Where to request a replacement card
You can request a replacement Social Security card in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online through the Social Security Administration's website if you meet certain requirements. The online option is fastest — you can submit your request without leaving home — but it is only open to people who have a state-issued ID or driver's license and a My Social Security account.
If you go in person, bring your original documents to your nearest Social Security office. You can find the office address and hours on the Social Security Administration website by entering your zip code. Walk-in service is available at most offices, though wait times vary. Some offices accept appointments; calling ahead can save you time.
Mailing in your request takes longer but works if you cannot reach an office. You will need to complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card), gather the required documents, and send them to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks after the Social Security Administration receives your materials.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a replacement card online, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office, and the online route is fastest if you have a state ID and a My Social Security account.
- In-person requests require your original birth certificate, state ID or driver's license, and proof of citizenship or legal residency, and you will receive your card within one to two weeks.
- Mail requests require Form SS-5 and the same documents as in-person requests, and take two to four weeks after the Social Security Administration receives them.
- You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card, and you can request a name change on your card if you have a court order or marriage certificate to prove it.
- There is no charge for a replacement card, though the Social Security Administration limits you to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime.
Documents you need to bring or send
The Social Security Administration requires proof of your identity, citizenship or legal residency status, and age. For identity, bring your state-issued driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or military ID. A school ID or work ID does not count as proof of identity on its own.
For citizenship or legal residency, bring your original or certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card (green card), or Employment Authorization Document. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or visa along with your birth certificate.
If you are requesting the card by mail, you will need to send certified copies of these documents, not originals. The Social Security Administration will not return documents sent by mail. You can obtain certified copies from the agency that issued the original — your state's vital records office for a birth certificate, for example, or your local courthouse for a marriage certificate if you are changing your name.
What happens if your card was lost or stolen
Report a lost or stolen card to the Social Security Administration as soon as you know it is missing. You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to if you suspect fraud. Reporting to Social Security does not prevent someone else from using your number, but it creates a record that you reported the loss.
If you believe someone has used your Social Security number fraudulently, contact the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338. The FTC will create a recovery plan and send you a recovery guide. You should also check your credit report for unauthorized accounts by requesting a free report from AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the only federally authorized site for free reports.
When you request your replacement card, tell the Social Security Administration representative or include a note with your mailed application explaining that the card was lost or stolen. This information helps them flag your account and may speed up processing.
Changing your name on your Social Security card
You can request a name change on your Social Security card if you have legal documentation proving the change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers. The document must be an original or certified copy.
If you are married and want to use your spouse's last name, bring your marriage certificate. If you are divorced and want to return to a former name, bring your divorce decree. If you changed your name through a court order — for any reason — bring the court order itself.
You can request a name change and a replacement card at the same time. Use Form SS-5 and include both your old name and your new name, along with the legal document proving the change. The Social Security Administration will issue a card with your new name.
Processing time and what to expect
Online requests typically process within one to two weeks if you submit all required information correctly. You will receive your new card by mail at the address you provide. The Social Security Administration will send you a confirmation email when your request is received and another when your card is mailed.
In-person requests at a Social Security office usually result in a card within one to two weeks as well. The office will give you a receipt showing your application number. Keep this receipt until you receive your card.
Mail requests take longer because of processing delays. After the Social Security Administration receives your materials, allow two to four weeks for processing. If you do not receive your card within that timeframe, contact your local Social Security office with your application number.
Limits on replacement cards
The Social Security Administration limits you to three replacement cards in a single year and ten replacement cards in your lifetime. These limits exist to prevent fraud. If you reach these limits, you will need to visit a Social Security office in person and speak with a representative about your situation.
The limits apply to all reasons for replacement — lost cards, stolen cards, name changes, or damaged cards all count toward your total. If you have lost your card multiple times, keep track of how many replacements you have received so you know whether you are approaching the limit.
If you need your card urgently
If you need proof of your Social Security number before your replacement card arrives, the Social Security Administration can issue you a Social Security Number Verification Letter. You can request this letter in person at a Social Security office, and they will print it for you immediately. This letter shows your name, date of birth, and Social Security number, and many employers and government agencies will accept it as proof.
You can also create a My Social Security account online and print a statement that includes your Social Security number. This statement is not an official letter, but it may be sufficient for some purposes. Ask the organization requesting proof whether they will accept a printed statement from your online account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement card the same day?
No. The Social Security Administration does not issue cards on the same day. In-person and online requests take one to two weeks. If you need immediate proof of your Social Security number, you can request a Social Security Number Verification Letter at a Social Security office, which they will print for you on the spot.
Do I need an appointment to go to a Social Security office?
Most Social Security offices accept walk-ins, but some have moved to appointment-only service. Call your local office or check the Social Security Administration website before you go. If you make an appointment, you may wait less time than if you walk in.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
Contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy. You can usually order one by mail or online. If your birth certificate was never issued, you may be able to use a passport, military discharge papers, or other documents showing your age and citizenship. Call your local Social Security office to ask what alternatives they will accept.
Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?
No. The Social Security Administration mails replacement cards directly to you at the address you provide. You cannot have someone else pick it up. If you are moving, update your address with the Social Security Administration before you request your replacement card so it goes to the correct location.
Is there a fee for a replacement card?
No. The Social Security Administration does not charge for replacement cards. Be cautious of websites or services that claim to charge a fee for a replacement card — they are not affiliated with the Social Security Administration.