How to get a Social Security card appointment
You schedule a Social Security card appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting your local Social Security office in person. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. When you call, have your name, date of birth, and the reason you need a card ready to tell the representative. They will give you an appointment date, time, and location.
If you prefer not to call, you can walk into any Social Security office without an appointment, though wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Some offices are busier in the morning; others have shorter lines in the afternoon. You can find your nearest office by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator.
Online appointment scheduling is not yet available through Social Security's main system, though some state offices have begun pilot programs. Call ahead to ask whether your local office offers online booking. If it does, you will receive a link or instructions when you call the main number.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., to schedule an appointment, or walk into your local office without one.
- Bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a photo ID to your appointment.
- If you are applying for a child's card, bring the child's birth certificate and proof of your relationship to the child.
- Processing usually takes one to two weeks; Social Security will mail your card to the address you provide at the appointment.
- If you have already applied and lost your card, you can request a replacement using the same process.
What documents to bring to your appointment
Social Security requires original or certified copies of documents that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or legal residency status. Bring a birth certificate (long-form, not a short-form abstract), a U.S. passport, or a state-issued ID. At least one document must show your full legal name and date of birth.
For proof of citizenship or legal residency, bring a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, a Permanent Resident Card (green card), or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your visa or immigration paperwork showing your current status.
Bring a photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. If you do not have a photo ID, Social Security will accept a school ID, employee badge, or other government-issued document with your name and photo. Bring the originals; Social Security will not accept photocopies for identity verification, though they will make copies for their records.
Applying for a child's Social Security card
To get a Social Security card for a child, you must be the parent or legal guardian and bring proof of your relationship. Bring the child's original birth certificate or certified copy, your photo ID, and proof of your own citizenship or legal residency. If the child has a different last name than you, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
The child does not need to be present at the appointment in most cases. Social Security will accept an application from a parent or guardian alone. However, if the child is 12 or older, Social Security may require the child to appear in person to verify their identity. Call ahead to ask whether your child needs to attend.
Newborns can receive a Social Security number at the hospital when you fill out the birth certificate application. If you did this, you do not need an appointment; the number will be mailed to you. If you did not request one at birth, schedule an appointment using the same process as an adult.
Replacing a lost or stolen card
If your card is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office. You will need to bring the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, age, and citizenship or legal residency. If your card was stolen, you do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to do so for your own records.
Social Security will issue you a replacement card with the same number. The new card will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. If you need to use your number before the card arrives, Social Security can provide a letter stating your number and that you have applied for a card; some employers and banks will accept this letter as proof.
You can request up to three replacement cards in a year and up to ten in a lifetime. If you exceed these limits, Social Security will ask why you need so many replacements and may require additional documentation or a meeting with a supervisor.
What happens at your appointment
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give your name. A Social Security representative will call you to an interview window, verify your documents, and ask you questions about your identity, citizenship status, and the reason you need a card. The interview usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Be prepared to answer questions about your parents' names, your place of birth, and your current address.
The representative will fill out your application (Form SS-5) and review it with you to make sure all information is correct. You will sign the form. The representative will take your documents, make copies, and return the originals to you. They will tell you when to expect your card in the mail and provide you with a receipt showing your application was submitted.
If Social Security needs more information or documents, they will contact you by mail or phone. Keep your receipt in case you need to follow up. Do not throw it away until your card arrives.
Wait times and processing delays
Processing time is usually one to two weeks from the date of your appointment. Social Security mails cards to the address you provide; delivery takes an additional three to five business days depending on your location. In total, expect three to four weeks from appointment to card in hand.
Wait times at the office vary by location and time of day. Offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in cities. Early morning appointments (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and mid-week appointments (Tuesday through Thursday) typically have shorter wait times than Friday afternoons or Monday mornings. If you call to schedule, ask the representative which times are usually less busy at your local office.
If your card does not arrive within four weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your receipt from your appointment ready. Social Security can reissue your card if it was lost in the mail, though this is rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule an appointment online?
Most Social Security offices do not offer online scheduling yet. Call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule by phone, or walk into your local office without an appointment. A few state offices are testing online booking; the representative on the phone can tell you if yours is one of them.
What if I don't have a birth certificate?
You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. If you cannot get a birth certificate, bring other documents showing your age and identity, such as a passport, school records, or medical records. Social Security will review what you have and may ask for additional proof.
Do I need an appointment if I walk in?
No. You can walk into any Social Security office without scheduling ahead. Bring all required documents. Wait times are unpredictable; some offices have short lines, others have waits of an hour or more. Calling ahead to schedule usually means a shorter wait.
What if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
You can get a Social Security number if you have a valid visa, green card, or work authorization. Bring your immigration documents along with proof of identity and age. Social Security will verify your status with immigration authorities before issuing your number.
Can someone else pick up my card if I can't go to the appointment?
No. You must attend the appointment yourself so Social Security can verify your identity in person. The only exception is for children under 12, where a parent or guardian can apply on their behalf without the child present.