How to get a replacement Social Security card
You can get a replacement card by visiting your local Social Security office in person, by mail, or through an online request if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is fastest — most offices issue a card the same day or within one to two weeks. By mail takes four to six weeks. Online requests are available only if you have a state-issued ID, are between 18 and 79, and have not had three or more cards issued in the past 12 months.
You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works for identity. For citizenship or residency, bring your birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. If you do not have these documents, Social Security can accept other forms of proof — the office will tell you what they can work with when you call or visit.
There is no fee for a replacement card. If you need the card urgently for employment or a time-sensitive reason, going in person is your fastest option.
Key Takeaways
- In-person visits to your local Social Security office usually result in a card within one to two weeks, sometimes the same day.
- You must bring proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents).
- Online requests are available only if you are between 18 and 79, have a state-issued ID, and have not had three or more cards issued in the past 12 months.
- Replacement cards are free; Social Security does not charge a fee for this service.
- Mail requests take longer than in-person visits but work if you cannot reach an office easily.
Getting a replacement card in person
Visit your local Social Security office without an appointment. You can find the office nearest you on the Social Security Administration website by entering your zip code. Bring your proof of identity and proof of citizenship or legal residency. The office staff will fill out the application form with you — you do not need to bring a completed form.
Processing time varies by office. Some offices issue the card the same day; others mail it within one to two weeks. Ask the staff when you arrive what the typical wait is for your location. If you need the card for a specific date — such as starting a job — tell the staff, and they may be able to prioritize your request.
Bring the original documents, not copies. Social Security staff need to see the actual documents to verify them. You will get your documents back after the office makes copies.
Requesting a replacement card by mail
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request an application form by mail. You can also download the form (Form SS-5) from the Social Security Administration website. Fill it out completely and mail it with copies of your proof of identity and proof of citizenship or legal residency.
Mail your completed form and documents to the address listed on the form — this varies by state. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date Social Security receives your application. Keep a record of when you mailed it so you can follow up if you do not receive the card within that timeframe.
Do not send original documents by mail. Make copies of everything and send only the copies. Keep the originals for your records.
Applying online for a replacement card
You can request a replacement card online through the Social Security Administration website if all of these conditions are true: you are between 18 and 79 years old, you have a current state-issued driver's license or ID card, you have a Social Security number already, and you have not had three or more Social Security cards issued in the past 12 months.
The online form takes about 15 minutes to complete. You will need your state ID number and other identifying information. After you submit the form, Social Security will mail the card to the address on file. This process takes the same four to six weeks as a mail request.
If you do not meet these conditions, you must apply in person or by mail.
What documents count as proof of identity
Social Security accepts a current, valid state-issued driver's license or ID card as the primary proof of identity. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID also works. If you do not have any of these, Social Security can accept other documents — such as a school ID, work ID, or medical records — but you may need to bring more than one document.
The document must show your name and a recent photograph or identifying information. Expired documents are generally not accepted unless they expired recently and you have a good reason for not renewing them — ask the office staff what they will accept in your situation.
What documents count as proof of citizenship or legal residency
A U.S. birth certificate is the most common proof of citizenship. A U.S. passport or passport card also works. If you were born outside the United States, bring your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or valid immigration documents showing your legal residency status.
If you do not have a birth certificate, Social Security can accept other documents such as a baptism record, hospital birth record, or adoption papers. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your green card, visa, employment authorization document, or other immigration paperwork that shows you are legally in the country.
Bring the original document. Social Security will copy it and return it to you.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card
The process for getting a replacement is the same whether your card is lost, stolen, or damaged. Bring the same proof of identity and citizenship or residency documents. If your card was stolen, you do not need to report it to Social Security first — just apply for a replacement.
If you are concerned about identity theft because your card was stolen, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This alerts lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can also check your credit report for unauthorized accounts at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official free credit report website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
In-person visits usually result in a card within one to two weeks, sometimes the same day depending on your local office. Mail and online requests take four to six weeks. Call your local Social Security office before visiting to ask about their typical processing time.
Can I get a replacement card if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. Social Security accepts other documents that show your citizenship or legal residency, such as a baptism record, hospital birth record, adoption papers, passport, or immigration documents. Bring whatever citizenship document you have, and the office staff will tell you if they need additional proof.
What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have a state ID?
You can still get a replacement by visiting your local Social Security office in person. Bring any document that shows your identity — a school ID, work ID, medical records, or other identifying documents — along with proof of citizenship or legal residency. The office staff will determine whether your documents are sufficient.
Do I need to report my card as stolen before requesting a replacement?
No. You can go directly to your local Social Security office or apply by mail without reporting it first. If you are worried about identity theft, contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert, and check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com for unauthorized accounts.
Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?
This depends on your local office. Some offices allow a family member or authorized representative to pick up the card if you provide written permission. Call your local Social Security office to ask about their policy before you apply.