Where to order and what you need to start

You can order a replacement Social Security card through the Social Security Administration (SSA) in three ways: online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail using Form SS-5, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest if you meet the requirements — you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, have a state-issued ID, and a valid email address. If you do not meet those conditions, mail or in-person ordering is your route.

Before you start, gather the documents that prove your identity and citizenship. The SSA accepts a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID as proof of identity. For citizenship, you will need your birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or consular report of birth. If you are ordering because your name changed — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the legal change.

There is no fee to order a Social Security card. The SSA will mail it to the address you provide, and delivery usually takes one to two weeks after approval.

Key Takeaways

  • Online ordering through ssa.gov/myaccount is the fastest method if you are a U.S. citizen over 18 with a state ID and email address.
  • You will need proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport) before you order.
  • If your name has changed, bring the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • The card arrives by mail in one to two weeks and costs nothing.
  • If you cannot order online, you can mail Form SS-5 to your regional SSA office or visit in person with your documents.

Ordering online through your Social Security account

Create or log into your account at ssa.gov/myaccount. Once you are logged in, select "Order a replacement Social Security card" from the menu. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history and personal records. This step usually takes a few minutes.

Next, you will enter the address where you want the card mailed. The SSA can only send it to an address on file with them or to the address shown on your state ID. If you need it sent somewhere else, you will have to use the mail or in-person method instead. After you submit your request, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Keep this number — you can use it to check the status of your order anytime by logging back into your account.

The online system tells you immediately whether your request was approved. Most orders are approved the same day. If the system cannot verify your identity through the security questions, you will be told to mail Form SS-5 or visit an office instead.

Mailing Form SS-5 to the SSA

Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request a copy by mail. Fill out the form completely — include your full name, date of birth, place of birth, Social Security number (if you have one), and the address where you want the card sent. Sign and date the form in front of a witness or notary public; the SSA requires a signature witnessed by someone other than a family member.

Make copies of your identity and citizenship documents. Do not send originals — the SSA will not return them. Include photocopies of your driver's license or state ID, your birth certificate or passport, and any document showing a name change if that applies. Put everything in an envelope and mail it to your regional Social Security office. You can find the correct address for your state on ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Processing by mail takes longer than online ordering — typically three to five weeks from the day the SSA receives your envelope. There is no tracking system for mailed requests, so keep a record of when you sent it. If you have not received your card after six weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation details.

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 for a replacement card, but many offices now use an online scheduling system. Check your local office's page to see whether walk-ins are accepted or whether you should schedule ahead.

Bring your original identity document (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your original citizenship document (birth certificate or passport). If your name has changed, bring the legal document showing the change. The staff member will review your documents, fill out the application with you, and submit it on the spot. You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number.

In-person processing is usually the fastest route after online ordering. Many offices issue a temporary card on the day you apply, and the permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If your office does not issue temporary cards, the permanent card will arrive on the same timeline as a mailed application.

What to do if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged

A lost or stolen card should be reported to the SSA as soon as you notice it is gone. Call 1-800-772-1213 or report it through your online account. The SSA does not charge a fee to replace a lost or stolen card, and there is no limit to how many times you can order a replacement. However, if you order more than three cards in a year or more than ten in a lifetime, the SSA may ask you to visit an office in person and provide additional documentation.

If your card is damaged — torn, faded, or the number is no longer readable — you can order a replacement the same way you would for a lost card. Bring the damaged card with you if you are visiting in person, or mention the damage when you apply online or by mail.

Name changes and special circumstances

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you must show the SSA the legal document proving the change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, annulment papers, or a court order. The SSA will update your name in their records and issue a new card with your current name.

If you are a noncitizen, you cannot order a card online. You will need to visit a Social Security office in person or mail Form SS-5. Bring your passport, visa, travel document, or other proof of your immigration status along with your identity document. The SSA issues cards to noncitizens who are authorized to work in the United States.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must apply on your behalf. They will need to provide proof of guardianship along with the child's birth certificate and their own identity document. The application can be done in person or by mail, but not online.

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

If you ordered online, log into your account at ssa.gov/myaccount to check the status anytime. The system shows whether your request is pending, approved, or in the mail. If you ordered by mail or in person, use your confirmation number to call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a status update.

If your card does not arrive within the expected timeframe — two weeks for online or in-person orders, five to six weeks for mail — call 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation number. The SSA can check whether the card was mailed and provide a new delivery estimate. In rare cases, a card is lost in the mail; if that happens, you can order another replacement at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security card the same day I apply?

Some Social Security offices issue a temporary card on the day you apply in person, but not all. Call your local office to ask whether they offer same-day temporary cards. The permanent card always arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, naturalization papers, or consular report of birth instead. If you do not have any of these, contact your state's vital records office to request a birth certificate before you apply for a Social Security card.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to apply for a replacement?

No. If your card is lost or stolen, you do not need to bring it. If your card is damaged and you still have it, bring it along, but it is not required.

How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?

There is no fee. The SSA does not charge for Social Security cards, whether you are ordering your first card or a replacement.

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

No. Social Security cards are mailed directly to the address you provide on your application. They are not held at the office for pickup. If you need the card sent to a different address, update your mailing address with the SSA before you apply.