Where to request a replacement card
You can request a replacement Social Security card in three ways: online through the Social Security Administration website, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online option is fastest if you have a state-issued ID and a mailing address on file with Social Security. By mail, you fill out Form SS-5 and send it with documents to your state's Social Security office — this takes two to four weeks. In person, you bring the same documents to an office and usually leave with a receipt the same day, though the card itself arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Which method works best depends on your situation. Online is available only if you are between 18 and 79, have a current state driver's license or ID card, and have a U.S. mailing address. If you do not meet those requirements, or if you need the card urgently, going in person is usually faster because you can confirm your documents are correct on the spot rather than waiting to hear if something was rejected.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a replacement card online, by mail using Form SS-5, or in person at a Social Security office.
- Online requests take one to two weeks and work only if you are 18 to 79 with a current state ID and U.S. address.
- In-person requests let you verify your documents are correct immediately and usually result in a receipt the same day.
- You will need proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of age — the exact documents depend on which you already have on file.
- There is no fee for a replacement card, and you can request up to three cards per year.
Documents you need to bring
Social Security requires proof of three things: your citizenship, your identity, and your age. You do not need all three from separate documents — one document can cover more than one category. A U.S. passport covers all three. A state driver's license covers identity and age. A birth certificate covers citizenship and age.
If you are applying in person, bring the original documents or certified copies. Social Security will not accept photocopies unless they are certified by the issuing agency. If you are applying by mail, include certified copies, not originals — Social Security returns documents but mail can be lost. If you are applying online, you do not submit documents; instead, Social Security verifies your information against records they already have.
Common combinations that work: a U.S. passport alone; a state driver's license plus a birth certificate; a state ID card plus a birth certificate. If you do not have a birth certificate, a hospital record of birth, religious record of birth, or school record can substitute. If you do not have a state ID, a tribal ID, military ID, or foreign passport can work for identity.
What happens if you have changed your name
If your name has changed since your current Social Security card was issued, you need to bring proof of the name change along with your other documents. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change all work. Social Security will update your name in their system and issue a new card with the correct name.
If you changed your name but never updated it with Social Security, doing so now is important — your card, your tax records, and your work history all need to match. Mismatches can cause problems when you file taxes or claim benefits later. Bring the name-change document to your appointment or include it with your mailed application.
Online requests: what you need to know
The online process at ssa.gov takes about 15 minutes. You create an account, answer security questions to verify your identity, confirm your address, and request the card. Social Security checks your information against their records — they do not ask you to upload documents. If everything matches, you get a confirmation number and the card is mailed within one to two weeks.
Online requests work only if your information is already in Social Security's system and matches what you enter. If you have never had a Social Security card, or if your name or address has changed and Social Security's records have not been updated, you cannot use the online method. In those cases, you must apply by mail or in person.
One limitation: you can request a replacement card online only once per year. If you need multiple cards in a short time, your second request must be by mail or in person.
Applying by mail with Form SS-5
Download or request Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Fill it out completely — incomplete forms are returned and delay your card. Include certified copies of your proof documents (not originals). Write your name and Social Security number on the back of each document copy so Social Security can match them to your application.
Mail the form and documents to your state's Social Security office. You can find the address on ssa.gov or by calling the number above. Include a cover letter with your current mailing address and phone number so Social Security can contact you if something is missing. Mail takes two to four weeks, and Social Security will send your card by regular mail unless you request expedited delivery (which costs extra and is not always available).
Keep a copy of everything you send. If your mail is lost, you have proof of what you submitted. If Social Security says they did not receive something, you can show them what you sent.
In-person appointments at Social Security offices
Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov to find your local office and schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments are faster — you will not wait as long. Bring your original documents or certified copies, your completed Form SS-5 (optional but speeds things up), and a photo ID if you have one.
At your appointment, a Social Security representative will review your documents, verify the information, and give you a receipt. The receipt shows your application was received. Your card will be mailed to your address within one to two weeks. If you need the card urgently, ask the representative whether expedited mail is an option — it is not always available and may cost extra.
If you cannot reach your local office or appointments are booked weeks out, try calling early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday — these tend to be less busy. Some offices also have online appointment scheduling that shows real availability.
What to do if your card was lost, stolen, or damaged
If your card was stolen, you do not need to notify Social Security separately — just request a replacement using any of the three methods above. Social Security does not issue new numbers for stolen cards; the number stays the same. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the credit bureaus, but that is a separate step from replacing your card.
If your card is damaged but still readable, you can still request a replacement. Bring the damaged card with you or mention the damage on your application. Social Security will issue a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a replacement card cost?
There is no fee for a replacement Social Security card. If someone offers to get you a card for money, they are not legitimate. You can request a replacement through Social Security directly at no cost.
Can I get a replacement card if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. You can use other documents that prove citizenship and age, such as a hospital record of birth, religious record of birth, school record, or passport. Bring whichever documents you have. Social Security will work with you to verify your information.
How many replacement cards can I request per year?
You can request up to three replacement cards per year and up to ten in your lifetime. If you need more than three in a year, Social Security may ask why and may require additional documentation.
What if I moved and Social Security has my old address?
Update your address with Social Security before or at the same time you request your replacement card. If you apply online, you confirm your current address as part of the process. If you apply in person or by mail, tell the representative or include a note with your application. Your new card will be mailed to your current address.
Can someone else request a replacement card for me?
Generally, you must request your own card. If you are unable to do so because of age or disability, a parent, guardian, or representative can apply on your behalf. They will need to bring proof of their authority (such as a guardianship order) along with your documents.