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

The fastest way is the online form at ssa.gov/myaccount if you have a my Social Security account and meet the basic requirements: you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and have a state-issued ID. The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes, and your card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot use the online form, you can mail an application or walk into a Social Security office. By mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. In person is slower than online but faster than mail if you need the card urgently — you still wait for the card to arrive by mail, but you avoid the postal delay on the application itself.

Key Takeaways

  • The online form at ssa.gov/myaccount is the fastest method and requires a my Social Security account, state ID, and U.S. citizenship.
  • You need Form SS-5 to apply by mail or in person, and you must bring proof of citizenship, identity, and age to an office visit.
  • Replacement cards cost nothing, and you can order up to three per year and ten in a lifetime.
  • Your card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days online, 2 to 3 weeks by mail, or within two weeks after an in-person application.

What you need before you start

For the online form, you need a my Social Security account. If you do not have one, you can create it at ssa.gov/myaccount using your email, Social Security number, and a state ID. The account takes a few minutes to set up, and you can then order your card immediately.

For mail or in-person applications, you need Form SS-5, which you can download from ssa.gov or pick up at a Social Security office. You will also need to bring or mail proof of three things: citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport), and age (birth certificate or passport). Photocopies are acceptable for mail applications.

Ordering online through my Social Security

Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. Click "Replacement Social Security Card" under the "Services" menu. Answer the questions about why you need a replacement — lost, stolen, or name change are the most common reasons. The form will ask for your current address and confirm your identity using information from your Social Security record.

After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Social Security will mail your card to the address you provided, and you can check the status of your order by logging back into your account. No documents need to be mailed in for online orders.

Applying by mail

Download or request Form SS-5 from ssa.gov/forms. Fill it out completely, including your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and the reason you need a replacement. Make photocopies of your proof documents — do not send originals. Attach the copies to the form with a paper clip or staple.

Mail the packet to the Social Security office that serves your area. You can find the correct address on ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Include a return address on the envelope. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date Social Security receives your application, plus mail time on both ends.

Applying in person at a Social Security office

Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. You do not need an appointment for a replacement card, but you can schedule one online to avoid waiting. Bring the original or certified copies of your proof documents — originals are preferred but not required. Bring your Form SS-5 filled out, or you can fill it out at the office.

The staff will review your documents, take your application, and give you a receipt. Your card will be mailed to your address within two weeks. You can check the status online if you have a my Social Security account, or call 1-800-772-1213 with your receipt number.

What counts as proof of citizenship, identity, and age

For citizenship, Social Security accepts a U.S. passport, birth certificate (original or certified copy), certificate of naturalization, or certificate of U.S. citizenship. A state birth certificate is acceptable; a hospital birth certificate is not.

For identity, bring a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. For age, a birth certificate or passport works. If you are applying in person and do not have these documents, ask the office staff what alternatives they can accept — some offices have flexibility for people who have lost all their documents.

Limits on how many cards you can order

Social Security limits you to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime. These limits exist to prevent fraud. If you have reached your limit, you will need to wait until the next calendar year or contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your situation.

The limits reset on January 1 each year. If you ordered two cards in November and one in December, you can order three more starting January 1. Limits apply to all types of applications — online, mail, and in person count the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it really take to get a replacement card?

Online orders arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Mail applications take 2 to 3 weeks after Social Security receives them, plus time for your application to arrive and the card to return. In-person applications are processed within two weeks, but you still wait for mail delivery. "Business days" means weekdays only, so a 7-day estimate can stretch to 10 calendar days.

What if I do not have a state ID for the online form?

You cannot use the online form without a state-issued ID. Use the mail or in-person method instead. You will need proof of citizenship, identity, and age, but these can be documents other than a state ID — a passport, birth certificate, or military ID all work.

Can I order a card for someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the card must apply themselves, unless they are a minor or legally unable to act. Parents can apply for a child's first card or a replacement, but adults must apply for their own. A representative payee or legal guardian may be able to apply on behalf of someone who is incapacitated — call 1-800-772-1213 to ask.

Do I need to bring my old card when I apply in person?

No, but it helps if you have it. If your card was lost or stolen, you do not need to produce it. If you have it, bring it along so the staff can see the number and confirm your record.

What if my name has changed since my last card?

You can order a replacement with your new name online, by mail, or in person. You will need to provide proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The process is the same as a regular replacement; just note the reason as "name change" on the form.