity + work history checks: When you apply for Medicare online, Social Security may verify your identity and work history electronically—but if there are gaps or name changes, you may be asked to upload or mail supporting documents like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or W-2s to confirm your eligibility and work credits.
Employer coverage proof deadline: If you’re signing up for Medicare after age 65 because you had employer coverage, Social Security typically requires form CMS-L564 (Request for Employment Information) to prove you had creditable coverage. Without that form, you could be treated as a late enrollee and be subject to permanent late-enrollment penalties on your Part B premium.
🧑💼 About the Author
Rob Simm is a licensed independent Medicare agent and the founder of GenerationHealth.me — a health insurance brokerage dedicated to helping seniors and families make confident, informed coverage decisions. With years of experience guiding clients through Medicare, ACA Marketplace, and supplemental plans, Rob simplifies complex enrollment steps into easy-to-follow solutions that protect both health and budget.
When he’s not meeting with clients or hosting local “Birthday Rule” seminars in North Carolina and Virginia, Rob enjoys community events and helping residents navigate their health coverage options online through GenerationHealth.ai — his growing AI-powered quoting and education platform.
📞 Contact: (828)761-3324
🌐 Website: https://generationhealth.me
⚖️ Compliance & Trust Disclaimer
Information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice.
Plan availability, premiums, and benefits may vary by location and carrier.
Always verify specific details with a licensed insurance professional or directly with Medicare.gov before enrolling.
GenerationHealth.me and Robert Simm are independent agents and not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.