Order online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office

You can get a replacement Social Security card three ways: online through the Social Security Administration's website (the fastest option), by mail using Form SS-5, or by visiting a Social Security office in person. Online ordering takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. In-person visits are fastest if you have all required documents, though you may wait for an appointment.

You'll need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency. A driver's license, passport, or state ID works for identity. For citizenship or residency, bring your birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. If you've changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

There is no fee to order a Social Security card. If you lost your card or need a replacement for any reason, the process is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Ordering online at ssa.gov is fastest (1 to 2 weeks) and requires no appointment, but you must be at least 18 and have a driver's license or state ID.
  • Mailing Form SS-5 to your local Social Security office takes 2 to 4 weeks and works if you don't have a driver's license or prefer not to order online.
  • Visiting a Social Security office in person requires an appointment and proof of identity and citizenship, but you can ask questions and confirm your documents are correct before submitting.
  • You need one document proving identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and one proving citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, or immigration papers).
  • Social Security cards are free; you should never pay anyone to order one for you.

Ordering online through the Social Security website

Go to ssa.gov and select "Order a Replacement Social Security Card Online." You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and have a valid driver's license or state ID issued by your state's motor vehicle department. You'll create a my Social Security account if you don't have one, then answer security questions to verify your identity.

The system will ask for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and the reason you need a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged). You'll upload a photo of your driver's license or state ID. The Social Security Administration will mail your card to the address on file with your state's motor vehicle department. If you've moved since your license was issued, update your address with your state's DMV first, or use mail or in-person ordering instead.

Online ordering is available 24/7 and you'll receive a confirmation number. Your card should arrive within 1 to 2 weeks. If it doesn't arrive within 4 weeks, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

Mailing Form SS-5 to your local office

Download Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov or pick one up at your local Social Security office. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and the reason you need a replacement. Sign and date the form.

Gather one document proving your identity (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID) and one proving citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, U.S. passport, or immigration documents). Make copies of both documents. 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.

Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and email address so the office can contact you if they have questions. Mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. Keep a copy of everything you send. If you don't hear back within 4 weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

Call 1-800-772-1213 or go to ssa.gov to schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but appointment wait times are usually shorter. Have your phone number and email ready when you call.

Bring your original identity document (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID) and your original citizenship or residency document (birth certificate, U.S. passport, or immigration papers). If you've changed your name, bring the original document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring your Social Security number if you know it, though the office can look it up if you don't.

The office will verify your documents, take your application, and usually issue your card on the spot or mail it within 1 to 2 weeks depending on your situation. Ask the staff to confirm all information is correct before you leave. There is no fee.

What documents prove identity

The Social Security Administration accepts these documents as proof of identity: a current driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or passport card. The document must show your name, date of birth, and a photo. It must not be expired (or can be expired no more than 5 years if you're over 65).

If you don't have any of these, you may be able to use a school ID, work ID, or tribal ID, but call your local office first to confirm. The office staff can tell you what they'll accept in your specific situation.

What documents prove citizenship or legal residency

For citizenship, bring your original U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization. For legal residency if you're not a citizen, bring your original Permanent Resident Card (green card), Employment Authorization Document, or visa with I-94 arrival/departure record.

If your birth certificate is a short form (wallet-sized), bring the long form instead — the short form doesn't contain enough information. If your documents are in another language, bring the original and an English translation certified by the translator or a court.

If your name has changed

If you've married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your current Social Security card was issued, bring proof of the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change will work. The Social Security Administration will issue a new card with your current legal name.

You don't need a new card just because your name changed — you can keep using your old card. But if you want a card with your current name, the process is the same as ordering a replacement, and there is no fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Social Security card?

Online ordering takes 1 to 2 weeks. Mailing Form SS-5 takes 2 to 4 weeks. In-person visits at a Social Security office can issue your card immediately or mail it within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your situation. If your card doesn't arrive within 4 weeks of ordering, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

Can I order a Social Security card if I don't have a driver's license?

Yes. You can mail Form SS-5 or visit a Social Security office in person. You'll need a different identity document (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof of citizenship or residency. Online ordering requires a driver's license or state ID, so that option won't work for you.

What if I lost my birth certificate and can't find it?

Contact your state's vital records office to order a replacement birth certificate — they usually charge a small fee and take 1 to 2 weeks. In the meantime, you may be able to use a passport or other citizenship document instead. Call your local Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213 to ask what they'll accept.

Do I need to bring my old Social Security card when I order a replacement?

No. You don't need your old card. If you have it, you can bring it, but it's not required. If your card was stolen, you don't need to report it to the Social Security Administration — just order a replacement.

Is there a fee to order a Social Security card?

No. Social Security cards are always free. If anyone asks you to pay for a Social Security card or offers to speed up the process for a fee, that is a scam. Order directly through ssa.gov, by mail, or at your local office.