How to order a replacement Social Security card

You can get a copy of your Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office in person, by mail, or online through the Social Security Administration's website. The fastest route is usually online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you have already set up a my Social Security account — you can request a replacement card and it will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not have an online account or prefer to apply in person, you can walk into any Social Security office with the required documents and receive a card within 2 to 4 weeks.

There is no charge for a replacement card. You are limited to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime, though most people never reach these limits. If you have lost or damaged your card, or if your name has changed, you can request a new one through any of these three methods.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through ssa.gov/myaccount is fastest if you have a my Social Security account, with cards arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
  • In-person applications at your local Social Security office take 2 to 4 weeks but require you to bring original documents proving your identity and citizenship.
  • Mail applications require the same documents as in-person visits and take 2 to 4 weeks, plus time for mailing.
  • Replacement cards are free, and you can request up to three per year without special permission.
  • If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must provide a document proving the change along with your identity documents.

What documents you need to bring

The Social Security Administration requires proof of your identity and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. For identity, you can use a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that together establish your identity — such as a birth certificate plus a utility bill, or a school ID plus a bank statement.

For citizenship or residency status, bring your original birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or permanent resident card (green card). If you are applying by mail, you must send originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. The Social Security Administration will return your documents to you, but the process takes longer because of the mailing time.

If your name has changed, bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. This document must be an original or certified copy.

Applying online through my Social Security

To use the online method, you must first create or log into a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need a valid email address and a phone number. The Social Security Administration will verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history and past addresses — this takes a few minutes and happens immediately.

Once your account is verified, you can request a replacement card directly from the dashboard. You will choose whether you want the card mailed to your current address on file or to a different address. The card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. This method works only if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and your name has not changed since your last card was issued.

If your name has changed or you are not yet in the Social Security Administration's records, you cannot use the online method and must apply in person or by mail instead.

Applying in person at a Social Security office

Find your nearest Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment — you can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary. Bring your original identity document, original citizenship or residency document, and (if your name has changed) the document proving the change. The staff will review your documents, take your photo, and process your application on the spot.

Your new card will be mailed to you within 2 to 4 weeks. The Social Security Administration will return your original documents to you before you leave the office. If you need the card urgently, ask the staff whether they can expedite the application — some offices can do this in certain situations, though there is no may provide.

Applying by mail

You can request a replacement card by mail if you prefer not to visit an office. Download the Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) from ssa.gov/forms, fill it out completely, and mail it along with copies of your identity document, citizenship or residency document, and (if applicable) your name-change document to your local Social Security office. You can find the mailing address for your office on the same website.

Send certified copies or originals — photocopies are not accepted. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, phone number, and email address so the office can contact you if they have questions. Mail your application using a method that provides tracking, such as certified mail, so you can confirm it arrived. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks after the office receives your application, plus mailing time in both directions.

What to do if you need the card urgently

If you need proof of your Social Security number before your replacement card arrives, you can print a Social Security Number Verification Letter from your my Social Security account. This letter shows your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and the date it was issued. Many employers and financial institutions will accept this letter as proof of your number while you wait for the physical card.

If you do not have a my Social Security account and cannot wait for a card to arrive by mail, visit your local Social Security office in person. Staff can sometimes issue a temporary document or expedite processing in limited situations — call ahead to ask whether your office offers this option.

Replacing a card when your name has changed

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name, you must provide a document proving the change when you request a new card. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order of name change, or adoption papers. You cannot use the online method if your name has changed — you must apply in person or by mail.

Bring or mail your name-change document along with your identity and citizenship documents. The Social Security Administration will issue a new card with your current legal name. If you have changed your name multiple times, bring documents for each change in order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Online requests take 7 to 10 business days. In-person and mail applications take 2 to 4 weeks after the office processes them, plus mailing time if you applied by mail. Mailing time adds another week or two in each direction.

Can I get a replacement card if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. You can bring two documents that together prove your identity, such as a school ID and a utility bill. For citizenship proof, you can use a U.S. passport, permanent resident card, naturalization certificate, or other documents the Social Security Administration accepts. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask which documents your office will accept.

What if my Social Security card was stolen?

Request a replacement card through any of the three methods. You do not need to report the theft to the Social Security Administration itself, but you may want to monitor your credit report for fraud. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once per year at annualcreditreport.com.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. The Social Security Administration will not release your card to anyone but you. If you cannot pick it up in person, it will be mailed to your address on file. If you need it mailed somewhere else, you can request a different mailing address when you apply.

Do I need a new card if my address changed?

No. Your Social Security card does not show your address, so you do not need a new one if you move. You should update your address with the Social Security Administration through your my Social Security account or by visiting an office, but this does not require a new card.