Order online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office

You can order a Social Security card three ways: online through ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail using Form SS-5, or by visiting a Social Security office in person. Online is fastest if you have a state-issued ID and a mailing address on file with your state's motor vehicle department. By mail takes two to four weeks. In person, you'll get a receipt the same day, though the card itself arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

You'll need proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you're ordering for a child under 18, a parent or guardian must apply on their behalf.

Key Takeaways

  • Online ordering through ssa.gov/myaccount is the fastest method if you have a state ID and a current address registered with your state's motor vehicle department.
  • You will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a state-issued ID, and proof of your current address.
  • Mail applications using Form SS-5 take two to four weeks; in-person applications give you a receipt the same day but the card arrives by mail.
  • If you've changed your name, been married, or had your card stolen, you can order a replacement using the same process.

Ordering online through your Social Security account

Create or log into your account at ssa.gov/myaccount. You'll need a username and password, or you can use a third-party login like Google or Facebook. Once logged in, select "Order a replacement Social Security card" from your dashboard.

The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering questions based on your credit history and financial records. This takes a few minutes. You'll then choose a delivery address and confirm your state ID information. Social Security verifies your identity against your state's motor vehicle records, so your address must match what's on file there.

If verification succeeds, you'll see a confirmation screen. Your card will be mailed to the address you provided within one to two weeks. You don't need to upload documents or visit an office. This method works only if you're ordering for yourself, not for a child or dependent.

Applying by mail with Form SS-5

Download or request Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You can also pick one up at your local Social Security office.

Fill out the form completely. You'll need to list your full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship status, and the reason you're ordering (new card, replacement, name change, or correction). Attach photocopies of your proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of address. Do not send originals—Social Security will not return them.

Mail the completed form and copies to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks. You can check the status of your application by calling 1-800-772-1213 or logging into your Social Security account if you created one.

Applying in person at a Social Security office

Find your nearest Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your original proof of citizenship, original proof of identity, and original proof of your current address. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use an online scheduling system—check your local office's page to see if appointments are required.

Arrive during business hours (typically 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday). Bring all documents in person; you cannot mail them ahead. A staff member will review your documents, take your application, and give you a receipt. The receipt shows your application number and expected delivery date.

Your card will be mailed to the address you provided within one to two weeks. Keep the receipt until your card arrives. If it doesn't show up within three weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 and have your receipt number ready.

What counts as proof of citizenship

Social Security accepts an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. A photocopy of your birth certificate does not count unless it's certified by the issuing agency (usually your state's vital records office). If you were born outside the U.S., a passport or naturalization certificate is required.

If you don't have any of these documents, you'll need to obtain one first. Contact your state's vital records office for a certified birth certificate, or the U.S. State Department for a passport. This adds time to the overall process.

Ordering a card for a child or dependent

A parent or legal guardian must apply on behalf of anyone under 18. You can apply online if the child has a state ID (some states issue IDs to minors), by mail using Form SS-5, or in person at a Social Security office. The parent or guardian must bring their own proof of identity along with the child's proof of citizenship and proof of the child's current address (such as a school record or medical record showing the child's name and address).

If the child is adopted or in foster care, bring documentation of the legal relationship. If only one parent is applying and the child has two parents, Social Security may ask for a birth certificate showing both parents' names or a custody order.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card

The process is the same as ordering a new card: online, by mail, or in person. You'll indicate on the application that you're ordering a replacement rather than a new card. If your card was stolen, you don't need to file a police report first, though you may want to for your own records if you're concerned about identity theft.

You can order up to three replacement cards in a year and up to ten in your lifetime. If you exceed these limits, Social Security will ask you to explain why you need another replacement. This is a safeguard against fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online orders arrive within one to two weeks if verification succeeds. Mail applications take two to four weeks from the date Social Security receives your form. In-person applications give you a receipt the same day, but the card itself arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

Contact your state's vital records office (usually run by the state health department) to request a certified copy. This can take one to four weeks depending on the state. You can apply for a Social Security card once you have it. Some states allow you to order a certified birth certificate online.

Can I use a passport instead of a birth certificate?

Yes. A U.S. passport counts as proof of both citizenship and identity. If you have a valid passport, you can use it alone instead of a birth certificate and separate ID.

What if my name has changed since my last card?

Order a replacement card and bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Fill out Form SS-5 and indicate the reason as "name change." The process is otherwise the same.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I send copies?

For in-person applications, bring originals. For mail applications, send photocopies only—Social Security will not return originals. For online applications, you don't submit documents; Social Security verifies your information against state records.