Where to start: the Social Security Administration office or online

You can request a replacement Social Security card in person at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office, or online through the SSA's website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster — you can complete it from home and receive your card by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The in-person route takes longer but works for everyone, including people who cannot meet the online requirements.

To use the online system, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid state-issued ID or passport, and have a U.S. mailing address. You will also need to verify your identity through a process that checks your credit history — this means the system will ask you questions only you should know the answers to, based on your financial records. If you do not meet these requirements, or if the online verification fails, you will need to visit an SSA office in person.

The SSA office route requires you to bring original documents or certified copies. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use an online scheduling system. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead can tell you what to expect.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a replacement card online if you are 18 or older, have a valid state ID or passport, and can pass identity verification through credit history questions.
  • The online process takes 7 to 10 business days and costs nothing; the in-person process is free but slower and requires original documents.
  • To visit an SSA office, bring your original birth certificate, state ID or passport, and proof of citizenship if you were not born in the United States.
  • You cannot request a card for someone else unless you are their legal representative or parent of a minor child.
  • The SSA does not charge for a replacement card, and no legitimate service should charge you to request one.

Documents you need for an in-person visit

Bring one document from each of these three categories: proof of age, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Original documents or certified copies work; photocopies do not.

For proof of age, bring your birth certificate, passport, or state-issued ID. For proof of identity, bring a state driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or passport card. For proof of citizenship, bring your U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization. If you were born outside the United States, bring your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a valid visa with your I-94 arrival/departure record.

If you do not have an original birth certificate, you can request one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This takes time — weeks or months depending on the location — so plan ahead if you need a replacement card urgently. The SSA office staff can tell you which documents they will accept in your specific situation.

What happens at the SSA office

When you arrive, you will fill out Form SS-5, the Application for a Social Security Card. The form asks for your name, date of birth, citizenship status, and the reason you need a replacement card. You do not need to bring the form with you; the office provides it. The staff will review your documents, take your application, and tell you when to expect your card in the mail.

Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes, though this varies. You will receive a receipt showing your application was submitted. Your new card will arrive by mail within 2 to 4 weeks. If you need the card sooner, ask the office staff whether expedited processing is available in your area — some locations offer it, but it is not standard everywhere.

Requesting a card by mail

You can mail Form SS-5 and your documents to your local SSA office if you prefer not to visit in person. Call the SSA's main number (1-800-772-1213) to ask for the address of your local office and to confirm which documents they will accept by mail. Some offices accept mailed applications; others do not.

Mail your original documents or certified copies along with the completed form. Keep copies for your records. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail, longer than in-person or online. Your documents will be returned to you by mail along with your new card.

Replacing a card that was lost, stolen, or damaged

If your card was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report to request a replacement — just tell the SSA office or note it on Form SS-5. If your card is damaged (torn, faded, or unreadable), bring it with you so the staff can see the damage. You are limited to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime, though most people never reach these limits.

If you suspect your Social Security number has been misused, contact the SSA and the Federal Trade Commission. A replacement card alone will not stop fraud; you may need to place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus or freeze your credit. The SSA office can provide information about next steps.

Name changes and corrections

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you can request a new card with your updated name. Bring your original or certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The process is the same as requesting a replacement card; you just include the name-change document with your other paperwork.

If your card has an error in your name, date of birth, or number, contact the SSA immediately. Bring the card itself and documents proving what the correct information should be. The SSA will investigate and issue a corrected card if the error is confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?

There is no charge. The SSA issues replacement cards for free. If anyone asks you to pay for a Social Security card or to use a third-party service to request one, that is a scam. Go directly to the SSA office or the official SSA website.

Can I get a temporary card while I wait for my replacement?

No. The SSA does not issue temporary cards. You will receive your new card by mail once processing is complete. If you need proof of your Social Security number before the card arrives, the SSA office can provide a letter stating your number.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified copy. This can take weeks. In the meantime, you can bring other documents that prove your age and citizenship — a passport, naturalization certificate, or visa with I-94 record. Ask the SSA office which documents they will accept.

Can someone else request a card for me?

Only if you are a minor and they are your parent or legal guardian, or if you have granted them power of attorney. Otherwise, you must request the card yourself. The SSA requires the person named on the card to sign the application.

How long does it take to get a card if I apply online?

The online process takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you submit your application and pass identity verification. In-person applications take 2 to 4 weeks, and mail applications take 4 to 6 weeks.