You can replace a lost Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office, applying by mail, or using the online replacement service if you meet certain requirements
The fastest way to replace a lost Social Security card depends on where you live and whether you have a state ID or driver's license. If you have a current, valid ID issued by your state, you can apply online through the Social Security Administration's website — this usually takes 5 to 10 business days. If you cannot apply online, you can visit a Social Security office in person or mail your application to the address listed on the form.
You will need to prove your identity and citizenship no matter which method you choose. The documents required differ slightly depending on whether you apply online, by mail, or in person, but all routes ask for the same basic information: your name, date of birth, place of birth, and the reason you need a replacement card.
Key Takeaways
- Online replacement through ssa.gov is the fastest option if you have a current state ID or driver's license and are age 18 or older.
- In-person visits to a Social Security office require proof of identity and citizenship, and you can walk in without an appointment at most locations.
- Mail-in replacement takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office or do not meet online requirements.
- You will receive your replacement card by mail within 1 to 2 weeks of approval, regardless of which method you use.
- There is no fee to replace a lost Social Security card.
Applying online through the Social Security Administration website
The Social Security Administration's online replacement service is available at ssa.gov/myaccount. You must be at least 18 years old, have a Social Security number already issued to you, and have a current state ID or driver's license to use this method. The system will verify your identity using information from your state's motor vehicle records, so the ID must be valid and not expired.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will enter your personal information, confirm your address, and select whether you want the card mailed to your current address or a different one. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your replacement card will arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days in most cases, though this can vary by region.
If the online system cannot verify your identity through your state ID records, you will be told immediately and directed to apply by mail or visit an office instead. This happens occasionally and does not mean anything is wrong — it usually means your state's records do not match the Social Security Administration's database closely enough for automated verification.
Visiting a Social Security office in person
You can walk into any Social Security office without an appointment and request a replacement card. Bring your original Social Security card if you still have it, or bring two documents that prove your identity and one that proves your citizenship. Acceptable identity documents include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or employee ID. Acceptable citizenship documents include a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers.
Processing times at the office vary. Some offices issue a replacement card on the spot or within a few days; others mail it to you. Ask the staff member which applies at your location. You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number, and you can call the Social Security Administration's main line at 1-800-772-1213 to check on your card's status using that number.
Social Security offices are typically open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and its hours at ssa.gov/locator. Offices tend to be busiest in the morning, so arriving after 11 a.m. usually means a shorter wait.
Applying by mail
You can request a replacement card by mail if you cannot visit an office or do not meet the online requirements. Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request one by mail. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and gather your identity and citizenship documents.
You will need to provide certified copies or originals of documents proving your identity and citizenship — photocopies are not accepted. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date the Social Security Administration receives your application. Include a return address on your envelope so the Social Security Administration can contact you if anything is missing.
Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If you are concerned about sending original documents through the mail, you can visit an office instead and let staff make certified copies for you on site.
What documents prove your identity and citizenship
| Document Type | Counts as Identity | Counts as Citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. passport | Yes | Yes |
| State driver's license or ID | Yes | No |
| Birth certificate | No | Yes |
| Naturalization certificate or papers | No | Yes |
| Employee ID with photo | Yes | No |
| School ID with photo | Yes | No |
| Military ID | Yes | No |
You need at least one document from the identity column and one from the citizenship column. A passport alone satisfies both requirements. If you do not have a birth certificate, naturalization papers, or passport, you may be able to use other documents — call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether a specific document will work.
What happens if you cannot find your original documents
If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you can request one separately while you wait for your replacement Social Security card. A birth certificate comes from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born, not from the Social Security Administration. You can find contact information for your state's vital records office at cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.
If you were born outside the United States, you may need a passport or naturalization certificate instead. A U.S. passport can be obtained through the State Department's passport acceptance facilities, usually located at post offices and libraries. A naturalization certificate can be obtained from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services if you were naturalized as a citizen.
While you are waiting for these documents, you can still visit a Social Security office and explain the situation. Staff may be able to work with you using alternative documents or may be able to issue a temporary card in some cases, though this varies by office.
Replacing a card for a minor or dependent
If you are replacing a card for someone under 18, the parent or legal guardian must apply on their behalf. You will need to provide proof of the child's identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of your relationship to the child (such as a birth certificate or custody papers). The same three methods — online, in person, or by mail — are available, though online replacement is not an option for minors.
Visit an office in person or mail Form SS-5 with the required documents. Processing times are the same as for adults. The child does not need to be present at the office, though some offices prefer it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
Online replacement takes 5 to 10 business days. In-person visits may result in a card issued on the spot or mailed within a few days, depending on the office. Mail-in applications take 2 to 4 weeks from the date the Social Security Administration receives them.
Can I use a temporary Social Security card while I wait?
The Social Security Administration does not issue temporary cards. However, some employers and institutions will accept a receipt from your Social Security office application as proof that you have a number while you wait for the physical card to arrive. Ask your employer or the organization that needs the card whether they will accept a receipt.
What if I need my card urgently for a job or school?
Visit a Social Security office in person — this is the fastest way to get proof of your number. You will receive a receipt with your number on it, and many employers and schools will accept this as temporary proof. Some offices can issue a card within days rather than weeks.
Do I need to report my lost card to anyone besides Social Security?
You do not have to, but you may want to monitor your credit report for signs of identity theft. You can check your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you believe your number has been misused, contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.
Is there a fee to replace a lost Social Security card?
No. The Social Security Administration does not charge for replacement cards. If someone claims you must pay to replace your card, that is a scam.