Where the Queens Social Security Card Center is located

The Social Security Administration operates a card center in Queens at 168-25 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432. This office handles new Social Security cards, replacements, and name changes for people who live in or can travel to Queens. It is one of several card centers in the New York City area, so if you live in another borough, you may have a closer option.

The office is in Jamaica, Queens, near the Jamaica Station transit hub. You can reach it by the E, J, or Z subway lines, or by the Long Island Rail Road. Street parking is available but often tight during business hours. The office does not require an appointment for most card services, but wait times can run 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but the Social Security Administration sometimes changes hours or closes for federal holidays. Call ahead at 1-800-772-1213 or check the office locator at ssa.gov to confirm hours before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • The Queens card center is at 168-25 Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica and serves walk-ins without appointments, though waits can exceed an hour during peak times.
  • You will need proof of age, citizenship or legal residency, and identity to get a new card or replacement.
  • If you are replacing a lost or stolen card, bring a police report or your own signed statement explaining what happened.
  • The office can issue a replacement card on the same day in most cases, though you will receive it by mail within one to two weeks.
  • If you cannot travel to Queens, you can request a card by mail or visit a Social Security office in another borough.

What documents to bring for a new or replacement card

The Social Security Administration requires three types of documents: proof of age, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of identity. You do not need all three from the same source, but you must bring originals or certified copies—photocopies alone will not work.

For proof of age, bring a birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. For proof of citizenship or legal residency, bring a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or a green card. For proof of identity, bring a driver's license, passport, state ID, or employee ID. If you are replacing a card because it was lost or stolen, also bring a police report if you filed one, or be ready to sign a statement at the office saying what happened.

If your documents are in another language, bring the original plus an English translation certified by the issuing agency or a certified translator. Do not rely on translation apps or informal translations—the Social Security Administration will reject them.

How long it takes to get your card after applying

The Social Security Administration does not issue cards on the spot at the office. Instead, they process your application and mail the card to you. In most cases, you will receive it within one to two weeks. If you live far from the office or are moving, tell the staff your mailing address before you leave, and they will send it there.

If you need the card urgently—for example, to start a job—ask the office staff whether they can issue a temporary document or letter stating your Social Security number. Some employers will accept this while you wait for the physical card. Do not assume they will; ask first.

If more than two weeks pass and you have not received your card, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready.

Why you might go to the Queens office instead of another location

If you live in Queens, the Jamaica office is the closest Social Security card center. If you live in another borough, you have other options: Manhattan has an office at 26 Federal Plaza, Brooklyn has one at 60 Court Street, and the Bronx has one at 1500 Pelham Parkway South. The Flushing office in Queens (at 136-20 38th Avenue) also handles card services and may have shorter waits than Jamaica during certain hours.

You can visit any of these offices regardless of where you live—Social Security does not restrict you to your home borough. If you are near one during your workday or have easier access to another location, go there instead. The process and documents required are the same at every office.

Getting a card by mail if you cannot visit in person

If you cannot travel to Queens or another office, you can request a Social Security card by mail. Visit ssa.gov, download the application form (Form SS-5), and mail it with copies of your documents to the address listed on the form. The Social Security Administration will review your application and send you a card if everything is in order.

The mail process takes longer than visiting an office in person—usually four to six weeks from the time they receive your application. If you are on a tight timeline, visiting the Queens office is faster. If you have time and prefer to avoid the trip, the mail route works.

Do not mail original documents. Make certified copies or ask your bank, notary, or local government office to certify copies of your documents before you send them. Keep the originals for yourself.

What to do if you have lost or stolen your card

If your Social Security card was lost or stolen, bring a police report to the Queens office if you filed one. If you did not file a report, you can still get a replacement—just tell the staff what happened, and they will have you sign a statement at the office. The Social Security Administration does not require a police report, but having one speeds up the process.

If you are concerned that someone may use your Social Security number fraudulently, also contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This is separate from getting a new card, but it is an important step if you think your number has been compromised. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling any of the three bureaus.

Name changes and corrections on your Social Security record

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can update your Social Security record at the Queens office. Bring your original or certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), plus your proof of age, citizenship, and identity. The Social Security Administration will issue a new card with your updated name.

If there is an error on your current card—for example, a misspelled name or wrong date of birth—bring the card itself plus documents that prove what the correct information should be. The office will correct the record and issue a new card. This service is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Queens card center?

No. The office accepts walk-ins and does not require appointments for card services. However, wait times can be 30 minutes to two hours depending on when you arrive. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than late afternoon or Friday.

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

Yes, if you have legal residency status. Bring your green card, employment authorization document, or visa plus your proof of age and identity. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a Social Security card through the regular process, but some states offer Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) as an alternative for tax purposes.

What if I lost my documents and cannot bring originals to the office?

You will need to obtain certified copies of your documents first. Contact the agency that issued them—your state vital records office for a birth certificate, your state DMV for a driver's license, or the U.S. State Department for a passport. Certified copies cost money and take time to arrive, so plan ahead if this is your situation.

Can someone else pick up my Social Security card for me?

No. You must appear in person at the office to apply for or replace a card. The Social Security Administration requires you to sign the application and verify your identity yourself. A representative can help you fill out the form, but you must be present.

What if I am homebound or unable to travel to the office?

Apply by mail using Form SS-5 from ssa.gov. Mail it with certified copies of your documents to the address on the form. This takes longer than visiting in person but allows you to apply without leaving home. If you need the card urgently and cannot travel, call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your situation with a representative.