You can request a replacement Social Security card online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office

The fastest way is online through ssa.gov/myaccount if you have a Social Security number already and can verify your identity. You'll answer security questions and upload a photo of your ID. Processing takes about two weeks. If you can't use the online tool, you can mail Form SS-5 to your regional Social Security office, which takes three to five weeks. In-person visits at your local office are also available but require an appointment — call 1-800-772-1213 to book one.

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, bring your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. If you're not a U.S. citizen, bring your green card or work visa. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone won't work.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method at ssa.gov/myaccount is fastest (about two weeks) and requires only your Social Security number and a photo ID you can upload.
  • Mailing Form SS-5 takes three to five weeks and works if you don't have online access or can't verify your identity digitally.
  • In-person visits require an appointment by phone at 1-800-772-1213 and are useful if you need the card urgently or have documents that won't scan.
  • You must bring original or certified copies of identity and citizenship documents — photocopies are not accepted.
  • There is no charge for a replacement card, but you may pay a small fee if you request expedited processing in person.

Requesting online through your Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you don't have an account, create one using your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number. Social Security will text or email you a one-time code to verify you're the account holder.

Once logged in, look for "Replacement Social Security Card" in the menu. You'll answer security questions about your financial history — things like previous addresses or loan amounts. Then you'll upload a photo of your driver's license, passport, or state ID. Take the photo in good lighting and make sure all four corners of the ID are visible. The system will tell you immediately if the image is rejected.

After you submit, Social Security mails the card to the address on file. You can check the status of your request by logging back into your account. The card typically arrives within 10 to 14 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.

Mailing Form SS-5 to Social Security

Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov/forms or call 1-800-772-1213 to request it by mail. Fill out the form completely — include your full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, and current mailing address. Sign and date it in front of a witness or notary public (a notary is not required, but a witness must be someone who knows you and is not related to you).

Gather your original or certified copies of identity and citizenship documents. Make photocopies of everything you're sending — keep the originals. Put the completed form and copies in an envelope and mail to the Social Security office that serves your area. You can find the correct address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code.

Processing by mail takes three to five weeks from the date Social Security receives your envelope. There is no tracking number, so you won't know exactly when it arrives. If you don't receive your card within six weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 with your case number (printed on the form you mailed).

Visiting a Social Security office in person

Call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment at your local Social Security office. Have your zip code ready, and the automated system will give you available times. You can also book online at ssa.gov/appt. Appointments typically fill up one to two weeks in advance, especially in urban areas.

Bring your original identity document and original or certified citizenship papers. Arrive 10 minutes early with your appointment confirmation. The office will verify your documents, take your photo if needed, and process your request on the spot. You'll receive a receipt showing when your card will arrive — usually within 10 business days.

Some offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee (typically $25 to $50) if you need the card within a few days. Ask about this option when you call to book your appointment.

What to do if you've lost your card or it's damaged

A lost or damaged card is treated the same as a replacement request — you use the same online form, Form SS-5, or in-person visit. You don't need to report the loss to Social Security first. If your card was stolen and you're concerned about identity theft, contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file.

You can request a new card even if you don't have the old one in your possession. Social Security will deactivate the old number in their system once the new card is issued, though the number itself remains yours for life.

Documents you need to bring

Social Security requires proof of identity and proof of citizenship or legal residency. For identity, bring one of these originals: a driver's license, passport, passport card, state ID, military ID, or employee ID with a photo. A birth certificate alone is not enough for identity.

For citizenship, bring your original birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. If you're not a U.S. citizen, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or valid visa. Certified copies work if you don't have originals, but photocopies do not. A certified copy has a raised seal or stamp from the issuing agency.

If you're requesting a card for a child under 18, bring the child's birth certificate and your own identity document. If the child is adopted, bring the adoption decree or amended birth certificate.

How long it takes and what to expect

Online requests take 10 to 14 business days in normal circumstances. Mail requests take three to five weeks from the date Social Security receives your envelope. In-person requests take 10 business days from the date of your visit, or a few days if you pay for expedited processing.

Social Security mails cards to the address on file in your account or on the form you submit. If you've moved recently, update your address before requesting the card — you can do this online in your Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. If the card is returned as undeliverable, Social Security will hold it for 12 months. After that, you'll need to request a new one.

You can check the status of an online request by logging into your Social Security account. For mail or in-person requests, call 1-800-772-1213 with your case number to ask about status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security card the same day I request it?

No. Online and mail requests take at least 10 business days. In-person visits at a Social Security office are the fastest option, with cards arriving within 10 business days. Some offices offer expedited processing for a fee, which can reduce the wait to a few days, but you still won't receive it the same day.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or citizenship document?

Contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy of your birth certificate — this usually takes two to four weeks. If you're not a U.S. citizen, contact the immigration office or embassy that issued your visa or green card. You cannot request a Social Security card without proof of citizenship or legal residency.

Do I need to bring my old Social Security card when I visit in person?

No. You don't need the old card to request a replacement. If it's lost or stolen, you can still request a new one using only your identity and citizenship documents.

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

No. Social Security mails cards directly to the address on file. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the office or intercept it in the mail. If you've moved, update your address before requesting the card so it's mailed to the correct location.

Is there a fee to replace a Social Security card?

No. Replacement cards are free. The only exception is if you request expedited processing in person at a Social Security office, which may cost $25 to $50 depending on your location.