You can get a replacement card by mail, in person, or online depending on your state

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards at no cost. You do not need to visit an office in person — most people can request one online through ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or by going to a local Social Security office. The method you use depends on whether your state participates in the online service and what documents you have on hand.

Processing time varies. Online requests typically take 5 to 14 business days. Mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks. In-person requests at an office can sometimes be processed faster, but you will need to bring original documents and may wait for an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order a replacement card online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you live in a state that offers this service and have a state-issued ID.
  • By mail, you need to complete Form SS-5, include proof of citizenship and identity, and mail it to your local Social Security office.
  • In-person replacement at a Social Security office requires an appointment, which you can schedule online or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
  • You cannot change your name on the card without submitting legal documents proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
  • If your card was lost or stolen, you do not need to report it to the SSA, but you may want to monitor your credit for fraud.

Ordering online through your Social Security account

The fastest route for most people is the online service at ssa.gov/myaccount. To use it, you need a state-issued ID (driver's license or state ID card), a Social Security number, and an email address. You will create or log into your my Social Security account, answer security questions to verify your identity, and request the replacement card.

Not all states participate in this service yet. If your state does not, the website will tell you when you try to start. Participating states include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. This list changes, so check the SSA website for the current status of your state.

Once you submit your request online, the card is mailed to the address on file with the SSA. You will receive a confirmation email. The card typically arrives within 5 to 14 business days.

Requesting by mail using Form SS-5

If you cannot use the online service or prefer to mail your request, you will need to complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card). You can download it from ssa.gov or pick one up at a local Social Security office. Fill it out completely and sign it in black or blue ink.

With your form, you must include original documents or certified copies. You need one document proving citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and one proving your identity (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID). Do not send originals unless you have no other choice — the SSA will not return them. Certified copies are safer and acceptable.

Mail the form and documents to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. Do not mail cash or use regular mail if you are concerned about loss — consider using certified mail with return receipt.

Replacing your card in person at a Social Security office

You can walk in to a Social Security office, but most now require an appointment. Schedule one online at ssa.gov/applyonline or by calling 1-800-772-1213. When you arrive, bring your original documents or certified copies: proof of citizenship and proof of identity, as described above.

In-person service can be faster than mail, especially if the office is not busy. Some offices can issue a replacement card on the spot or within a few days. However, wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Call ahead to ask how long the wait typically is at your office.

If you do not have an appointment, you can still try to be seen, but you may wait several hours or be turned away. Scheduling ahead is more reliable.

What documents you need to bring

The SSA requires proof of both citizenship and identity. For citizenship, bring one of these original documents or a certified copy:

  • U.S. birth certificate
  • U.S. passport
  • Certificate of naturalization
  • Certificate of citizenship
  • Consular report of birth abroad

For identity, bring one of these original documents:

  • Driver's license
  • State ID card
  • U.S. passport
  • Military ID
  • Employee ID
  • School ID

The document must have your name, date of birth, and a photo (except for employee or school ID). If you do not have these documents, call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what alternatives the SSA will accept in your situation.

Changing your name on your card

If you want to change your name on your Social Security card — because of marriage, divorce, or court order — you must submit legal proof of the name change along with your replacement request. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or court order.

You can request a name change online if your state participates and you have the legal document ready to upload. By mail, include the legal document with Form SS-5. In person, bring the original or certified copy.

The SSA will update your name in their records and issue a new card with the new name. This takes the same amount of time as a regular replacement — 5 to 14 days online, 2 to 4 weeks by mail.

If your card was lost or stolen

You do not need to report a lost or stolen Social Security card to the SSA. Simply request a replacement using one of the methods above. The old card becomes invalid once the new one is issued.

However, if you believe your Social Security number has been misused — for example, if you see accounts or charges you did not make — you should monitor your credit report and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze. You can check your credit for free at annualcreditreport.com. If you find fraud, contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?

There is no cost. The SSA issues replacement cards for free. If someone offers to charge you for a Social Security card, that is a scam.

Can I get a replacement card the same day?

No. Online requests take 5 to 14 business days, mail takes 2 to 4 weeks, and in-person requests take at least a few days. Some offices may process in-person requests faster, but same-day service is not standard.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain what documents you do have. The SSA may accept alternatives such as a hospital record of birth, religious record, or school record. You will need to discuss your specific situation with an SSA representative.

Do I need to bring my old card when I request a replacement?

No. If you have it, you can bring it, but it is not required. If your card was lost or stolen, you do not need to have it to request a replacement.

Can someone else request a replacement card for me?

A parent or guardian can request a card for a minor. For adults, you must request your own card. If you are unable to do so due to illness or disability, call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your options.