You cannot apply for a Social Security card entirely online, but you can start the process online in most states

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not have a fully online application system. However, many states now let you begin your request through an online portal, upload documents, and then complete the process by mail or in person. The exact steps depend on which state you live in and whether you are applying for your first card, a replacement, or a corrected card.

If your state does not offer online submission, you will fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) by hand and mail it to your local Social Security office along with required documents. Either way, you will need to provide proof of identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status in person or by certified mail — the SSA does not accept these documents through email or unsecured online upload.

Key Takeaways

  • Some states let you upload documents and submit Form SS-5 through their online portal, but you still must mail in or show original identity documents to complete the request.
  • You will need proof of age (birth certificate), proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of citizenship or immigration status (passport, green card, or visa).
  • Processing takes two to four weeks by mail and one to two weeks in person at a Social Security office, depending on how complete your application is.
  • If your state does not offer online submission, you can download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, fill it out, and mail it with your documents to your local office.

Which states offer online submission

As of now, states including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington have online portals where you can start your Social Security card request. This list changes, so check ssa.gov/onlineservices to see if your state is included.

If your state is listed, you will go to the state's portal (usually run by the state's motor vehicle or vital records department), create an account, fill out the form, and upload images of your documents. The portal will tell you whether your upload was accepted and what happens next — usually you will receive instructions to mail in your original documents or visit an office in person.

If your state is not on the list, skip to the mail-in section below. You can still request a card; it just requires more steps by hand.

What documents you need to provide

The SSA requires three types of proof, and you must show originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. Proof of age is your birth certificate, certified by the state where you were born. Proof of identity can be a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Proof of citizenship or immigration status depends on your situation: a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, green card (Permanent Resident Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or visa and I-94 arrival record.

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the state vital records office where you were born — this usually costs $15 to $30 and takes one to three weeks. If you do not have a photo ID, some states will accept a school ID, employee ID, or tribal ID instead. Bring everything you have; the SSA office will tell you if something is missing.

If you are applying on behalf of a child under 18, you will also need to show proof that you are the parent or legal guardian — usually a birth certificate showing your name, adoption papers, or court custody order.

How to submit your request by mail

Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or pick one up at your local Social Security office. Fill it out completely — leave no fields blank unless the form says it is optional. Sign and date it in pen. Make copies of your proof documents (birth certificate, ID, and citizenship proof) and attach them to the form.

Mail the completed form and copies to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the office received it. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the office receives your mail. You will receive your new card by regular mail at the address you listed on the form.

Do not mail original documents — only copies. The SSA will not return them, and you may need the originals for other purposes. If you are concerned about sending copies through the mail, you can bring originals to the office in person instead.

Applying in person at a Social Security office

If you want the fastest processing, visit your local Social Security office with your completed Form SS-5 and original documents. Bring your birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of citizenship or immigration status. You do not need an appointment in most offices, but wait times vary — call ahead or check online to see current wait times at your location.

Bring the originals, not copies. The office staff will examine them, make copies for your file, and return the originals to you. Processing usually takes one to two weeks when you apply in person, and you will receive your card by mail. Some offices can issue a temporary card on the spot, though this is rare and depends on the office.

If you cannot visit an office yourself, a parent, legal guardian, or authorized representative can apply on your behalf — but they will still need to bring your original documents and proof of their authority to act for you.

What to do if you have already applied and want to check status

The SSA does not have an online status tracker for Social Security card requests. If you applied by mail, call your local Social Security office directly — the number is on ssa.gov. Have your Social Security number (if you already have one) or your date of birth ready. If you applied through an online portal, check your account on that portal first; it may show whether your documents were received and what step you are on.

If more than four weeks have passed since you mailed your application and you have not received your card, contact the office. Bring your certified mail receipt as proof of when you sent it. If documents were lost in the mail, the office can help you resubmit.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement using the same process — Form SS-5 by mail or through your state's online portal if available. You do not need to prove citizenship again if you already have a Social Security number; you just need to show your current ID and birth certificate. Processing is usually faster for replacements because less verification is needed.

If your card was stolen, you do not need to report it to the SSA, but you may want to monitor your credit and consider a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. The card itself has no value to a thief — your Social Security number is what matters, and that does not change if your card is replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Social Security card?

By mail, two to four weeks from the date the office receives your application. In person at an office, one to two weeks. Some offices can issue a temporary card immediately, but this is not may provide. Processing time depends on how complete your application is and how busy your local office is.

Can I get a Social Security card if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a valid visa and work authorization. You will need to show your visa, I-94 arrival record, and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or other work permit. Green card holders and people with pending asylum cases may also be able to get a card — bring whatever immigration documents you have and ask the office what you need.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Order one from the state vital records office where you were born. This usually costs $15 to $30 and takes one to three weeks. If you were born outside the United States, order a certified copy from the country's vital records office. In the meantime, you cannot complete your Social Security card request.

Can someone else pick up my Social Security card for me?

No. The SSA mails cards to the address you provide on your application. You cannot have someone else pick it up from the office. If you are moving, update your address with the post office so mail is forwarded, or provide your new address on the application.

Do I need a Social Security number before I can get a card?

No. When you apply for your first card, the SSA assigns you a number and issues the card at the same time. If you already have a number but lost your card, you are requesting a replacement, which is a faster process.