The Queens Social Security Card Center is located in Jamaica, Queens, and handles in-person Social Security card applications and replacements for residents across the borough.

The office is run by the Social Security Administration and serves people who need to apply for a card, replace a lost or stolen card, or correct information on an existing card. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. The office also handles name changes, corrections to your Social Security record, and other card-related services.

Before you go, gather the documents you'll need. Social Security requires proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of age (a birth certificate or passport), and proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID). If you're applying for a replacement card, bring your old card if you still have it. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually won't work.

Key Takeaways

  • The Queens Social Security Card Center is in Jamaica and accepts walk-ins during business hours without requiring an appointment ahead of time.
  • You will need proof of citizenship, proof of age, and proof of identity — originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
  • The office handles new applications, replacements for lost or stolen cards, name changes, and corrections to your Social Security record.
  • Wait times are shortest early in the morning or mid-week; afternoons and Fridays tend to be busier.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you can request a replacement card by mail through the Social Security website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

What documents you need to bring

Social Security requires three types of documents: proof of citizenship, proof of age, and proof of identity. For citizenship, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. A photocopy will not be accepted, even if it's notarized.

For proof of age, a birth certificate or passport works. For proof of identity, bring a driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or employee ID from a government agency. The ID must have your photo and signature. If you don't have a photo ID, you can bring two documents that together show your name, date of birth, and signature — such as a bank statement and a school transcript.

If you're applying for a replacement card because yours was lost or stolen, bring what's left of the old card if you have it. If someone else is applying on your behalf (a parent for a child, for example), that person will need to bring proof of their own identity and a document showing their relationship to you, such as a birth certificate or adoption papers.

Hours, location, and how to get there

The Queens Social Security Card Center is located at 168-25 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, Queens, NY 11432. It's open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on weekends and federal holidays. The office does not take appointments — you arrive, take a number, and wait your turn.

By subway, take the E, J, or Z train to Jamaica Station. The office is a short walk from the station. If you're driving, street parking is available but can be tight during peak hours. The office is in a commercial area with nearby parking lots if street parking is full.

Wait times are usually shortest between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on weekday mornings, and longest on Friday afternoons. If you arrive in the afternoon, expect to wait 30 minutes to an hour or more. Bring something to read or work on — the wait area has limited seating.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive, you'll check in at the front desk and receive a number. You'll wait until your number is called, then meet with a Social Security representative at a window. The representative will review your documents, ask you questions to verify your identity, and fill out the application form with you. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you're called, though the wait before that can be much longer.

If your documents are in order and your application is complete, you'll receive a receipt showing your application was submitted. A new Social Security card is usually mailed to you within two weeks. If there's a problem with your documents or application, the representative will tell you what's missing and what you need to do next.

If you're applying for a replacement card because yours was lost or stolen, tell the representative. Social Security can flag your account so that if someone tries to use your number fraudulently, you'll be notified. You can also report the loss or theft by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Applying by mail or phone instead

If you cannot visit the Jamaica office in person, you have other options. You can request a replacement Social Security card by mail through the Social Security website at ssa.gov. You'll need to create a my Social Security account, upload photos of your documents, and answer security questions. Social Security will mail your new card to you.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative. They can answer questions about what documents you need and whether you're may be able to access for a replacement card. However, they cannot process your application over the phone — you'll still need to visit an office, mail in documents, or use the online process.

The online and mail routes take longer than visiting in person — usually three to four weeks instead of two. If you need your card urgently, visiting the Jamaica office is faster.

If you need a card for a child

A parent or legal guardian can apply for a Social Security card for a child under 18. You'll need the child's birth certificate, proof of the parent's or guardian's identity, and proof of the relationship (the birth certificate usually serves this purpose). If the child is old enough to come with you, bring them — Social Security may ask to see them in person.

Newborns can receive a Social Security number through the hospital at birth if the parent requests it. If that didn't happen, you can apply at the Jamaica office or by mail. The process is the same as for any other applicant.

What to do if your documents are missing or incomplete

If you don't have an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, you can order one from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (for births in New York City) or from the New York State Department of Health (for births elsewhere in New York State). This process takes one to two weeks and costs a fee. You can order online, by mail, or in person.

If you're a naturalized citizen and don't have your certificate of naturalization, you can request a copy from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you're a non-citizen with a valid visa or work permit, you can bring that instead of a citizenship document — Social Security will accept it as proof of legal presence.

If you're missing proof of identity, a state ID or driver's license is easiest to obtain. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles can issue a non-driver ID if you don't have a license. This takes about two weeks and costs a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you apply in person at the Jamaica office, your card is usually mailed within two weeks. If you apply by mail or online, it takes three to four weeks. You'll receive a receipt showing your application was submitted; keep this in case you need to prove you applied.

Can I get a Social Security card the same day I apply?

No. Social Security does not issue cards on the spot. You must wait for the card to be mailed to you. In rare cases where you need proof of your number immediately, the representative can give you a receipt showing your Social Security number, which some employers and banks will accept temporarily.

What if I lost my card and need to report it as stolen?

Call 1-800-772-1213 to report the loss or theft. Social Security can flag your account. You should also monitor your credit report and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. Apply for a replacement card at the Jamaica office or by mail.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Jamaica office?

No. The office accepts walk-ins during business hours. However, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about current wait times before you go, especially if you're visiting in the afternoon.

What if I'm not a U.S. citizen but need a Social Security number?

You may be able to get a Social Security number if you have a valid visa, work permit, or other immigration document. Bring your immigration documents to the Jamaica office. Not all visa types may have access to, so call 1-800-772-1213 first to confirm you're may be able to access.