What you need to get a Social Security card

You need to provide proof of age, citizenship or immigration status, and identity to the Social Security Administration. The exact documents depend on whether you're applying for your first card, replacing a lost one, or correcting information on an existing card.

For a first card, bring an original or certified birth certificate (or passport for non-U.S. citizens), a photo ID or document showing your name and date of birth, and proof of your current address like a utility bill or lease. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must apply with you in person.

If you're replacing a lost or stolen card, you'll need the same identity and address documents, but you don't need the birth certificate again. If you're correcting the name or information on your card, bring documents that support the correction — such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a corrected birth certificate for a name or date of birth error.

Key Takeaways

  • You must apply in person at your local Social Security office with original or certified documents proving your age, citizenship, and identity.
  • First-time applicants need a birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of address; replacements need only the ID and address proof.
  • If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be present and provide their own ID.
  • Processing typically takes one to two weeks, and you can check your application status online using your Social Security number.
  • You cannot get a card by mail or online; Social Security requires in-person verification for all new and replacement cards.

Where to apply in person

Visit your local Social Security office to submit your application. You can find the nearest office by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator, which shows hours, phone numbers, and whether the office accepts walk-ins or requires an appointment.

Many offices now require appointments rather than accepting walk-ins, especially after hours have been reduced. Call ahead or book online through the locator to avoid a wasted trip. If you live far from an office, some Social Security field offices offer limited services at partner locations like libraries or community centers — the locator will show these options.

Bring all original documents or certified copies. The Social Security Administration will not accept photocopies or notarized copies of birth certificates; they must be originals or certified by the issuing vital records office. If you don't have an original, you can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office before your appointment.

Documents that prove age, citizenship, and identity

For age and citizenship, the Social Security Administration accepts a U.S. birth certificate, passport, consular report of birth abroad, or certificate of naturalization. Non-U.S. citizens can use a foreign passport, visa, or travel document issued by their country of origin.

For identity, bring a photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. If you don't have a photo ID, you can bring two documents with your name and date of birth, such as a school ID, employee badge, insurance card, or bank statement.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 12 months. A cell phone bill, credit card statement, or insurance bill also works if it shows your address.

What happens after you submit your application

The Social Security Administration will review your documents and verify your information with vital records offices and immigration authorities. This process typically takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer if additional verification is needed.

You'll receive your card by mail at the address you provided. The card arrives in a plain envelope with no tracking number, so check your mail regularly. If you don't receive it within three weeks, contact your local Social Security office to check the status.

You can also check your application status online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you create a my Social Security account before applying. This account lets you track your card's progress and see when it was mailed.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card

If your card is lost, stolen, or too worn to read, you can get a replacement by visiting your local Social Security office with your ID and proof of address. You don't need your birth certificate for a replacement.

You're allowed three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime. If you've reached these limits, you'll need to contact Social Security directly to explain why you need another replacement — for example, if your card was stolen multiple times or damaged by circumstances beyond your control.

Processing for a replacement card follows the same timeline as a new card: one to two weeks by mail. If you need your number urgently, ask the Social Security representative for a receipt showing your number; you can use this receipt as proof of your Social Security number while you wait for the card.

Correcting errors on your card

If your name, date of birth, or citizenship status is wrong on your card, bring documents that prove the correct information to your local Social Security office. For a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For a date of birth error, bring a corrected birth certificate from your state's vital records office.

Social Security will not issue a corrected card until they've verified the error with the vital records office or immigration authorities. This can take several weeks. Once verified, they'll mail you a new card with the correct information at no cost.

If the error was Social Security's mistake — for example, they recorded your name wrong when you applied — the correction is usually faster because they don't need to verify against outside records.

Getting a card for a child

A parent or legal guardian must apply for a child's first Social Security card in person. Bring the child's original or certified birth certificate, your ID, and proof of your address. You'll also need to bring the child's ID or a document showing their name and date of birth, such as a hospital birth record or medical record.

Children under 18 cannot apply on their own. If you're a grandparent or other relative raising the child, bring a court order or custody document showing you have legal authority to act on their behalf.

The card is mailed to the address you provide, and the process takes one to two weeks. Once the child turns 18, they can apply for a replacement card or make corrections themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security card if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a valid visa or immigration status that allows you to work in the United States. You'll need your passport or travel document, visa, and proof of address. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a Social Security card, though some states issue Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) for tax purposes.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

Order a certified copy from your state's vital records office before your Social Security appointment. If you were born outside the U.S., contact the vital records office in the country or territory where you were born. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Most Social Security offices now require appointments. Check your local office's website through the ssa.gov/locator to see whether it accepts walk-ins. If appointments are required, book online or call ahead to avoid waiting or being turned away.

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

Most cards arrive within one to two weeks of your application. Processing can take longer if Social Security needs to verify information with other agencies. You can check your application status online through my Social Security if you created an account before applying.

What if I never got a Social Security card as a child?

You can apply as an adult by visiting your local Social Security office with your birth certificate, ID, and proof of address. The process is the same as a first-time application, and you'll receive your card by mail within one to two weeks.