Yes, you can get a new Social Security card from the Social Security Administration
You can request a replacement card if yours is lost, stolen, damaged, or if you need a name change reflected on it. The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues cards free of charge. You do not need to visit a local office — you can request one by mail, in person, or online depending on your state and situation.
The process is straightforward but requires specific documents. You will need to prove your identity, citizenship or legal residency status, and age. The SSA does not issue cards on the spot; they mail them to you, which typically takes one to two weeks after approval.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a replacement card online at ssa.gov if you have a my Social Security account and live in a state that offers online requests.
- By mail, you need Form SS-5, a completed application, plus original or certified copies of documents proving identity, age, and citizenship.
- In person, visit your local Social Security office with the same documents; bring originals because the SSA will examine them but return them to you.
- The card arrives by mail in one to two weeks; you cannot pick it up at the office.
- If your card was stolen, you do not need to report it to the SSA, but you should monitor your credit and consider a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
Requesting a card online through my Social Security
The fastest route is the SSA's online portal if you are in a state that offers it. You must have a my Social Security account, which requires you to verify your identity through an identity verification service. Once your account is set up, you can request a replacement card without leaving home.
Not all states participate in the online request system yet. Check ssa.gov/myaccount to see if your state is included. If it is not, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Requesting by mail with Form SS-5
Download or request Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov. Fill it out completely and mail it with supporting documents to your local Social Security office. You can find the mailing address for your area on the SSA website.
You must include original documents or certified copies. The SSA accepts a limited list: a U.S. birth certificate, passport, driver's license, state ID card, or military ID for identity and age. For citizenship or legal residency, bring your birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or immigration documents. The SSA will examine originals but return them to you — do not send copies unless they are certified by the issuing agency.
Processing by mail takes longer than online or in-person requests, often two to three weeks or more depending on mail delays and SSA workload.
Requesting in person at a Social Security office
Walk into your local Social Security office with your completed Form SS-5 and original documents. Bring your identity document (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of age (birth certificate or passport), and proof of citizenship or legal residency. The SSA will examine your originals and return them to you.
You will receive a receipt showing your application was submitted. The card will be mailed to the address you provide on the form, not given to you at the office. Bring all documents in person because the SSA staff need to see originals to verify them.
What documents you need for each type of request
| Document Type | Accepted for Identity/Age | Accepted for Citizenship | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Birth Certificate | Yes | Yes | Must be original or certified copy from vital records office |
| U.S. Passport | Yes | Yes | Covers both identity and citizenship in one document |
| Driver's License or State ID | Yes | No | Must be current or expired less than one year |
| Military ID | Yes | No | Current or expired less than one year |
| Naturalization Certificate | No | Yes | Proves U.S. citizenship for foreign-born applicants |
| Immigration Documents (Green Card, visa) | No | Yes | Proves legal residency for non-citizens |
Getting a card with a name change
If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you can request a new card reflecting the change. You will need the same identity and citizenship documents as a replacement request, plus proof of the name change itself.
Acceptable proof of name change includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy. The SSA will examine it and return it to you. You can request the new card online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as a standard replacement.
If your card was lost or stolen
You do not need to report a lost or stolen card to the Social Security Administration. However, you should monitor your credit report and consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft.
A stolen Social Security number is a separate issue from a stolen card. If someone uses your number fraudulently, you will need to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and potentially with local law enforcement. Request your replacement card through the normal process; the new card will have the same number but a different card design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
Online requests typically arrive in one to two weeks. Mail requests take two to three weeks or longer depending on processing time and mail delays. In-person requests also result in a card mailed to you within one to two weeks; you cannot pick it up at the office.
Do I need to replace my card if it is damaged but still readable?
No, but you can request a replacement if the card is worn, faded, or difficult to read. The SSA will issue a new one free of charge. Bring the damaged card with you if you request in person, or mention the damage on Form SS-5 if you mail your request.
Can I get a card if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you have legal residency status. You will need to prove your immigration status with documents like a Green Card, visa, or employment authorization document. Bring the same identity and age documents as a citizen would, plus your immigration paperwork.
What if I do not have an original birth certificate?
You can use a passport, driver's license, or state ID instead for identity and age. If you do not have a birth certificate and cannot obtain one, contact your local Social Security office to discuss alternative documents they may accept.
Can someone else pick up my card for me?
No. Social Security cards are mailed to the address you provide on your application. You cannot arrange for someone else to collect it at an office. The card will arrive at your home or the mailing address you list on Form SS-5.