You need a Social Security card to work, claim benefits, and open bank accounts

A Social Security card is a physical card issued by the Social Security Administration that shows your Social Security number. You need it to work legally in the United States, claim Social Security benefits later, open a bank account, apply for credit, and file taxes. If you don't have one yet, you can request one at your local Social Security office or by mail. The process is free and usually takes one to two weeks.

You may need a replacement card if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged. The rules are the same: you request it free through Social Security, and it arrives by mail. You can request up to three replacement cards in a year and ten in your lifetime, though Social Security may ask why you need so many.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of age (birth certificate or passport), and proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to get a card.
  • You can apply in person at your local Social Security office, by mail using Form SS-5, or online if you are between 18 and 79 and have a driver's license or state ID.
  • The card is free and takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail after you apply.
  • If you are applying for your child, you must bring their birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and proof of your relationship and identity.

What documents you need to bring

Social Security requires three types of documents: proof of citizenship, proof of age, and proof of identity. You do not need all three from different sources — one document can count for more than one category.

For proof of citizenship, bring your U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship. For proof of age, bring your birth certificate or passport. For proof of identity, bring a driver's license, state ID, passport, or employee ID card. If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, you can use a passport, military ID, or school ID.

If you are applying for a child under 18, bring the child's birth certificate, proof of citizenship (usually the birth certificate again), and proof of your relationship and identity. You must be the parent, legal guardian, or authorized representative.

Applying in person at a Social Security office

The fastest way to apply is to visit your local Social Security office in person. Bring the documents listed above, fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) at the office, and submit it. You do not need to print the form beforehand — the office will have copies.

You can find your nearest office by visiting ssa.gov and using the office locator, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Many offices now use an online appointment system, so you can schedule a time slot instead of waiting in line. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster. Bring the original documents, not copies — Social Security staff will verify them and return them to you.

After you submit your application in person, your card usually arrives within one to two weeks. Social Security will mail it to the address you provide on the form.

Applying by mail

You can also request a card by mail if you prefer not to visit an office. Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, fill it out, and mail it with copies of your documents to the address listed on the form. The address depends on your state, so check the form instructions before mailing.

Make copies of your documents — do not send originals through the mail. Include a photocopy of both sides of your driver's license or state ID, a copy of your birth certificate, and a copy of your passport or citizenship document. Mail everything together in one envelope.

Processing by mail takes longer than in-person application — usually three to four weeks from the time Social Security receives your form. Keep a record of when you mailed it in case you need to follow up.

Applying online if you are 18 to 79

If you are between 18 and 79 years old and have a valid driver's license or state ID, you can request a replacement card online at ssa.gov/myaccount. You cannot request an original card online — only a replacement if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged.

To apply online, create a my Social Security account, verify your identity, and submit your request. You will need to answer security questions based on your credit history and personal records. The process takes about 15 minutes. Your replacement card arrives by mail in one to two weeks.

If you are applying for an original card or you are under 18 or over 79, you must apply in person or by mail.

What happens after you apply

After you submit your application, Social Security processes it and mails your card to the address you provided. You do not need to do anything else while you wait. The card arrives in a plain envelope with no tracking number, so check your mail regularly.

If your card does not arrive within three weeks of applying in person or four weeks of mailing your form, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Have your application date and the address where you applied ready when you call.

Once you receive your card, sign the back of it in ink. Do not laminate it or write anything else on it. Keep it in a safe place — you do not need to carry it with you every day. Your employer and bank will ask for your Social Security number, not the physical card.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement using the same process as an original card. You have the same three options: apply in person, by mail, or online (if you are 18 to 79). You do not need to report the loss to Social Security first — just apply for a replacement.

If your card was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can also contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov to report it and create a recovery plan. Social Security itself does not investigate identity theft, but the FTC can help you monitor your accounts and dispute fraudulent charges.

Social Security limits you to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime. If you exceed these limits, Social Security may ask you to explain why you need so many replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my Social Security card to work?

You need your Social Security number to work, but you do not need the physical card. Your employer will ask for your number, which you can provide from memory or from a document that shows it. However, having the card makes it easier to prove your number is correct.

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

If you apply in person, your card arrives in one to two weeks. If you mail your form, it takes three to four weeks. If you apply online for a replacement, it takes one to two weeks. These times are typical but can vary depending on Social Security's workload.

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

You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident to get a Social Security card. If you are in the country on a work visa or student visa, you may be able to get a number for tax purposes, but you will need to contact Social Security directly to learn what documents you need.

What if I changed my name?

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can request a new card with your new name. Bring your original card, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of identity to your local Social Security office, or mail copies of these documents with Form SS-5.

Can someone else apply for a Social Security card on my behalf?

Someone can apply for you if you are unable to do so yourself, but they must be your legal representative or guardian. They will need to bring a document proving their authority, such as a power of attorney or guardianship papers, along with all your documents.