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

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards at no cost. You do not need to visit an office in person — most states now let you request one online through ssa.gov/myaccount, and you can mail in an application if that does not work for you. The process takes roughly two to four weeks by mail, or a few days if you apply online and your state participates in the digital program.

You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency. The SSA accepts a driver's license, passport, or state ID as proof of identity. For citizenship or residency, bring a birth certificate, passport, or immigration document. If you do not have these documents, you can still apply, but the SSA will ask you to provide them before issuing the card.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states let you request a replacement card online at ssa.gov/myaccount without visiting an office or mailing anything.
  • If your state does not offer online service, you can mail Form SS-5 to your local Social Security office with copies of your identity and citizenship documents.
  • You need one document proving who you are (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and one proving citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate or passport).
  • Replacement cards arrive by mail in two to four weeks; online requests in participating states are faster.
  • You can request a card in person at a Social Security office, but this takes longer because offices require appointments and have limited availability.

Applying online through your Social Security account

The fastest route for most people is the online application at ssa.gov/myaccount. You create an account using your Social Security number, email address, and a password. The SSA will verify your identity by asking questions about your financial history — things like past addresses, loan amounts, or credit card details. This verification usually takes a few minutes.

Once verified, you can request a replacement card directly in your account. If your state participates in the digital program (most do, but not all), the card will be mailed to you within a few business days. You do not upload documents online — the SSA already has your information on file. Check the status of your request in your account dashboard.

If your state does not yet offer online replacement, the website will tell you and direct you to mail in an application instead.

Mailing in Form SS-5

If you cannot use the online system or prefer to mail your request, download or request Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with copies of your identity and citizenship documents to your local Social Security office. The SSA website has a locator tool to find the correct address.

Do not mail original documents — send copies only. Include a copy of your driver's license or passport for identity, and a copy of your birth certificate or passport for citizenship. If you were born outside the United States, include a copy of your immigration document (green card, visa, or naturalization certificate).

Mail your packet to the address listed for your local office. Processing takes two to four weeks. You can check the status by calling 1-800-772-1213 after two weeks have passed.

Applying in person at a Social Security office

You can walk into a Social Security office with your documents and request a replacement card, but this is the slowest option. Most offices now require you to make an appointment first through ssa.gov/appt or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Wait times for appointments vary by location — some offices have openings within a week, others may take several weeks.

Bring your original identity document (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your original citizenship document (birth certificate or passport). The SSA will not accept copies in person. After you submit your application, the card is still mailed to you and takes two to four weeks to arrive.

What to do if you have lost documents

If you do not have a birth certificate, passport, or driver's license, you can still request a Social Security card, but the process takes longer. The SSA will ask you to provide the missing documents before issuing the card. You can obtain a birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — contact that office directly for their fees and timeline.

If you cannot provide citizenship or residency documents, tell the SSA when you apply. They will work with you to find alternative documents that prove your status. This might include school records, medical records, or employment documents. The SSA has a list of acceptable alternatives on their website.

Replacing a card that was stolen or damaged

A stolen card should be reported to the SSA, though the card itself is not tied to your money or accounts the way a bank card is. Call 1-800-772-1213 to report it. You can then request a replacement using any of the methods above. If your card is damaged, torn, or faded, you can request a replacement the same way — the SSA does not charge for replacements due to wear or damage.

If you are concerned about identity theft (not just a lost card), also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This is separate from reporting the card to the SSA, but it protects your credit if someone tries to open accounts in your name.

Name changes and corrections

If you need a new card because you changed your name (through marriage, divorce, or legal petition), you still use Form SS-5 or the online system. You will need to provide proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The process is the same as requesting a replacement, but the SSA will update your records with your new name.

If your card has your name spelled wrong or contains other errors, report this to the SSA. You can correct the information by mailing Form SS-5 with proof of the correct information, or by applying online if your state offers that service. Corrections are also free.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online requests in participating states arrive within a few business days. Mail-in applications take two to four weeks. In-person applications also result in a card mailed to you, so the timeline is the same as mail-in — two to four weeks.

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

No. You do not need your old card. Bring your identity document (driver's license or passport) and your citizenship document (birth certificate or passport). If you have your old card, you can bring it, but it is not required.

Can I get a temporary Social Security card while I wait for the replacement?

No. The SSA does not issue temporary cards. If you need proof of your Social Security number before the card arrives, you can print a statement from your online account at ssa.gov/myaccount, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to mail you a letter with your number.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You will need to provide proof of citizenship or legal residency. This means a passport, green card, visa, or naturalization certificate. If you are applying online, the SSA will verify your immigration status using federal databases. If you are mailing in, send a copy of your immigration document with your application.

Is there a fee for a replacement Social Security card?

No. The SSA does not charge for Social Security cards, whether you are getting your first card or a replacement. If someone asks you to pay for a card, they are not from the SSA.