You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office or applying by mail
The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards at no cost. You do not need to call ahead or make an appointment at most offices — you can walk in during business hours. If you prefer to stay home, you can mail your application with supporting documents, though this takes longer. Either way, you will need proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of your current legal name.
The entire process usually takes one to two weeks if you apply in person, or three to four weeks by mail. You cannot replace your card online, and no third-party website can do it for you — only the SSA handles this.
Key Takeaways
- Visit your local Social Security office in person with your documents, or mail Form SS-5 with copies of your identity, citizenship, and name proof to the address on the form.
- You must bring or send original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work for most documents.
- If your name has changed, you need a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Replacement cards are free; if someone offers to charge you for this service, they are running a scam.
What documents you need to bring or mail
The SSA requires three types of proof. For identity, bring your driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID — originals only, not copies. If you do not have a photo ID, you can use a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a bank statement or utility bill with your name and address.
For citizenship, bring your original birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or Certificate of Naturalization. Certified copies work; photocopies do not.
For proof of your current legal name, bring your original birth certificate if your name has never changed. If you married, divorced, or legally changed your name, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Again, originals or certified copies only.
If you cannot locate an original document, you can ask the issuing agency (your state's vital records office, for example) for a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks.
Applying in person at a Social Security office
Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. Walk in during business hours with your documents. You do not need an appointment, though some offices have moved to appointment-only service — the locator will tell you which applies to your office.
Bring originals or certified copies of all three types of documents listed above. The staff will review them, take your photo, and fill out the application for you. You will sign the form in front of the employee. If everything is in order, you will receive a receipt with a tracking number.
Your new card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The SSA will mail it to the address you provide at the office. If you need the card sooner, ask the staff whether expedited service is available in your area — some offices offer it, but it is not standard everywhere.
Applying by mail with Form SS-5
Download or request Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to have the form mailed to you. Fill it out completely, sign it, and gather copies of your documents.
Make photocopies of your identity document, citizenship document, and name-change document if applicable. The SSA will accept copies by mail, though originals are preferred. If you send copies, they must be clear and legible.
Mail the completed form and copies to the address printed on the form itself — it varies by state. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, phone number, and a brief note explaining why you need a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged). Keep a copy of everything you send.
Processing takes three to four weeks from the date the SSA receives your mail. There is no way to track your application by mail, so do not expect updates. If you do not receive your card within four weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 with your Social Security number and the date you mailed the form.
What to do if your card was stolen
If your card was stolen as part of identity theft, contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov to file a report. This creates an official record and gives you steps to protect yourself. You do not have to do this to get a replacement card, but it helps if fraudulent accounts appear in your name later.
When you apply for your replacement card, tell the SSA staff or note on your Form SS-5 that the card was stolen. This flags your account. You can also place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them — they will notify the others. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.
Getting a replacement card does not change your Social Security number. Your number stays the same; only the card is replaced. If you suspect someone is using your number fraudulently, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to report it.
If you have changed your name
You must bring or send the document that shows your name change. For marriage, send a certified copy of your marriage certificate. For divorce, send a certified copy of your divorce decree. For a legal name change through the court, send a certified copy of the court order.
The SSA will not issue a new card with your new name unless you provide this document. If you are in the process of changing your name but do not yet have the final paperwork, wait until the document is issued before applying for your replacement card.
Your Social Security number does not change when you change your name — only the name printed on your card changes. You will receive a new card with your new name and the same number.
Common reasons your application might be delayed or denied
The most common reason for delay is missing or unclear documents. If your photocopy is blurry, the SSA may contact you to request an original or a clearer copy. If you are applying by mail and your documents are unclear, this can add one to two weeks to processing.
If your documents do not match — for example, your birth certificate shows a different name than your driver's license, and you have not provided a name-change document — the SSA will ask you to clarify. Bring or send the missing document to resolve it.
If you are applying in person and your documents are not acceptable (for example, a photocopy when an original is required), the staff will tell you on the spot what you need to bring back. You can then return with the correct documents.
The SSA does not deny replacement cards for most people. If your application is denied, the SSA will send you a letter explaining why and what to do next. Call 1-800-772-1213 if you receive a denial and do not understand the reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my card if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. You can use a passport, naturalization papers, or a combination of documents like a driver's license plus a bank statement. Call your local Social Security office or 1-800-772-1213 to ask which documents they will accept in your situation.
How much does a replacement card cost?
Replacement cards are free. The SSA does not charge for them. If anyone asks you to pay for a replacement card, that is a scam.
Can I get a replacement card the same day?
No. Even when you apply in person, the card is mailed to you and arrives within one to two weeks. Some offices may offer expedited service, but this is not standard. Ask your local office whether it is available.
What if I lost my Social Security number and my card?
Your Social Security number does not change. When you replace your card, it will have the same number printed on it. You do not need to request a new number.
Can I replace my card if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You must be a U.S. citizen or have a valid work visa to hold a Social Security card. Bring proof of your immigration status along with your other documents. Call 1-800-772-1213 if you are unsure whether your visa qualifies.