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

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card at no cost. You do not need to wait for your card to expire — you can request a replacement whenever you need one. The fastest route depends on where you live: some states let you submit online through a secure portal, others require you to visit a local Social Security office or mail in your documents, and a few offer all three options.

You are limited to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime, though these limits rarely affect people who are not replacing cards repeatedly. The entire process typically takes one to two weeks if you submit in person or online, and two to four weeks by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Online replacement is available in most states and is the fastest option if your state offers it — check ssa.gov to see if yours does.
  • In-person replacement at a local Social Security office requires proof of citizenship, identity, and age, plus your Social Security number.
  • Mail-in replacement takes longer but works everywhere and requires the same documents as in-person, sent to your regional SSA office.
  • You will receive your new card by mail within one to four weeks depending on the method you choose.
  • If your card was stolen, monitor your credit and consider a fraud alert with the credit bureaus to prevent misuse of your number.

Replacing your card online

Online replacement through the SSA's website is now available in most states. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. From your account dashboard, select "Replace your Social Security card" and follow the prompts. The system will ask you to verify your identity using information from your credit file or by uploading a photo of your driver's license or state ID.

Not all states participate in online replacement yet. If your state is not listed as an option on the website, you will need to use the in-person or mail method. Even if your state offers online replacement, you cannot use it if you need to change your name on the card — name changes require in-person or mail submission with a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Replacing your card in person at a Social Security office

Visit your local Social Security office with the documents listed below. You do not need an appointment in most offices, but you can call ahead to confirm hours and current wait times. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. The office will verify your documents on the spot and mail your new card to the address on file, usually within one to two weeks.

You will need to bring: proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport), and proof of age (birth certificate or passport). If you are replacing a card because it was stolen, bring a police report if you have one, though it is not required. If you need to change your name, bring the legal document that authorizes the change.

Replacing your card by mail

Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card), available at ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf. Print it, fill it out by hand, and mail it along with copies of your documents to your regional Social Security office. You can find your regional office address on the SSA website by entering your state. Mail takes longer — typically two to four weeks — because the SSA must receive your documents, verify them, and process your request before mailing your card.

Send certified copies or originals of the same documents required for in-person replacement: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of age. Do not send originals unless absolutely necessary; certified copies are safer. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If your documents are in a language other than English, include a certified English translation with each document.

What to do if your card was stolen

Request your replacement card using one of the three methods above. The card itself has no security features that prevent someone else from using your number, so the card being stolen is less urgent than the number being used fraudulently. What matters more is monitoring your accounts and credit for unauthorized activity.

Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting one of them — they will notify the others. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can also check your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com to look for accounts you did not open. If you find fraudulent activity, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov.

Replacing a child's card

A parent or legal guardian can request a replacement card for a child under 18. You will need to bring the child's birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and your own identity document. If the child is 12 or older, they should come with you to the Social Security office, though it is not always required. For mail-in requests, complete Form SS-5 and sign it as the parent or guardian.

If your child's card was lost or damaged, the process is the same as for an adult. If you need to add or correct your child's name on the card, bring the legal document that authorizes the change, such as a birth certificate showing the corrected name or an adoption decree.

Replacing a card for someone who is deceased

If you are the executor or next of kin and need to notify the SSA that someone has died, contact the Social Security office directly — do not request a replacement card. The SSA will update its records when it receives a death certificate. If you need to provide proof that the person's Social Security number was valid, you can request a verification of earnings statement or other documents from the SSA, though this is rarely necessary.

The SSA does not issue replacement cards for deceased individuals. If you are handling the person's estate or benefits, the Social Security office can guide you through the notification process and answer questions about what happens to their account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Online and in-person replacement usually takes one to two weeks. Mail-in replacement takes two to four weeks. These timelines assume normal processing; delays can occur during high-volume periods or if documents are incomplete.

Do I need to bring my old card to get a replacement?

No. If your card is lost or stolen, you do not need it. If you have it and it is damaged, you can bring it, but it is not required. The SSA can issue a replacement based on your identity documents alone.

Can I change my name on my Social Security card at the same time?

Yes, but you cannot do it online. You must submit in person or by mail and include the legal document that authorizes the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The SSA will process the name change and issue a new card with the updated name.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use other documents to prove citizenship and age, such as a passport, naturalization certificate, or adoption decree. Contact your local Social Security office to ask which documents they will accept in place of a birth certificate.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. The SSA mails replacement cards to the address on file in your account. You cannot have someone else pick it up in person. If you need to change the mailing address, update it in your my Social Security account online or contact the Social Security office before you request the replacement.