How to request a new Social Security card

You can request a replacement Social Security card through the Social Security Administration (SSA) in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online option is fastest — you'll get a decision within 1 to 2 weeks if you're may be able to access. By mail or in person, the process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. You'll need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency status, and you must be at least 18 years old to request one online.

The card itself is free. You don't pay a fee to replace it, no matter which method you choose. If you need the card urgently — for a job that starts soon or to replace one that was lost or stolen — the online route is your fastest option because you avoid mail delays.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a replacement card online, by mail, or in person, with online being the fastest option at 1 to 2 weeks.
  • You must prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency with documents like a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate.
  • If you're under 18, you must request a card in person or by mail with a parent or guardian's signature.
  • There is no fee for a replacement card, and you can track your application status online after you submit it.

What documents you need to bring or send

The SSA requires proof of identity and proof of citizenship or legal residency. For identity, they accept a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you don't have any of these, you can use a combination of documents like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or employer ID.

For citizenship or residency, bring your U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). If you were born outside the U.S. and don't have a passport or naturalization papers, bring your green card or employment authorization document (EAD). The SSA website lists all acceptable documents — if you're unsure whether yours will work, call 1-800-772-1213 to ask before you make the trip or mail your application.

Requesting online through ssa.gov

Go to ssa.gov and look for "Request a Replacement Social Security Card" in the "Services" section. You'll create or log into your my Social Security account. The online form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information. You'll upload photos of your identity document and citizenship document — the site will guide you through taking clear photos with your phone or uploading existing ones.

You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid mailing address in the U.S. to use the online option. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number and can check your application status by logging back into your account. The SSA will mail your new card to the address you provided once it's approved.

Requesting by mail

Download Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov or pick one up at your local Social Security office. Fill it out completely — print clearly or type. Make photocopies of both sides of your identity document and your citizenship document. Do not send original documents; the SSA will not return them.

Mail the completed form and copies to the address listed on the form (it varies by state). Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and what you're requesting. Mail it certified with return receipt so you have proof it arrived. The SSA will contact you if they need additional information. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date they receive your application.

Requesting in person at a Social Security office

Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. Bring your original identity document and original citizenship document — the office will examine them and return them to you. Bring the completed Form SS-5 or fill it out when you arrive. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead to check wait times is worth doing.

Processing is faster in person because the SSA verifies your documents immediately and can spot problems before they delay your card. You'll typically receive your new card within 2 to 4 weeks by mail. If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must go with you and sign the form.

Special situations: Lost, stolen, or damaged cards

If your card was lost or stolen, report it to the SSA as soon as you realize it's gone. You can do this when you request a replacement — just note on your application that the card was lost or stolen. The SSA does not charge you for a replacement in this case. If your card is damaged (torn, faded, or illegible), you can still use the same process to request a new one.

If you're concerned about identity theft because your card was stolen, you can also place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling 1-888-397-3742. This alerts creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Tracking your application and what to do if it's delayed

If you requested your card online, log into your my Social Security account to check the status. If you requested by mail or in person, the SSA will mail your card to the address you provided. There is no online tracking for mail or in-person requests, but you can call 1-800-772-1213 with your application confirmation number to ask about the status.

If more than 4 weeks have passed and you haven't received your card, call the SSA. They may need additional documents or there may have been an error in processing. If you need the card urgently for work or another reason, explain that when you call — the SSA can sometimes expedite processing or issue a temporary document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security card the same day?

No. The fastest option is online, which takes 1 to 2 weeks. In-person and mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks. The SSA does not issue cards on the spot. If you need proof of your Social Security number immediately for a job, ask your employer if they can accept a letter from the SSA or a printout from your my Social Security account as temporary proof.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use other documents to prove citizenship or residency, such as a naturalization certificate, green card, or employment authorization document. If you don't have any of these, contact your local Social Security office to ask which alternative documents they'll accept. You may need to obtain a birth certificate from your state's vital records office first.

Do I need to change my name on my Social Security card?

If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can request a new card with your new name using the same process. Bring your original identity document and a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. There is no fee for this change.

Can someone else request a card on my behalf?

No, you must request it yourself unless you're under 18 (in which case a parent or guardian requests it with you) or you have a power of attorney. If you have a power of attorney, bring the original document to the Social Security office along with your documents and the authorized person's identity document.

What happens if the SSA rejects my application?

The SSA will mail you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include missing or unclear documents, inconsistencies in your information, or documents that don't meet their requirements. Follow the instructions in the letter to resubmit with corrected documents, or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what you need to fix.