You can replace your Social Security card by mail, in person, or online depending on your state
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will replace your card for free if it's lost, stolen, or damaged. You don't need to visit an office — most states now let you request a replacement online through ssa.gov/myaccount, and the card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If your state doesn't offer online replacement yet, you can mail in an application or go to your local Social Security office in person.
You'll need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency status. The documents you bring depend on which method you choose, but a driver's license or passport usually works for identity, and a birth certificate or naturalization papers work for citizenship. You can only get one replacement card every 12 months, and no more than three in a lifetime, unless the SSA determines there's a good reason for more.
Key Takeaways
- Online replacement through ssa.gov/myaccount is the fastest option in most states and takes 7 to 10 business days with no documents to mail.
- You must prove your identity with a government-issued ID and prove citizenship or legal residency with a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers.
- If you can't go online, you can mail Form SS-5 to your local Social Security office or visit in person with original documents.
- The SSA limits you to one replacement card per 12 months and three in your lifetime unless there's an exceptional reason.
- Replacement is free; if someone charges you a fee, they are not working for the SSA.
Replacing your card online
Start at ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in or create an account. You'll need an email address, a Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity — usually a driver's license or state ID number. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering questions based on your credit history or by uploading a photo of your ID.
Once you're verified, you can request a replacement card without uploading any documents. The SSA mails the card to the address on file with them, so make sure your address is current. If it's not, update it before you request the card. You'll get a confirmation number and can check the status of your order by logging back into your account.
Not all states offer online replacement yet. If your state doesn't, the website will tell you and direct you to mail in an application or visit an office instead.
Mailing in an application
Download or request Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Fill it out completely, including your full name, date of birth, and current address. Sign and date the form.
Gather original documents or certified copies: one for identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and one for citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card). You don't mail the originals — instead, take them to a notary public or to your local Social Security office, where staff will copy them and certify the copies. Some libraries and banks offer notary services for free or a small fee.
Mail the completed form and certified copies to the Social Security office that serves your area. Find the address on ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. Mail takes longer than online or in-person — expect 2 to 3 weeks for processing plus mailing time.
Visiting a Social Security office in person
Bring your completed Form SS-5 and original documents proving identity and citizenship or legal residency. You don't need an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead to check current wait times is a good idea. Call 1-800-772-1213 to find your local office and its hours.
Staff will review your documents on the spot, make copies if needed, and submit your application. You'll get a receipt with a confirmation number. The card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. This method is fastest if you need the card quickly and have all your documents ready.
What documents you need
You must bring one document for identity and one for citizenship or legal residency. The SSA accepts a limited list of documents for each category — not every form of ID works.
| For Identity | For Citizenship or Legal Residency |
|---|---|
| Driver's license or state ID | Birth certificate (certified copy) |
| U.S. passport | U.S. passport |
| Passport card | Naturalization certificate |
| Military ID | Permanent resident card (green card) |
| Employee ID | Employment authorization document (EAD) |
| School ID | Visa and I-94 (for temporary residents) |
Documents must be originals or certified copies. A photocopy you made yourself won't work. If you're applying by mail, you'll need certified copies — a notary public or Social Security office staff can certify them. If you're applying in person or online, you may only need to show the originals and let the SSA copy them.
If you don't have the documents listed, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask what the SSA will accept in your situation. They can sometimes work with alternatives.
If your card was stolen or used fraudulently
Replacing the card itself is the first step, but it's not the only one. If someone has used your Social Security number to open accounts or commit fraud, you need to report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC will create a report and give you a recovery plan.
You should also check your credit report for accounts you didn't open. Get free reports from all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see fraudulent accounts, dispute them with the credit bureau and the company that opened the account.
Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. A credit freeze blocks access to your credit report entirely. Both are free and can be set up through the credit bureaus.
Replacing a card for a child or dependent
A parent or legal guardian can request a replacement card for a minor. You'll need to prove your relationship to the child (birth certificate, adoption papers, or court order) and provide the child's birth certificate and your ID. If the child is old enough to sign their name, they should sign the application.
You can apply online if your state offers it and you have an SSA account. Otherwise, mail Form SS-5 or visit an office in person. The process is the same as for an adult, and the card is mailed to your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
Online replacement takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person applications also take 7 to 10 business days for mailing. Mail-in applications take 2 to 3 weeks for processing plus mailing time. These are estimates; actual times vary by location and current volume.
Can I get a replacement card if I owe child support or have unpaid taxes?
No. The SSA will deny your application if you owe child support or have an unpaid tax debt. You'll need to resolve those issues first. Contact your state's child support agency or the IRS to set up a payment plan.
What if I lost my card and don't have my birth certificate?
You can order a birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks and costs $10 to $30. Once you have it, you can apply for your replacement card. In the meantime, you can use other documents like a passport or naturalization certificate if you have them.
Do I need to replace my card if it's just worn or faded?
Yes, if the number is hard to read or the card is damaged, you can request a replacement. The process is the same as for a lost card. A worn card can cause problems when you need to verify your identity or prove your work authorization.
Is there a fee to replace my Social Security card?
No. The SSA never charges for a replacement card. If someone asks you to pay, they are not working for the SSA. Be cautious of third-party websites or services that claim to speed up the process for a fee — they cannot.