How to Replace or Get a New Social Security Card

Where to start: the Social Security Administration office or online

You can request a new Social Security card in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online through the Social Security Administration's website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is fastest if you have a state ID or driver's license issued after 2011, are between 18 and 79, and have never had your card replaced before. If you do not meet those requirements, you will need to visit an office or mail your documents in.

The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee for a replacement card. You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency, and you may need to show proof of your current name if it has changed since your last card was issued.

Key Takeaways

• You can request a replacement card online if you have a state ID or driver's license from 2011 or later, are between 18 and 79, and have never replaced your card before.
• In-person replacement at a Social Security office requires proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current name if it has changed.
• Mail-in requests take longer but work if you cannot visit an office; you will need to send original documents or certified copies.
• Processing time varies: online requests typically take 1 to 2 weeks, in-person requests 1 to 2 weeks, and mail requests 2 to 4 weeks.
• You can check the status of your request online using your Social Security number and date of birth once you have submitted it.

What documents you need to bring or send

The Social Security Administration requires proof of three things: your identity, your citizenship or legal residency status, and your current name if it differs from the name on your birth certificate or previous card.

For identity, bring an original or certified copy of one of these: a state or federal ID, a driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or a school or work ID with a photo. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing a name change.

For citizenship or legal residency, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa. If you were born outside the United States, you will need a passport or birth certificate issued by the country where you were born.

If your name has changed since your last card, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. The Social Security Administration will accept original documents or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.

Applying online through ssa.gov

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Get a Replacement Social Security Card" option. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a state ID or driver's license issued after 2011. The system will verify your identity by checking your information against state records.

The online form takes about 10 minutes to complete. You will be asked to confirm your current address, your name, and whether your name has changed. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. The Social Security Administration will mail your new card to the address you provided; it typically arrives within 1 to 2 weeks.

If the online system cannot verify your identity, you will be told to visit an office or mail your documents instead. This happens most often if your state ID or driver's license is older than 2011 or if your information does not match state records.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online scheduling system. Check your local office's page to see if you should schedule ahead.

Bring your original documents or certified copies. The staff member will review them, take your photo if you do not have one on file, and process your request on the spot. You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number. Your new card will be mailed to you within 1 to 2 weeks.

Bring only the documents you need; do not bring extra originals. If you bring originals, the Social Security Administration will return them to you before you leave. Processing times at offices vary by location and how busy they are; some offices process requests the same day, while others may take a few days.

Requesting a card by mail

Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request one by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Attach certified copies of your identity document, citizenship or residency document, and any name-change document if needed.

Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the form. Do not send original documents; send only certified copies. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and phone number so the Social Security Administration can contact you if there are questions.

Mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks to process. You will receive your new card by mail at the address you provided on the form. If you do not receive it within 4 weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

What to do if your name has changed

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name, you will need to show the document that proves the change. The Social Security Administration will update your name in their records and issue a new card with your current name.

Bring or send the original or certified copy of the document: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. If you are applying online, you will be asked whether your name has changed; if it has, you will be directed to visit an office or mail your documents instead.

The Social Security Administration will not issue a new card with a different name unless you provide the legal document that shows the change. If you have changed your name but do not have the document with you, you can obtain a certified copy from the court or vital records office in the state or country where the change was recorded.

Checking the status of your request

If you submitted your request online, you will receive a confirmation number. You can use that number to check the status at ssa.gov. You will need your Social Security number and date of birth.

If you visited an office or mailed your request, you will receive a receipt with a confirmation number. Call 1-800-772-1213 and provide that number to check on your card. Processing times vary, but most cards arrive within 1 to 2 weeks of approval.

If your card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Social Security Administration by phone or visit your local office. Bring your confirmation number so they can look up your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security card if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have legal residency status. You will need to show your permanent resident card, employment authorization document, visa, or other proof of legal status. The Social Security Administration issues cards to people with work authorization, temporary protected status, and other legal residency categories.

What if I lost my Social Security card and need it right away?

Visit your local Social Security office in person; they can often process your request the same day and give you a receipt you can use as proof of your number while you wait for the card to arrive by mail. Call ahead to confirm your office can do same-day processing.

Do I need a new card if I changed my name but my old card still works?

You do not have to, but it is recommended. A card with your old name may cause confusion with employers, banks, and government agencies. You can request a new card with your current name at any time; there is no fee.

Can someone else pick up my Social Security card for me?

No. The Social Security Administration mails cards directly to the address you provide. If you need someone else to handle your request, you can authorize them by completing Form SSA-3288 and submitting it with your application.

What if the Social Security Administration says my documents are not acceptable?

Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask which documents they will accept. Some documents must be originals or certified copies; photocopies do not work. If your document is expired or damaged, you may need to obtain a new one from the issuing agency before you can proceed.