Order online through Social Security's website or by mail

You can request a replacement Social Security card without visiting an office. The fastest route is my Social Security, the Social Security Administration's online portal. You create an account, verify your identity through a series of questions, and submit your request. The card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a completed Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) to your local Social Security office. Mail requests take 2 to 3 weeks. You will need to include proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your current address — originals or certified copies.

A third option is to visit a Social Security office in person. You bring the same documents, complete the form on site, and receive a receipt. The card still arrives by mail, but you have immediate confirmation that your request was filed correctly.

Key Takeaways

  • The online portal my Social Security is the fastest method and requires no documents to be mailed or carried to an office.
  • You need proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one using your Social Security number, email address, and answers to identity verification questions.
  • Replacement cards cost nothing; Social Security does not charge a fee for ordering a new card.
  • You can order up to three replacement cards in a year and up to ten in a lifetime, though Social Security may ask questions if you request more than that.

Creating and using a my Social Security account

To order online, you first need a my Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will enter your Social Security number, email address, and date of birth. Social Security then asks you a series of identity verification questions — usually about your credit history, past addresses, or previous loans. These questions are designed so only you can answer them correctly.

Once your account is verified, you can log in and select "Replacement Social Security Card" from the menu. The form asks for your current name, address, and reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or name change). You review your information, submit, and receive a confirmation number. Write down this number or take a screenshot — you will need it to check the status of your card.

After you submit, you can check the status of your card anytime by logging back into my Social Security. The system tells you whether your request is being processed, approved, or in the mail. You do not need to call or visit an office to check on it.

Mailing in Form SS-5 and required documents

If you use the mail route, download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or request one by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Fill out the form completely — include your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and current address. Sign and date the form; an unsigned form will be returned.

You must include three types of documents: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your current address. Proof of citizenship means an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. Proof of identity can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or employee ID. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 12 months.

Do not send original documents unless they are certified copies. Social Security will not return originals. Mail the completed form and copies to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code, or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the correct address for your area.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

Walk-in service is available at most Social Security offices, though wait times vary. Some offices accept appointments through the online system at ssa.gov/appts. If you prefer not to wait, scheduling an appointment usually reduces your time in the office to 15 to 30 minutes.

Bring the same documents you would mail: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your current address. Bring originals if you have them — Social Security staff can verify them on the spot and you leave with a receipt. If you bring copies, they should be certified copies. You will also fill out Form SS-5 at the office if you have not already.

The staff member will review your documents, answer any questions, and submit your request. You receive a receipt with a confirmation number and an estimate of when your card will arrive. Keep the receipt in case you need to check on your card's status later.

What to do if you do not have required documents

If you lack one of the three required document types, Social Security has a process for that. You can submit a letter from a government agency, employer, school, or medical provider that confirms your identity or address. The letter must be on official letterhead, signed by an authorized person, and dated within the last 12 months.

If you do not have proof of citizenship and cannot obtain your birth certificate, you can submit a combination of other documents — for example, a passport, naturalization papers, or a state ID issued after a citizenship check. Call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your specific situation; the staff can tell you which documents Social Security will accept in your case.

Do not delay your request waiting for a perfect document. Social Security is often flexible about what counts as proof, especially if you explain why you cannot obtain the standard document. The worst outcome is that they ask you to provide something else — they will not deny your request outright without giving you a chance to submit an alternative.

Tracking your card and what to do if it does not arrive

After you submit your request, check the status through my Social Security if you ordered online, or use your confirmation number if you mailed the form or visited an office. The system updates every few days and tells you whether your card is being processed, approved, or mailed.

Cards typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days for online orders and 2 to 3 weeks for mail orders. If your card does not arrive within that timeframe, log into my Social Security or call 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation number. Social Security can tell you whether the card was mailed and, if so, can file a claim if it was lost in the mail. They can then issue a replacement at no cost.

If your card arrives damaged or with an error on it, you can order another replacement immediately. There is no waiting period between replacements, and Social Security will correct the error at no charge.

Name changes and special circumstances

If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you still use the same process — online, by mail, or in person. When you fill out the form, select "Name change" as your reason. You will need to provide proof of the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This document counts as part of your citizenship or identity proof.

If you are a non-citizen with a work visa or temporary status, you can still order a replacement card. You will need your passport and visa or work authorization document as proof of identity. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access, call 1-800-772-1213 before submitting your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a replacement card if I do not have a driver's license or passport?

Yes. You can use a state ID card, employee ID, school ID, or a letter from a government agency or employer on official letterhead that confirms your identity. Social Security accepts multiple forms of identity proof — you do not need a driver's license specifically.

How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?

There is no fee. Social Security does not charge for replacement cards, regardless of whether you order online, by mail, or in person. If someone tells you there is a cost, they are not representing Social Security.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not remember my number?

You can still order a replacement. When you create a my Social Security account or fill out Form SS-5, you will need your number — but if you truly cannot remember it, call 1-800-772-1213. Social Security can look up your number using your name, date of birth, and other identifying information, then help you proceed with your order.

Can someone else order a replacement card for me?

Not through the online system — only you can log into my Social Security. However, someone else can mail Form SS-5 on your behalf or accompany you to an office if you are unable to go alone. They will need to bring the same documents you would bring, plus a signed statement from you authorizing them to act on your behalf.

How long does a replacement card take if I am in a hurry?

Online orders arrive in 7 to 10 business days, which is the fastest option. There is no expedited or overnight service. If you need proof that you have ordered a card before it arrives, your confirmation number serves as temporary proof for most employers and financial institutions.