The Rentenversicherungsnummer is assigned automatically when you start your first job in Germany. Keep it for life.
✓ Verified: 15/07/2026
WHAT TO DO
What is it and when to act?
The Sozialversicherungsnummer (RVNR) is a 12-character identifier that records your pension, health and unemployment insurance contributions. It is issued automatically when you start your first job in Germany and stays with you for life. Keep the Sozialversicherungsausweis like an important document.
Common mistakes
Confusing the Sozialversicherungsnummer with the health insurance member number. The Sozialversicherungsnummer (RVNR) from Deutsche Rentenversicherung and the Versichertennummer from your Krankenkasse are two separate numbers in two separate systems — easy to mix up on forms.
Assuming a foreign social security number carries over to Germany. It doesn’t. Your first German job always triggers a brand-new German number, no matter how many years you paid into a system abroad.
Never checking the Versicherungsverlauf for errors. A wrong name or date of birth on your DRV contribution record can go unnoticed for years and skew your future pension calculation. Pull your record from drv.de periodically and request a Kontenklärung (account clarification) if something looks off.
I threw away the Sozialversicherungsausweis as 'unnecessary paper'. Three years later I needed the number for Elterngeld (parental benefit). Had to request a duplicate and wait three weeks. The card is small — I now keep it in my passport.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to apply for the Sozialversicherungsnummer?▾
No. Your employer submits your details to Deutsche Rentenversicherung when you start your first job. They assign the number and send the Sozialversicherungsausweis by post — this takes a few weeks.
What if I lose the card?▾
Request a free duplicate from Deutsche Rentenversicherung: online at drv.de or by post. The number stays the same — it is lifelong.
Is the Sozialversicherungsnummer used in tax returns?▾
No — tax documents use the Steuer-ID. The Sozialversicherungsnummer is for pension contributions, sick pay, and DRV benefits. They are entirely separate systems with different numbers.