You can get a new Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office or applying by mail, depending on your situation and state

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards at no cost. You do not need to pay anyone to help you get one. The process takes about 10 to 14 business days if you apply in person, or two to four weeks by mail. You will need to prove your identity, citizenship or legal residency, and age — the exact documents depend on whether you were born in the United States.

You can start the process at any Social Security office, by mail, or in some states through an online portal. The fastest route is usually in person, because the SSA can tell you immediately if your documents are acceptable and process your request the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of age to get a replacement card.
  • If you were born outside the United States, you will need an immigration document like a green card, visa, or employment authorization document in addition to the standard documents.
  • Applying in person at a Social Security office is faster than applying by mail and lets you know immediately if your documents are acceptable.
  • You can find your nearest Social Security office and check hours at ssa.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about wait times.
  • Some states allow you to apply online through a state ID agency portal, which may be faster than visiting an office in person.

What documents you need to bring

The SSA requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of age. For proof of identity, bring a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, the SSA accepts a work ID, school ID, or voter registration card, though you may need to bring two documents if the first one does not have your photo.

For proof of citizenship or legal residency, U.S. citizens bring a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. If you were born outside the United States, bring your green card, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or other immigration document that shows you are allowed to work or live in the country. The document must be unexpired or expired less than two years ago.

For proof of age, bring a birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. If you do not have any of these, the SSA may accept a school record, hospital record, or religious record that shows your date of birth. The document should be an original or certified copy, not a photocopy.

Applying in person at a Social Security office

Visit your nearest Social Security office with your documents. You do not need to make an appointment in most offices, but you can call ahead to ask about wait times or check the SSA website to see if your office takes appointments. Bring all three types of documents listed above, plus the application form if you have already filled it out (though the office can provide one if you have not).

The SSA will review your documents on the spot. If everything is acceptable, they will take your photo and issue you a receipt showing when your card will arrive. If a document is missing or unacceptable, they will tell you what else you need to bring. Your new card usually arrives within 10 to 14 business days.

Applying by mail

You can mail your application and documents to your local Social Security office. Download or request form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov, fill it out completely, and mail it with certified copies of your documents. Do not send original documents — the SSA will not return them. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and the reason you are requesting a replacement card.

Mail your application to the address listed on the SSA website for your state. Processing takes two to four weeks. If the SSA needs more information or your documents are not acceptable, they will contact you by phone or mail. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Applying online in participating states

Some states allow you to request a replacement Social Security card through your state's ID agency website or portal. This option is available in a growing number of states but not all. Check ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to see if your state offers online applications. If it does, you will upload photos of your documents and may receive your card faster than through the mail.

The online process varies by state. Some states verify your identity through your driver's license or state ID records, which speeds up the process. Others require you to mail in certified copies of documents even after you apply online. Ask your state's ID agency what documents they need before you start.

What to do if you do not have the required documents

If you do not have a birth certificate, passport, or other standard proof of citizenship, you can request one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This process takes time and may cost money, but it is often necessary to get a Social Security card. Contact your state's vital records office or the SSA for guidance on which document to request first.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have an immigration document, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or your nearest immigration office. You may need to update your immigration status or obtain a work permit before the SSA can issue a card. The SSA can tell you which immigration documents they will accept.

How long it takes and what to expect

In-person applications usually result in a card arriving within 10 to 14 business days. Mail applications take two to four weeks. Online applications in participating states may be faster, sometimes arriving within one to two weeks. These timelines assume your documents are acceptable and complete. If the SSA needs more information, the process takes longer.

You will receive your card by mail at the address you provided. If you do not receive it within the expected timeframe, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. You can use your Social Security number for work or other purposes before your physical card arrives — the number is issued immediately when your application is approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement card the same day I apply?

No. The SSA issues a receipt when you apply in person, but your card arrives by mail 10 to 14 business days later. You can use your Social Security number for work or other purposes immediately, but the physical card takes time to arrive.

What if I lost my birth certificate and do not know where I was born?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you believe you were born. If you are not sure, the SSA can sometimes help you locate your birth record. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask. You may also use a passport or naturalization certificate instead of a birth certificate.

Do I need an appointment at the Social Security office?

Most Social Security offices do not require appointments, but you can call ahead to check wait times or ask if your office takes appointments. Some offices are busier than others, so calling first can save you time.

Can someone else pick up my card for me?

No. The SSA mails cards to the address you provide on your application. You cannot have someone else pick it up at an office. If you move before your card arrives, contact the SSA to update your address.

What if my documents are expired?

Expired documents are usually acceptable for proving identity, citizenship, and age. However, immigration documents like visas or work permits must be unexpired or expired less than two years ago. Ask the SSA if you are unsure whether your specific document will be accepted.