How to get a Social Security card

You get a Social Security card by filling out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) and submitting it in person at your local Social Security office, along with proof of age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status. Most people receive their card in the mail within two weeks. You cannot get one by phone, email, or online — you must apply in person, and you must bring original documents or certified copies.

If you are applying for your first card as a U.S. citizen, the process is straightforward. If you are a non-citizen, an immigrant, or replacing a lost card, the documents you need change. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict rules about which documents they will accept, and bringing the wrong ones means a rejected application and a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must apply in person at a Social Security office with Form SS-5 and original documents proving your age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status.
  • U.S. citizens need a birth certificate, state ID or passport, and proof of your Social Security number if you have one; non-citizens need a passport and immigration documents.
  • You can find your local Social Security office and check hours on ssa.gov, and you should bring all required documents on your first visit to avoid a second trip.
  • The card arrives by mail within two weeks in most cases, and you do not need to pay any fee to get one.

Documents you need to bring

The SSA requires three categories of proof: age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status. For age, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. A photocopy is not acceptable. If you do not have a birth certificate, the SSA will accept a passport, adoption papers, or a court order showing your date of birth.

For identity, bring a current state-issued ID, passport, or driver's license. The document must have your photo and signature. If you do not have one of these, the SSA has a list of acceptable alternatives — school ID, employee ID, insurance card, or library card — but you will need two of them, and they must show your name and identifying information.

For citizenship or immigration status, U.S. citizens bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. Non-citizens bring a passport and immigration documents — typically a green card, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or I-94 arrival/departure record. If you are in the U.S. on a visa, bring the visa and your passport. The SSA will not accept photocopies of immigration documents; originals only.

If you are applying on behalf of a child, bring the child's documents plus your own ID and proof that you are the parent or legal guardian — a birth certificate showing you as the parent, adoption papers, or a court order.

Where and when to apply

Go to ssa.gov and use the office locator tool to find the Social Security office nearest you. Enter your zip code and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some offices have reduced hours or are closed on certain days, so check before you go.

You can call ahead to ask whether you need an appointment. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to schedule a time slot. If you call, have your documents ready so you can confirm you have everything the office needs. If you do not have all required documents, ask what alternatives the office will accept rather than making a trip with incomplete paperwork.

Bring all original documents or certified copies. Do not bring photocopies unless the SSA specifically told you a photocopy is acceptable. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator.

What happens after you apply

The SSA will review your documents at the office and tell you whether your application is complete. If it is, you will receive your card in the mail within two weeks. If documents are missing or unclear, the SSA will contact you — usually by phone or mail — and ask you to submit them. This can add weeks to the process, so bring everything on your first visit.

You do not pay a fee to get a Social Security card. If someone offers to get you a card for money, that is a scam. The SSA never charges for cards, and no private company can get one for you faster or easier than you can get it yourself.

Once your card arrives, check it for errors — your name, date of birth, and number should all be correct. If there is a mistake, return to the Social Security office with the card and your documents to request a replacement. The SSA will issue a corrected card at no charge.

Replacing a lost or stolen card

If your card is lost or stolen, apply for a replacement using the same process: Form SS-5, in person, with proof of age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status. You do not need to bring the old card. The SSA will issue a new card with the same number, and it will arrive within two weeks.

If your card is stolen and you suspect identity theft, contact the Social Security fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or report it online at ssa.gov. You should also contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report and monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.

Getting a card as a non-citizen

Non-citizens can get a Social Security card if they have a valid reason to work or receive benefits in the United States. You must have an immigration status that allows work — a green card, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or other valid immigration document. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a Social Security card.

The application process is the same, but you bring your passport and immigration documents instead of a birth certificate. The SSA will verify your immigration status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before issuing the card. This verification can take longer than the standard two weeks, so plan for a longer wait.

If your immigration status changes — for example, your visa expires or your work authorization ends — your Social Security card remains valid. You do not need to renew it or notify the SSA unless you change your name.

Name changes and corrections

If you change your name — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason — you can get a new card with your new name. Bring Form SS-5, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of age and identity. The SSA will issue a new card with your new name and the same Social Security number.

If your card has your name spelled wrong or your number is incorrect, bring the card, Form SS-5, and proof of age and identity to your local Social Security office. The SSA will issue a corrected card at no charge. Do not wait to fix errors — an incorrect name or number on your card can cause problems with employment, taxes, and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most cards arrive within two weeks of applying. If documents are missing or the SSA needs to verify your immigration status, it can take longer — sometimes four to six weeks. The SSA will contact you if there is a delay.

Can I get a Social Security card without a birth certificate?

Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, bring a passport, adoption papers, or court order showing your date of birth. You still need to bring proof of identity and citizenship or immigration status.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your passport and proof of U.S. citizenship — a naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship, or U.S. passport. If you are a non-citizen, bring your immigration documents instead. The process is the same as for anyone else.

Do I need an appointment to apply for a Social Security card?

It depends on your local office. Some take walk-ins; others require appointments. Call your local Social Security office or check ssa.gov to find out. Calling ahead also lets you confirm you have all required documents.

What if I lost my Social Security card years ago and never replaced it?

You can still get a replacement. Bring Form SS-5, proof of age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status to your local Social Security office. The SSA will issue a new card with the same number. There is no time limit on replacements.