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) at your local Social Security office, by mail, or through an online request if you meet certain conditions. You will need to bring proof of age, citizenship or immigration status, and identity. The Social Security Administration (SSA) processes most applications within two weeks, though the timeline depends on whether you apply in person or by mail and whether your documents need verification.

The process is different depending on whether you are applying for your first card, replacing a lost or stolen card, or correcting information on an existing card. First-time applicants — including newborns, immigrants, and adults who have never had one — follow the standard route. Replacement and correction requests move faster because the SSA already has your record.

Key Takeaways

  • You need Form SS-5, proof of age, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of identity to get a Social Security card.
  • You can apply in person at a Social Security office, by mail, or online if you are between 18 and 79 and applying for your first card.
  • In-person applications usually process within two weeks; mail applications may take four to six weeks.
  • Parents can apply for a newborn's card at the hospital or through the SSA after birth using the child's birth certificate.
  • You do not need an appointment at most Social Security offices — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location.

What documents you need to bring

The SSA requires three types of documents: proof of age, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of identity. For proof of age, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or adoption decree. A photocopy is not acceptable unless it is certified by the issuing agency.

For proof of citizenship, U.S. citizens bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or Certificate of Naturalization. Non-citizens bring their unexpired passport and visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or other immigration documents showing your status. If you are applying for a replacement card and the SSA already has your citizenship information on file, you may not need to bring this document again — call ahead to confirm.

For proof of identity, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have a photo ID, the SSA accepts a combination of documents like a school ID, employee badge, or utility bill paired with a birth certificate. Bring the originals; photocopies are not accepted for identity.

Applying in person at a Social Security office

Walk into your local Social Security office with your completed Form SS-5 and your documents. You do not need an appointment. Bring the original documents listed above — do not send photocopies. The office staff will review your paperwork on the spot, make copies for the file, and return your originals to you.

Processing time is usually two weeks from the date you apply. The SSA will mail your card to the address you provide on the form. If you need the card urgently, ask the office staff whether they can expedite — some offices can, depending on your situation, though this is not may provide.

To find your local office, go to ssa.gov, click "Locations," and enter your zip code. Call ahead if you want to confirm hours or ask whether the office is currently accepting walk-ins, as some locations have adjusted their schedules.

Applying by mail

Complete Form SS-5 and mail it with copies of your documents to your local Social Security office. Do not send originals by mail — make photocopies instead. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and phone number so the SSA can contact you if they have questions.

Mail applications typically take four to six weeks to process. The SSA will mail your card to the address you list on the form. If your documents need verification — for example, if your birth certificate appears altered or if your citizenship status requires additional checking — the process will take longer.

Find the mailing address for your local office on ssa.gov. Keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof the SSA received your application.

Applying online for your first card

If you are between 18 and 79 and applying for your first Social Security card, you can start the process online at ssa.gov/myaccount. You will create a my Social Security account, fill out Form SS-5 digitally, and upload photos of your documents. You will still need to visit a Social Security office in person to verify your identity and hand over your original documents — the online option simply lets you start from home and skip the form-filling step at the office.

After you submit your online application, the SSA will send you a message telling you when to visit the office. Bring your original documents and be ready to have your identity verified. Processing time is still around two weeks from your in-person visit.

You cannot apply online if you are under 18, over 79, replacing a lost card, or correcting information on an existing card. For those situations, use the in-person or mail route.

Getting a card for a newborn

You can request a Social Security card for your newborn at the hospital when you fill out the birth certificate application. Check the box on the birth certificate form that says you want a Social Security number assigned. The hospital will send the information to the state vital records office, which forwards it to the SSA. The card arrives by mail within two to four weeks.

If you did not request a number at the hospital, you can apply after birth using the child's birth certificate, your ID, and Form SS-5. Visit your local Social Security office or mail the application. Processing time is the same as for any first-time applicant.

Replacing a lost or stolen card

If your card is lost or stolen, fill out Form SS-5 and bring it to your local Social Security office along with proof of identity and proof of citizenship. You do not need to bring proof of age again if you already have a Social Security number. Processing time is usually one to two weeks for replacements because the SSA already has your information on file.

You can request up to three replacement cards in a year and nine in a lifetime. If you exceed these limits, the SSA will ask you to explain why you need another card. If your card was stolen, consider reporting the theft to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov to protect yourself against fraud.

Correcting information on your card

If your name, date of birth, or citizenship status changed or was recorded incorrectly, you can request a corrected card. Fill out Form SS-5, bring it to your local Social Security office with proof of the change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or corrected birth certificate), and proof of identity. The SSA will issue a new card with the corrected information.

Processing time for corrections is usually two weeks. If the error was the SSA's mistake, they will replace the card at no cost. If you are correcting information that was correct when issued, there is no fee either — Social Security cards are always free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Social Security card cost?

Social Security cards are free. The SSA does not charge for first cards, replacements, or corrections. If someone offers to sell you a card or charges you to apply, that is a scam.

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

You need some form of proof of age. If you do not have a birth certificate, bring a passport, adoption decree, or other document showing your date of birth. The SSA accepts originals or certified copies from the issuing agency.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Non-citizens can get a Social Security card if they have a valid visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or other immigration status that allows work. Bring your unexpired passport and immigration documents to your local Social Security office along with Form SS-5 and proof of identity.

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

In-person applications usually process within two weeks. Mail applications take four to six weeks. Replacements are faster — typically one to two weeks. If documents need verification, any application may take longer.

Can I use my Social Security card as an ID?

No. Social Security cards are not government-issued photo IDs and cannot be used to prove your identity for most purposes. Use a driver's license, passport, or state ID card instead. The Social Security card is mainly for employment and tax records.