What you need to do to get a Social Security card

You apply for a Social Security card through the Social Security Administration (SSA), not through a bank or government office in your state. You can apply in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online if you meet certain conditions. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose and whether you are applying for your first card, a replacement, or a corrected one.

Most people get their first Social Security card when they are born or shortly after, often through the hospital. If you never received one, or if yours was lost or stolen, you will need to submit documents that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. The SSA does not charge a fee for a Social Security card.

Key Takeaways

  • You must apply through the Social Security Administration directly, either in person at a local office, by mail, or online if you are a U.S. citizen applying for the first time.
  • You will need to bring or send original documents that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or lawful immigration status.
  • In-person applications usually take about two weeks; mail applications can take four weeks or longer.
  • If you are applying for a replacement card because yours was lost or stolen, the process is the same but you may be able to complete it online.

Documents you need before you apply

The SSA requires you to prove three things: who you are, how old you are, and whether you are a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status. You must bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. The SSA will not accept documents by email or fax.

For identity, the SSA accepts a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. For age, a birth certificate, passport, or adoption decree works. For citizenship or immigration status, a U.S. birth certificate, passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or immigration document like a green card or work visa is required. If you do not have these documents, you will need to obtain them first — usually from your state's vital records office (for birth certificates) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (for immigration documents).

If you are applying for a replacement card because your original was lost or stolen, you still need the same proof documents. You do not need to bring the lost card itself.

Applying in person at a Social Security office

Find your nearest Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov or calling 1-800-772-1213. You can walk in during business hours, but the SSA recommends creating a my Social Security account online and scheduling an appointment instead. Walk-ins may face longer waits.

Bring your original documents or certified copies. The SSA will review them, make copies, and give the originals back to you. You will fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) at the office or bring it completed from home. The form is available on ssa.gov. You do not need to sign the form before you arrive — you will sign it at the office.

After you apply in person, the SSA usually mails your card to your address within two weeks. If you need the card faster, ask the office whether expedited service is available in your area; some offices can issue a card the same day or within a few days, but this is not may provide everywhere.

Applying by mail

Download and print Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 to request it by mail. Fill out the form completely and sign it. Make copies of your identity, age, and citizenship documents — the SSA will not return them if you mail them in, so do not send originals. Certified copies work, or you can have a notary public certify your photocopies.

Mail the completed form and copies of your documents to your local Social Security office. Find the mailing address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and phone number so the SSA can contact you if there are questions.

Mail applications usually take four to six weeks. The SSA will mail your card to the address you provided on the form. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

Applying online for a replacement card

If you are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older and you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card, you may be able to apply online through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You will need to create an account if you do not already have one.

Online applications are faster — the SSA usually mails your card within one to two weeks. However, not all replacement situations may have access to for online application. If your name has changed, if you need a corrected card, or if you are applying for your first card, you must apply in person or by mail.

To apply online, log into your my Social Security account, select "Replace your Social Security card," and follow the prompts. You will need to verify your identity using information from your credit report or other records. The SSA will tell you immediately whether your application was received.

What happens after you apply

The SSA will review your documents and check them against its records. If everything matches and your documents are acceptable, your application is approved and your card is printed and mailed. If there is a problem — for example, if your birth certificate does not match the name on your driver's license — the SSA will contact you by phone or mail to ask for more information or different documents.

Once your card arrives, check it for errors. The card shows your name, Social Security number, and the date it was issued. If there is a mistake, contact your local Social Security office right away. Do not use a card with errors.

Keep your Social Security card in a safe place. You do not need to carry it with you every day. Many employers, banks, and government agencies will ask for your Social Security number, but you can usually provide the number without showing the physical card.

Special situations: name changes, corrections, and non-citizens

If your name has changed because of marriage, divorce, or court order, you can request a corrected card. Bring your original Social Security card (or a certified copy if you do not have it), proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of identity. The process is the same as applying for a new card, and there is no fee.

If there is an error on your card — for example, your name is spelled wrong or your date of birth is incorrect — contact your local Social Security office. You will need to bring documents that prove what the correct information should be. The SSA will issue a corrected card at no cost.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a Social Security card if you have a work visa, green card, or other lawful immigration status. Bring your immigration documents along with proof of identity and age. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a Social Security card, but some states issue Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) through the IRS as an alternative for tax purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In-person applications usually take about two weeks. Mail applications take four to six weeks. Online replacement applications for U.S. citizens are fastest, typically one to two weeks. Times vary by location and how busy your local office is.

What if I lost my Social Security card and need it urgently?

Call your local Social Security office and ask whether they offer expedited in-person service. Some offices can issue a card the same day or within a few days, but this is not available everywhere. You can also use your Social Security number without the physical card for most purposes — employers and banks only need the number, not the card itself.

Can I get a Social Security card if I was born outside the United States?

Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status. Bring your passport, Certificate of Naturalization, green card, or work visa along with proof of identity and age. If you are not a citizen and do not have lawful status, you cannot get a Social Security card.

Do I need to bring my birth certificate if I have a passport?

No. A passport alone proves both your age and citizenship, so you do not need a birth certificate. You still need to bring proof of identity, such as a driver's license or state ID.

What should I do if my Social Security card has a mistake on it?

Contact your local Social Security office as soon as possible. Bring the card, proof of what the correct information should be (such as a birth certificate for a name or date error), and proof of identity. The SSA will issue a corrected card at no cost.