Where to order your Social Security card

You can order a Social Security card by mail, online, or in person at a Social Security office. The online method is fastest if you meet the requirements — you need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid state ID or passport, and a U.S. mailing address. The Social Security Administration's online ordering system, available at ssa.gov, lets you request a replacement card without leaving home and typically takes 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot order online, you can mail an application (Form SS-5) to your local Social Security office, or walk in with the required documents. Mailing takes 2 to 4 weeks. Walking in is slower than online but faster than mail if your office has short wait times — call ahead to ask. First-time applicants and people under 18 must apply in person or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Online ordering at ssa.gov is the fastest method if you are 18 or older with a valid state ID and takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • You need Form SS-5 to apply by mail or in person, along with proof of identity and proof of citizenship or lawful status.
  • Mailing an application takes 2 to 4 weeks; in-person visits vary by office but you should call ahead to check wait times.
  • If your card was lost or stolen, report it to Social Security when you order the replacement to prevent misuse.
  • There is no fee to order a Social Security card, but you may pay for certified copies of your Social Security statement if you need them.

Documents you need to bring or send

The exact documents required depend on whether you are applying for the first time, replacing a lost or stolen card, or correcting information. For any application, you must prove your identity with a valid driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. You also need proof that you are a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status — a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card all work.

If you are changing your name on the card, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. If you are correcting your date of birth or citizenship status, bring the document that proves the correction. The Social Security Administration publishes a full list of acceptable documents on its website; if you are unsure whether your document qualifies, call your local office before you go.

Applying online through ssa.gov

The online application is available only to people 18 and older who have a valid state-issued ID or passport and a U.S. mailing address. You will need your Social Security number to start. The system verifies your identity by checking your information against records held by the Social Security Administration and state motor vehicle departments.

Once you submit the online form, you will receive a confirmation number. Your card will be mailed to the address you provided. If the system cannot verify your identity online — which happens if your state ID is very new or your records do not match — you will be told to apply by mail or in person instead. There is no fee for online ordering.

Applying by mail with Form SS-5

Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or pick one up at your local Social Security office. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with copies of your identity document and citizenship proof to the address listed on the form. The address varies by state, so check the form itself rather than searching online.

Mail your application using regular mail or certified mail with return receipt — certified mail costs a few dollars but gives you proof that Social Security received it. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date Social Security receives your envelope. If you do not hear back after 4 weeks, call Social Security to check the status using your confirmation number or Social Security number.

Applying in person at a Social Security office

Bring your completed Form SS-5, original identity document, and original citizenship proof to your local Social Security office. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary widely — some offices have 30-minute waits, others have 2-hour waits. Call ahead using the office locator at ssa.gov to ask about current wait times and whether appointments are available.

Bring the originals of your documents, not copies. Social Security staff will review them, make copies if needed, and give you a receipt. Your card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card urgently, ask the staff whether expedited processing is available in your state — a few states offer it for an additional fee, but most do not.

What to do if your card was lost or stolen

Report the loss or theft to Social Security when you order your replacement card. You can mention it on Form SS-5 or tell the staff at the office. Social Security does not have a separate fraud reporting system for lost cards, but noting it in your file creates a record that may help if someone tries to use your number.

If you suspect someone has already used your Social Security number, check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. These steps are separate from ordering a new card but are important if you think your number has been compromised.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online ordering takes 7 to 10 business days. Mailing Form SS-5 takes 2 to 4 weeks. In-person applications also take 7 to 10 business days after you submit them, though you may wait at the office before submitting. Expedited processing is not available in most states.

Can I order a card for someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the card must apply themselves, except for parents or guardians applying for a child under 18. If you are applying for a minor, bring their birth certificate, your ID, and proof of your relationship to the child.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card instead. If you have none of these, contact your state's vital records office to order a birth certificate first — that process takes 1 to 3 weeks depending on the state.

Is there a fee to order a Social Security card?

No. Social Security cards are free. You may pay a small fee if you request certified copies of your Social Security statement, but the card itself has no cost.

Can I get a card the same day I apply?

No. Social Security does not issue cards on the spot. The fastest method is online ordering, which takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person applications take the same amount of time to process after you submit them.