One of the most practical questions parents ask before starting the application: what do I actually need to have in front of me? The good news is the list is short.
The Core Documents You'll Need
Your child's Social Security Number
This is the most important one. Every child needs a valid U.S. Social Security Number to open a Trump Account. If your child doesn't have one yet, especially for newborns, you'll need to apply for one through the Social Security Administration before you can proceed.
Most hospitals help initiate this process at birth. If you're not sure whether your child has one, check their vaccination records or any prior tax filings where they were listed as a dependent.
Your own identifying information
As the custodian (parent, guardian, or authorized adult), you'll need your Social Security Number and basic contact information. If you're filing through IRS Form 4547, this is the same information you'd already have on your tax return.
Your child's date of birth
This determines whether your child is eligible for the $1,000 government seed (born January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2028) and whether they're still under 18. For a full eligibility breakdown, see who qualifies for a Trump Account.
If You're Filing via IRS Form 4547
The tax form route means filing Form 4547, either with your federal return or on its own. You don't need anything beyond what you'd normally have for filing taxes:
- Your child's name, SSN, and date of birth
- Your own name, SSN, and filing status
- Your 2025 tax return (Form 1040 or equivalent)
Download Form 4547 at IRS.gov. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the filing process, see how to open a Trump Account for your child.
If You're Applying via the Online Portal
After the election is processed, you'll activate the account in the official Trump Accounts app, available at trumpaccounts.gov. Expect to enter the same information listed above. Official guidance may specify additional verification steps.
What You Don't Need
- Proof of income (there's no income limit for families)
- A minimum deposit or funding amount
- A bank account or brokerage account set up ahead of time (the Treasury manages the account initially)
The application is designed to be accessible. You're not opening a traditional investment account with a financial institution. You're registering your child through a government program. The Invest America landing page has more on how the program is structured.
If Your Newborn Doesn't Have an SSN Yet
This is one of the most common situations parents run into. If your child was recently born and doesn't have their SSN yet, you have a few options.
You can request expedited SSN processing through the Social Security Administration. Once you have the SSN, you can make the election and then activate the account in the official Trump Accounts app. There's no deadline to worry about while you wait.
Not sure what your child qualifies for? Find out in 30 seconds at investamericaquiz.com.
Still have questions? We've rounded up every question people are asking about Trump Accounts.
This post is for educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or investment advice. Grifin is not affiliated with the U.S. government or the Invest America program.
