How to get a replacement Social Security card
You can get a replacement Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office in person, by mail, or through an online request if you meet certain requirements. The in-person route is fastest — you can often walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by location. By mail takes two to four weeks. Online requests, available in most states, can be completed in minutes but have stricter may be able to access rules.
You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency. A driver's license or passport works for identity. For citizenship, a birth certificate or passport works; for legal residency, a green card or visa. You cannot use a Social Security card to prove identity — that is circular. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not accept photocopies; originals or certified copies are required.
There is no charge for a replacement card. If someone offers to charge you, they are running a scam. The SSA does not work through third-party websites or phone numbers that ask for payment.
Key Takeaways
- You need an original or certified copy of proof of identity (driver's license or passport) and proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, or green card).
- In-person visits to your local Social Security office are usually fastest, with no appointment needed in most locations.
- Online requests are available in most states but only if you have a state-issued ID and meet age and residency requirements.
- Mail requests take two to four weeks and require you to send originals or certified copies of your documents.
- Replacement cards are free; anyone charging you is committing fraud.
Applying in person at a Social Security office
Walk into your nearest Social Security office with your documents. You do not need an appointment. Bring your original identity document (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your original or certified copy of proof of citizenship or legal residency. If you are applying for someone else — a child, a spouse, or an elderly parent — bring their documents and proof that you have authority to act on their behalf, such as a power of attorney or guardianship papers.
Fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) at the office or bring it completed. You can download it from ssa.gov before you go. Tell the staff member whether you want your card mailed to you or if you will pick it up in person. Mailed cards arrive in one to two weeks. In-person pickup is usually available within three to five business days.
Bring a list of your documents if you are unsure whether they will be accepted. The SSA website has a full list of acceptable documents by category, organized by state. Some states accept different documents than others — for example, some accept tribal IDs as proof of identity, others do not.
Requesting a card by mail
Download and print Form SS-5 from ssa.gov. Fill it out completely and sign it. Gather your original identity document and your original or certified copy of proof of citizenship or legal residency. Make photocopies of both sides of each document for your records.
Mail the completed form and copies of your documents to the address listed on the form. The address depends on your state. Do not mail originals — send certified copies or let the SSA make copies for you by mailing originals and requesting they be returned. Include a note asking for originals to be returned if you choose that route.
Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the SSA receives your envelope. Mail delivery adds time on both ends. Send your request by certified mail if you want proof of delivery. The SSA will mail your new card to the address you list on the form.
Applying online (where available)
Online requests are available in most states through ssa.gov/myaccount. You must be at least 18 years old, have a state-issued ID (driver's license or state ID card), and have a Social Security number already. You cannot use this method if you have never had a Social Security card or if you need to change your name on the card.
Create or log into your my Social Security account. Answer identity verification questions — the system will ask about your financial history, previous addresses, or other personal details to confirm you are who you say you are. If you fail verification, you will be told to apply in person or by mail instead.
Once verified, select "Replace your Social Security card" and confirm your mailing address. Your card will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You will receive a confirmation number; save it in case you need to check on your request status.
What to do if your documents are not accepted
If the SSA says your documents do not meet their requirements, ask which specific document is the problem. The rules are strict but not arbitrary — they are published on ssa.gov by state. A document that works in one state may not work in another.
If your birth certificate is not certified or is a photocopy, contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to three weeks by mail. Some states offer rush processing for an extra fee. If your passport or green card is expired, you can still use it as proof of identity or citizenship — the SSA accepts expired documents.
If you do not have any of the standard documents, the SSA has a list of secondary documents that can work in combination. For example, a school ID plus a utility bill in your name may substitute for a driver's license in some cases. Ask the staff member or call your local office to ask what combination they will accept.
Replacing a card that was lost, stolen, or damaged
The process is the same whether your card is lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not need to file a police report or report the loss to the SSA before applying for a replacement. Bring the same documents you would bring for any replacement card.
If your card was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at the same time. This is separate from replacing your card but worth doing in parallel. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
Replacing a card with a name change
If you have changed your name — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason — you will need to show proof of the name change along with your identity and citizenship documents. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate.
Bring the original or certified copy of the document that shows your name change, your current identity document (which should already show your new name), and your proof of citizenship or legal residency. The process is otherwise the same as a standard replacement. You cannot change your name on your Social Security card online; you must apply in person or by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
In-person pickup takes three to five business days. Mailed cards take one to two weeks if you pick them up at the office, or two to four weeks if you request mail delivery. Online requests take one to two weeks for mail delivery. Actual times vary by location and how busy your local office is.
Can I use a temporary card while I wait?
No. The SSA does not issue temporary cards. If you need proof of your Social Security number before your card arrives, you can print a benefit verification letter from your my Social Security account, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a letter to be mailed to you.
What if I never received my card in the mail?
Wait at least two weeks from the date you submitted your request. If it still has not arrived, visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. Have your confirmation number ready if you applied online. The SSA can check whether your card was mailed and resend it if needed.
Do I need an appointment to visit a Social Security office?
No. Most offices accept walk-ins. However, some offices in large cities may have long waits. You can call ahead to ask about wait times, or check ssa.gov/locator to find your nearest office and see if they offer online scheduling.
Can someone else pick up my card for me?
Yes, if you arrange in-person pickup. The person picking it up will need to show their own ID. You do not need to be present. If you request mail delivery instead, the card will be sent to the address you provide on the form.