You can get a replacement Social Security card by mail, online, or in person at your local Social Security office
The fastest route depends on where you live and whether you have the documents ready. Online replacement is available in most states and takes about 1 to 2 weeks. In-person visits at a Social Security office are also quick but require you to take time off work. Mail-in requests take 2 to 4 weeks and work everywhere, but you have to send original documents.
You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency. The Social Security Administration accepts a limited list of documents — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card work for identity, and a birth certificate or passport works for citizenship. If you do not have these, you can bring other documents, but the process takes longer.
Key Takeaways
- Online replacement is the fastest option in most states and requires only a valid state ID or driver's license plus a Social Security number.
- You will need to prove both identity and citizenship or legal residency with documents like a birth certificate, passport, or state ID.
- In-person visits at a Social Security office usually take 10 to 15 minutes and you can walk out with a temporary card the same day.
- Mail-in requests require you to send original documents and take 2 to 4 weeks, but work in every state.
- You cannot get a replacement card if you have already received three cards in a year or ten cards in your lifetime without written permission from Social Security.
Replacing your card online
Online replacement is open to people age 18 and older in most states. You go to ssa.gov/myaccount, create or sign into your my Social Security account, and request a replacement card. The system asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, and contact information. You will need a valid state-issued ID or driver's license that you can photograph or scan.
The Social Security Administration verifies your identity through a third-party service and sends your card by mail. The whole process takes about 1 to 2 weeks from approval. You do not need to send any documents by mail, and you do not have to visit an office. This is the easiest route if you have a current ID and live in a state where online replacement is open.
Check ssa.gov to see whether your state offers online replacement. A few states do not yet, and if yours is one of them, you will need to use mail or in-person options instead.
Applying in person at a Social Security office
Walk into your local Social Security office with proof of identity and citizenship. Bring your driver's license or state ID for identity, and your birth certificate or passport for citizenship. You do not need an appointment in most offices, though some now ask you to book one online or by phone first. Call 1-800-772-1213 to find your nearest office and ask whether they require appointments.
The visit usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) at the office, show your documents, and they process your request on the spot. You will receive a temporary card that day and the permanent card by mail within 1 to 2 weeks. This is the fastest way to get something in your hands immediately, though it requires you to be present during office hours.
Bring originals of your documents, not copies. The office will not accept photocopies for identity or citizenship proof.
Requesting a card by mail
Fill out Form SS-5 and mail it to your local Social Security office along with copies of your identity and citizenship documents. You can download the form from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request one by mail. Make photocopies of your driver's license or state ID, birth certificate, and any other proof documents you are sending.
Do not send original documents. Social Security will not return them, and you may need them for other purposes. Photocopy both sides of your ID and any multi-page documents. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and phone number so they can contact you if there are questions.
Mail everything to the Social Security office that serves your area. You can find the address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date they receive your request. Your card will arrive by mail at the address you provided on the form.
What documents prove identity and citizenship
| Document Type | Accepted For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's license or state ID | Identity | Must be current and state-issued. Expired IDs are not accepted. |
| U.S. passport | Identity and citizenship | Counts for both requirements. Expired passports are accepted. |
| Birth certificate | Citizenship | Must show your name and date of birth. Certified copies are preferred. |
| Certificate of naturalization | Citizenship | For people who became U.S. citizens through naturalization. |
| Permanent resident card (green card) | Legal residency | Counts as proof of residency for non-citizens. |
| Employment authorization document (EAD) | Legal residency | For people authorized to work but not yet permanent residents. |
The Social Security Administration has a strict list of documents it accepts. If you do not have a driver's license, state ID, or passport, you can bring other documents like a school ID, employee ID, or insurance card, but Social Security will ask for additional proof. The process takes longer when you use non-standard documents.
If you were born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate, a passport works for both identity and citizenship. If you have neither, bring a certificate of naturalization or permanent resident card along with another form of ID.
Limits on how many cards you can get
Social Security limits replacement cards to three per year and ten in your lifetime. These limits exist to prevent fraud. If you have already received three cards this year, you cannot get another one until the next calendar year. If you have received ten cards total in your lifetime, you need written permission from Social Security to get another.
Most people never hit these limits. They apply only if you have lost or damaged your card multiple times. If you have reached the limit, call 1-800-772-1213 and explain your situation. Social Security can grant an exception if you have a legitimate reason, such as repeated theft or a documented medical condition that causes you to lose documents.
What to do if you need your card urgently
If you need proof of your Social Security number before your card arrives, you can print a replacement Social Security number verification letter from your my Social Security account. This letter shows your name, date of birth, and Social Security number and is accepted by most employers and financial institutions as proof. You can download and print it immediately without waiting for the card.
If you do not have a my Social Security account, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to mail you a verification letter. This takes 5 to 7 business days. For most purposes — opening a bank account, starting a job, or filing taxes — the verification letter works just as well as the physical card while you wait for it to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement card if I have changed my name?
Yes, but you need to bring proof of the name change along with your identity and citizenship documents. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change all work. You will fill out Form SS-5 and list your new name. The card will be issued in your new legal name.
What if I lost my birth certificate and do not have a passport?
You can order a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes 1 to 3 weeks. In the meantime, you can use your passport, naturalization certificate, or green card if you have one. If you have none of these, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask what other documents they will accept.
Do I need to bring my old Social Security card to get a replacement?
No. You do not need the old card. You only need proof of identity and citizenship. If your old card was lost or stolen, you do not have to report it to Social Security — just request a replacement with a new number if you are concerned about fraud.
How long does it take to get a card if I apply in person?
You receive a temporary card the same day you visit the office. The permanent card arrives by mail within 1 to 2 weeks. The temporary card has the same number as your permanent card and works for most purposes while you wait.
Can someone else pick up my card for me?
No. Social Security will only give the card to the person whose name is on it. If you cannot pick it up in person, you must have it mailed to your address. You cannot authorize someone else to collect it on your behalf.