You can order a new Social Security card online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office

The Social Security Administration (SSA) lets you request a replacement card through three routes: online at ssa.gov (fastest, if you have a state ID or driver's license), by mail using Form SS-5, or by walking into a Social Security office with documents in hand. Online ordering takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. In-person service varies by office but is often same-day or next-day. You do not need to prove you "lost" the card — the SSA issues replacements for any reason, and you get up to three free cards per year.

The card itself is free. You pay nothing whether you order online, by mail, or in person. If you need it urgently and your local office offers walk-in service, that is your fastest option. If you are ordering by mail and your state is not yet in the online system, Form SS-5 is the only route.

Key Takeaways

  • Online ordering at ssa.gov works only if you have a current state ID or driver's license and a my Social Security account; it takes 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Mail ordering uses Form SS-5 plus copies of your ID and proof of citizenship; it takes 2 to 4 weeks and works in every state.
  • In-person ordering at your local Social Security office requires the same documents as mail but is often faster, sometimes same-day.
  • You get three free replacement cards per year; after that, the SSA may charge a small fee for additional cards.
  • The card is always free; any website charging you to order is not the SSA.

Ordering online through your Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov and sign into or create a my Social Security account. You will need a state ID, driver's license, or passport to verify your identity. The system will ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history. Once verified, you can request a replacement card right there. The SSA will mail it to the address on file, and you should receive it in 1 to 2 weeks.

Online ordering is not yet available in every state. If your state is not listed as available when you try, you will need to use the mail or in-person route instead. The SSA's website will tell you which states are currently in the online system.

Ordering by mail using Form SS-5

Download or request Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with copies of two documents: one proving your identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and one proving your citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers). Do not send originals — send copies only.

Mail your packet to the Social Security office that serves your area. You can find the address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Include a cover letter with your name and Social Security number if you have one. The SSA will process your request and mail the card to you in 2 to 4 weeks. If you are in a hurry, call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether your local office accepts walk-ins; many do.

Ordering in person at a Social Security office

Bring the same documents you would mail: your ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers). Originals are fine in person. Walk into your local Social Security office during business hours, take a number, and wait to speak with a representative. Many offices issue the card same-day or next-day; a few still mail them, so ask when you arrive.

Find your local office at ssa.gov by zip code. Some offices take walk-ins without an appointment; others require you to call ahead or book online. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether your office takes walk-ins and what the current wait time is. Going in person is often faster than mail if your office is not backed up.

What documents you need

You must bring or send one document proving your identity and one proving your citizenship. For identity, the SSA accepts a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. For citizenship, bring a birth certificate, passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. If you do not have a birth certificate, the SSA has a list of other documents that work — call 1-800-772-1213 or check ssa.gov.

If you are ordering by mail, send copies, not originals. If you are ordering in person, bring originals; the office will copy them for you. If you are ordering online, you do not need to submit documents — the system verifies your identity electronically.

If you need the card urgently

Call your local Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213 and ask whether they offer same-day or next-day service. If they do, go in person with your documents. If your office is backed up or does not offer expedited service, there is no way to speed up the process — the SSA does not offer rush mail or priority processing. Plan for 1 to 4 weeks depending on your route.

If you need proof that you have ordered a card before it arrives, ask the Social Security representative for a receipt or letter stating your application date. Some employers or agencies will accept that as temporary proof while you wait for the physical card.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not send original documents by mail — send copies only. Do not go to a Social Security office without calling first to confirm they take walk-ins; some require appointments. Do not use a third-party website to order your card; the SSA does not charge fees, and any site asking for payment is not official. Do not assume your state is in the online system; check ssa.gov first.

If you are changing your name, you will need to submit a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your other documents. If you are a non-citizen, bring your immigration documents (green card, visa, or work permit). The SSA's website lists all accepted documents for each situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online ordering takes 1 to 2 weeks. Mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. In-person service at a Social Security office is often same-day or next-day, though some offices still mail cards, so ask when you arrive. Wait times vary by location and how busy the office is.

Can I order a card if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. The SSA accepts other documents proving citizenship, such as a passport, naturalization certificate, or adoption decree. Call 1-800-772-1213 or check ssa.gov for the full list of what counts as proof of citizenship in your situation.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not know my number?

You can still order a replacement. When you apply, the SSA will look up your number using your name, date of birth, and other information. If you order online, the system will retrieve your number during verification. If you order by mail or in person, tell the representative you do not know your number.

Do I have to pay to order a new Social Security card?

No. The card is always free. You get three free replacements per year. After that, the SSA may charge a small fee for additional cards in the same year. Any website charging you to order is not the official SSA.

Can I order a card for someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the card must order it themselves, unless they are a minor or legally incapacitated. A parent or guardian can order a card for a child under 18 by going in person with the child's documents and proof of guardianship.