What you need to bring and where to go

You apply for a Social Security card at your local Social Security office, not online. You will need to bring proof of age, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of identity. The Social Security Administration (SSA) accepts a birth certificate, passport, or state-issued ID as proof of age. For citizenship, bring your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. For identity, bring a driver's license, passport, or state ID.

Find your nearest Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov or calling 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment for a replacement card, but if you are applying for your first card or need a name change, calling ahead can save you a wait. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

Key Takeaways

  • You must apply in person at a Social Security office with original documents proving your age, citizenship, and identity.
  • First-time applicants and those changing their name should call ahead; replacement cards can usually be obtained without an appointment.
  • The SSA will not accept photocopies, notarized copies, or documents sent by mail — you must bring originals or certified copies.
  • A replacement card typically arrives within 1 to 2 weeks; a first-time card may take longer if the SSA needs to verify your documents.
  • You can check your application status by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office after 10 business days.

Documents you must bring

The SSA has specific rules about which documents count as proof. For age, they accept a birth certificate (original or certified copy), passport, or state-issued ID. For citizenship, a U.S. birth certificate, passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship works. If you are not a citizen, bring your immigration documents — a green card, work permit, or visa.

For identity, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. If you do not have a photo ID, the SSA will accept a school ID, employee ID, or medical record. The key is that the document must show your name and either a photo or identifying information that matches you.

If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original plus an English translation certified by the translator. The SSA does not translate documents for you.

What happens at the Social Security office

When you arrive, you will fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card). The SSA provides this form at the office, or you can download it from ssa.gov before you go. You will answer questions about your name, date of birth, citizenship status, and why you are applying (first card, replacement, or name change).

A Social Security representative will review your documents, check them against government records, and ask you to sign the form. They will take your documents and give you a receipt. Do not expect to walk out with a card — the SSA mails cards to your address on file, usually within 1 to 2 weeks for replacements. First-time applicants may wait longer if the SSA needs to verify your citizenship or age with other agencies.

Timeline and what to expect after you apply

A replacement Social Security card normally arrives within 1 to 2 weeks. A first-time card can take 2 to 4 weeks because the SSA verifies your information with the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, or vital records offices. If the SSA cannot verify your documents, they will mail you a letter asking for more information.

You can check your application status after 10 business days by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office. Have your receipt number ready. If your card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call the same number to ask whether your application is delayed.

Applying for your first card as an adult

If you are an adult applying for your first Social Security card, the process is the same, but verification takes longer. The SSA will confirm your citizenship or immigration status with federal agencies, which can add 2 to 4 weeks to the timeline. Bring all original documents — do not assume the SSA will accept copies even if they are notarized.

If you are a non-citizen, bring your immigration documents and be prepared to answer questions about your status. The SSA issues cards to lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain visa holders. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access, call 1-800-772-1213 before you go to the office.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Social Security office. You do not need to report the loss to the SSA first, though you may want to monitor your credit if the card was stolen. Bring the same documents as you would for any application: proof of age, citizenship, and identity.

You are allowed up to three replacement cards in a year and ten in a lifetime. If you exceed these limits, the SSA will ask why you need another replacement and may require additional documentation. Most people never hit these limits.

Name changes and corrections

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your original Social Security card, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of identity. The SSA will issue a new card with your updated name at no cost.

If your card has an error — a misspelled name or wrong date of birth — bring the card itself, proof of the correct information, and proof of identity. The SSA corrects errors for free and issues a new card. Call ahead if you are correcting an error, because the office may need to contact other agencies to verify the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a Social Security card by mail?

No. You must apply in person at a Social Security office. The SSA does not accept mail-in applications for new cards or replacements. You can download Form SS-5 ahead of time to speed up the process, but you must complete it at the office.

How much does a Social Security card cost?

There is no fee. Social Security cards are free. If someone charges you money to apply for a card, they are scamming you. The only official way to apply is at a Social Security office.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy. You can usually order one online or by mail. If you cannot get a birth certificate, bring other proof of age such as a passport, school record, or medical record. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what documents the SSA will accept in your situation.

Do I need an appointment?

Not for a replacement card. Walk-ins are usually accepted, though wait times vary by office. If you are applying for your first card or changing your name, calling ahead is recommended because the SSA may need to schedule extra time to verify your documents.

What if my documents are from another country?

Bring the original document plus an English translation certified by a professional translator. The SSA does not translate documents. If your passport is from another country, it still counts as proof of identity and age, as long as it is valid.