What Form SS-5 does and who needs it

Form SS-5 is the official application to get a Social Security number or replace a card you've lost, damaged, or had stolen. You file it with the Social Security Administration (SSA), and it's the only way to request a number if you don't already have one. Most people file it once in their life — usually as an infant or when they first become may be able to access — but you may need it again if your card goes missing or your name changes legally.

You need Form SS-5 if you're a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and you don't have a Social Security number yet. You also file it to get a replacement card if yours is lost, stolen, or worn out. If you've had a legal name change — through marriage, divorce, court order, or gender transition — you'll file this form to update your number to match your new name.

Non-citizens in certain visa categories can also request a number through Form SS-5 if they have work authorization or other may have access to status. The form itself is free, and there is no fee to get a Social Security number or card.

Key Takeaways

  • Form SS-5 is filed in person at your local Social Security office, not by mail or online, and you must bring original or certified documents to prove your identity and age.
  • You need a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of age (birth certificate, passport, or similar), and proof of citizenship or immigration status to complete the process.
  • Processing takes roughly two to four weeks after you submit the form, and the SSA will mail your new card to the address you provide.
  • If you're applying for a child, you must appear in person with the child and bring their birth certificate and your ID; you cannot file on their behalf by mail.
  • Replacement cards for lost or stolen numbers are free, but you can only request three replacement cards per year and nine in your lifetime.

Documents you must bring to the Social Security office

The SSA requires original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You cannot file Form SS-5 by mail; you must appear in person at a Social Security office. Bring your valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). If your ID is expired, bring it anyway along with another form of ID if you have one.

You also need proof of age. An original or certified birth certificate is the most common choice. A U.S. passport, passport card, or consular report of birth abroad also works. If you were born outside the U.S. and don't have a birth certificate on file with the state, bring whatever document shows your date of birth — a foreign birth certificate, religious record, or school record — along with a certified English translation if it's in another language.

Finally, bring proof of citizenship or immigration status. U.S. citizens can show a birth certificate, passport, or certificate of naturalization. Lawful permanent residents bring their green card (Form I-551). People in other visa categories bring their employment authorization document (Form I-765) or visa stamp. The SSA will make copies of these documents during your appointment.

How to find your local Social Security office and make an appointment

Visit ssa.gov/locator to find the office nearest you. Enter your city and state or ZIP code, and the site will show office addresses, phone numbers, and hours. You can call the office directly to schedule an appointment, or you can walk in during business hours — though wait times are often shorter if you call ahead.

If you cannot reach the office by phone, you can call the national Social Security customer service line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf or hard of hearing callers). They can schedule an appointment for you or tell you whether your local office accepts walk-ins. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some variation.

Bring all your documents with you. The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The SSA will complete the form with you, verify your documents, take your signature, and give you a receipt. Your new card will arrive by mail in two to four weeks.

What happens if you're applying for a child

If you're a parent or legal guardian applying for a child's first Social Security number, you must appear in person with the child present. Bring the child's original or certified birth certificate, your government-issued photo ID, and proof of your relationship to the child (the birth certificate usually serves this purpose). You cannot file on the child's behalf without the child there, and you cannot mail in the form.

Many parents now request a Social Security number for their newborn before leaving the hospital. If you didn't do that, you can file Form SS-5 at any time after birth. There is no age limit — you can request a number for a child at any point during their childhood. The process is the same: in-person appointment, original documents, and a two- to four-week wait for the card to arrive.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card

If your card is lost, stolen, or too worn to read, file Form SS-5 to request a replacement. You can get up to three replacement cards in a single year and nine replacements in your lifetime. After you hit nine, the SSA will not issue more cards unless you can show a specific reason — such as a legal name change or a correction to your record.

Bring the same documents as you would for a first-time application: government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and proof of citizenship or immigration status. If your card was stolen, you don't need to file a police report first, though you may want to do so for your own records. The SSA will issue a new card with the same number; your Social Security number itself never changes.

If you suspect someone has used your number fraudulently, contact the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 to report it. They can place a fraud alert on your account. You should also contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and consider placing a credit freeze to prevent identity theft.

Updating your name after a legal change

If your name has changed legally — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other legal process — file Form SS-5 to update your Social Security record. Bring your government-issued photo ID in your new name (or old name if you haven't updated it yet), your original or certified birth certificate or passport, and a certified copy of the legal document that changed your name. For marriage, that's your marriage certificate. For divorce, it's your divorce decree. For a court-ordered name change, it's the court order itself.

The SSA will update your record and issue a new card with your new name and the same Social Security number. Processing takes two to four weeks. You'll need to update your name with other agencies separately — your employer, the IRS, your bank, your state driver's license, and any other organization that has your Social Security number on file.

What to do if you don't have the required documents

If you don't have an original birth certificate or passport, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. Most states charge $10 to $25 for a certified birth certificate and can mail it to you within one to three weeks. If you were born outside the U.S., contact the vital records office in that country or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

If you don't have a government-issued photo ID, the SSA may accept other forms of identification — a school ID, work ID, tribal ID, or even a utility bill with your name and address. Call your local Social Security office before your appointment to ask what they will accept. Some offices are more flexible than others, and it's better to know in advance what to bring.

If you're a non-citizen and don't have a green card or work authorization document yet, you cannot get a Social Security number until you do. You'll need to complete your immigration process first — whether that's applying for a green card, work visa, or other status — and then file Form SS-5 once you have the required documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file Form SS-5 online or by mail?

No. You must file in person at a Social Security office. The SSA does not accept Form SS-5 by mail or through its website. You can call ahead to schedule an appointment or walk in during business hours, but you must appear in person with your original documents.

How long does it take to get my new card?

Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date you submit the form. The SSA will mail your card to the address you provide. If you need your number sooner, ask the office for a receipt showing your number — you can use that for employment or other purposes while you wait for the physical card.

What if I've already requested three replacement cards this year?

You can request up to three replacement cards per year. If you've hit that limit, you'll have to wait until the next calendar year to request another one, unless you have a specific reason (like a legal name change or a correction to your record) that the SSA deems necessary.

Do I need to bring my child with me to apply for their first Social Security number?

Yes. The child must be present at the appointment. You cannot file on their behalf by mail or without them there. Bring the child's birth certificate, your photo ID, and proof of your relationship to the child.

What if my documents are in a language other than English?

Bring the original document and a certified English translation. A certified translation means it was done by a professional translator or translation service and includes a statement that it is accurate. The SSA will accept both and make copies during your appointment.