Where to request a replacement Social Security card

You can request a copy of your Social Security card from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in three ways: in person at your local Social Security office, by mail using Form SS-5, or online through an account on ssa.gov if you meet certain requirements.

The online option is fastest if you are may be able to access. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid state-issued ID, a Social Security number already assigned to you, and a U.S. mailing address. The SSA will mail your card to that address within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

If you cannot use the online portal, you can fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card), sign it, and mail it to your regional SSA office along with proof of identity and citizenship or lawful status. Processing by mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. You can also walk into any Social Security office with the same documents and submit the form in person, which is often faster.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a replacement card online at ssa.gov if you are 18 or older with a valid state ID and existing Social Security number.
  • Form SS-5 is the official application form, and you must sign it and submit it with proof of identity and citizenship or lawful immigration status.
  • Online requests usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days; mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks; in-person requests are often processed faster.
  • You will need a state-issued ID, birth certificate or passport, and proof of citizenship or lawful status — the exact documents depend on your situation.
  • There is no fee to request a replacement card, and you can request up to three cards per year and ten cards in a lifetime.

What documents you need to bring or submit

The SSA requires proof of identity and proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status. Acceptable identity documents include a current state driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have one of these, you can use a work permit, school ID, or military ID, though the SSA prefers state-issued documents.

For proof of citizenship or lawful status, you can submit an original or certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen but have lawful status, you will need your immigration documents — typically your green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or visa. The SSA will not accept photocopies of these documents unless they are certified.

If you are applying in person, bring the original documents. If you are applying by mail, you can send originals or certified copies. The SSA will return originals to you, but certified copies are not returned. If you are applying online, you will not need to submit physical documents at that time, but the SSA may contact you later to verify your information.

Limits on how many cards you can request

The SSA allows you to request up to three replacement cards in a single year and up to ten cards in your lifetime. These limits exist to prevent fraud and misuse. If you have reached your limit, you will need to wait until the next calendar year to request another card, or you can contact the SSA to explain why you need an exception.

The limits reset on January 1 each year. If you requested two cards in November and one in December, you have used three of your annual limit, and you cannot request another until January 1. The lifetime limit of ten is a separate cap that applies regardless of how many years have passed.

What to do if your card was lost, stolen, or damaged

If your card was lost or stolen, report it to the SSA as soon as you notice. You do not need to file a police report first, though you can if you believe the card will be used for fraud. When you request a replacement, you can note on Form SS-5 that the card was lost or stolen. The SSA does not issue a new Social Security number in these cases — only a new card with the same number.

If your card is damaged but still readable, you can still request a replacement. Damage includes water damage, fading, torn edges, or worn lettering. Submit the damaged card along with your application so the SSA can see why you need a replacement.

If you believe your Social Security number has been used fraudulently, contact the SSA's fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. Getting a new card will not stop fraud — you may need to place a fraud alert on your credit report or take other steps depending on how the number was misused.

Processing times and what happens after you request a card

Online requests are processed fastest: the SSA typically approves them within 1 to 2 business days and mails the card within 7 to 10 business days. In-person requests at a Social Security office are usually processed on the same day or within a few days, and you may receive your card within 1 to 2 weeks. Mail requests take the longest — 2 to 4 weeks from the time the SSA receives your application.

After you submit your application, the SSA will verify your identity and citizenship status. If there are any problems with your documents or information, the SSA will contact you by phone or mail to ask for clarification. If you do not respond within a certain timeframe, your request may be delayed or denied.

Once your card is approved and mailed, it will arrive in a plain envelope with no tracking number. If your card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your local Social Security office to check the status. Do not assume it was lost — mail delays are common, especially during busy periods.

Requesting a card for a child or dependent

If you are requesting a card for a child under 18, you must apply in person or by mail — the online option is not available for minors. You will need to provide the child's birth certificate, proof of the child's citizenship or lawful status, and your own identity document as the parent or legal guardian.

You can request a card for a newborn at the hospital when the child is born, or you can apply later through the SSA. If you apply at the hospital, the SSA will mail the card to your home. If you apply after birth, bring the original birth certificate and your ID to your local Social Security office, or mail Form SS-5 with certified copies of both documents.

What to do if you need a card urgently

If you need a card for a job, school, or other time-sensitive reason, apply in person at your local Social Security office. In-person applications are processed faster than mail applications, and you may receive your card within 1 to 2 weeks instead of 2 to 4 weeks. Some Social Security offices can issue a temporary card on the spot, though this is rare and depends on your office's policies.

If you cannot wait for a physical card, ask your employer, school, or the organization that needs proof of your Social Security number whether they will accept a Social Security Number Verification Letter instead. The SSA can issue this letter on the same day if you visit in person, and it serves as official proof of your number and name. You can request this letter at any Social Security office without needing to apply for a new card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a Social Security card online if I do not have a state ID?

No. The online portal requires a valid state-issued ID. If you do not have one, you can apply by mail or in person at a Social Security office. You will still need to provide proof of identity — a passport, work permit, school ID, or military ID may work, though the SSA prefers state IDs.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can still request a Social Security card if you are a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status. You will need to provide proof of citizenship (naturalization certificate, passport) or proof of lawful status (green card, visa, work permit). Apply in person or by mail — the online option may not work if your citizenship status is not yet verified in the SSA's system.

How much does a replacement card cost?

There is no fee. The SSA does not charge for Social Security cards, whether you are requesting your first card or a replacement. Be cautious of websites or services that claim to charge a fee for a Social Security card — these are often scams.

Can someone else pick up my card if I request it in person?

No. The SSA will only give the card to the person whose name is on it, or to a parent or legal guardian if the card is for a minor. You cannot authorize someone else to pick it up on your behalf.

What if my name has changed since my last card?

You can request a new card with your updated name. You will need to provide proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. Submit this document along with Form SS-5 and your other required documents.