What form you need and where to get it
The form you need is Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. You can get it three ways: download it from ssa.gov, pick one up at your local Social Security office, or fill it out online through the Social Security Administration's online application system (available to people 18 and older who have a state-issued ID).
Which form version you use depends on your situation. If you're applying for your first card, replacing a lost or stolen card, or correcting information on an existing card, you use the same SS-5 form — but the documents you bring and the process differ slightly. The form itself is free, and there is no fee to get or replace a Social Security card.
Key Takeaways
- Form SS-5 is the only form the Social Security Administration accepts for new cards, replacements, or corrections, and you can download it, get it in person, or apply online.
- You must bring original documents or certified copies proving your age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status — photocopies alone will not be accepted.
- Processing takes about 10 to 14 business days by mail, or you can apply in person at a Social Security office for faster service.
- If you're replacing a card, you do not need to report it lost or stolen to Social Security first — you report it to other agencies only if you suspect fraud.
Documents you must bring with the form
Social Security requires original documents or certified copies for three categories: proof of age, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status. Photocopies, even notarized ones, are not accepted. You must bring at least one document from each category.
For proof of age, acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. For proof of identity, bring a state-issued ID, passport, driver's license, or employee ID card with a photo. For proof of citizenship or immigration status, U.S. citizens bring a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. Non-citizens bring a passport, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or permanent resident card (green card).
If you don't have originals, you can request certified copies from the agency that issued the document — your state's vital records office for a birth certificate, USCIS for immigration documents, or your state's motor vehicle department for a driver's license. Certified copies cost money and take time to arrive, so plan ahead if you're missing documents.
How to submit the form in person or by mail
The fastest route is applying in person at your local Social Security office. Bring the completed SS-5 form, your documents, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can call ahead to check wait times. Processing takes one to two weeks after you submit.
If you apply by mail, send the completed form and copies of your documents to the Social Security office that serves your area. You can find the correct address on ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Keep copies of everything you send. Processing takes about 10 to 14 business days from the date Social Security receives your envelope, though mail delivery adds time on both ends.
Do not send original documents by mail if you can avoid it. Social Security will return them, but originals can be lost in transit. If you must mail originals, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery.
Applying online if you're 18 or older
If you're 18 or older and have a state-issued ID, you can complete the entire application online through ssa.gov without visiting an office or mailing anything. The online system walks you through the form, lets you upload photos of your documents, and tells you immediately whether Social Security needs more information.
To use the online system, you'll need to create or sign into your my Social Security account. The system verifies your identity by checking your information against state records, so the process is faster than mailing. Your card is mailed to you after approval, which typically takes one to two weeks.
The online option is not available for name changes, corrections to your birth date or citizenship status, or if you're applying for your first card as a non-citizen. In those cases, you must apply in person or by mail.
Replacing a card versus getting a first card
If you're replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card, you use the same SS-5 form but the process is simpler. You don't need to prove citizenship again — Social Security already has that on file. You still need to prove your current identity and address, so bring a state ID and a recent utility bill or lease.
If you're getting your first card, you must prove age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status as described above. This takes longer because Social Security verifies all three categories. First-time applicants also cannot use the online system; they must apply in person or by mail.
If your card was stolen and you suspect someone is using your number fraudulently, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov in addition to replacing your card. Social Security does not investigate fraud — that's the FTC's role. Reporting to the FTC creates an official record and may help you dispute fraudulent charges later.
What happens after you submit the form
Social Security will mail your new card to the address you provided on the form. If you applied in person, you'll receive a receipt showing your Social Security number and the date your card should arrive. If you applied by mail, keep a copy of your form for your records.
Your new card is valid as soon as it arrives, even if it's damaged or the number is different from your old one. If you don't receive it within the timeframe Social Security gave you, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your receipt or a copy of your form ready when you call.
If you need to use your Social Security number before the card arrives, you can reference the number on your receipt. Most employers and banks will accept this as proof of your number.
Common reasons your form might be rejected
Social Security returns incomplete forms or forms with missing documents. The most common reasons are photocopies instead of originals, documents that don't match the information you provided on the form, or a missing proof of address. If your form is returned, Social Security will include a letter explaining what's missing.
If your documents show a different name than what you're applying under — for example, a birth certificate with your maiden name but you're applying under your married name — bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Social Security will not process the form without proof that the names belong to the same person.
If you're unsure whether your documents will be accepted, bring them to a Social Security office in person before mailing. Staff can review them and tell you whether they meet the requirements, saving you time and a rejected application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a Social Security card?
There is no fee. Social Security cards are free for U.S. citizens and lawful residents. If someone charges you money for a Social Security card, they are running a scam.
Can I get a Social Security card without a birth certificate?
Yes. You can use a passport, driver's license, or state ID as proof of age instead. You still need to prove identity and citizenship or immigration status with other documents, but a birth certificate is not the only option.
What if I don't have a current address to put on the form?
You must provide an address where Social Security can mail your card. If you're homeless or between addresses, use a shelter address, a trusted friend's address, or a mail forwarding service. Social Security will not process the form without an address.
How long does it take to get a replacement card if I lost mine?
If you apply in person, you'll receive your card in one to two weeks. If you apply by mail, add time for mail delivery on both ends — typically 10 to 14 business days from when Social Security receives your envelope, plus a week or more for delivery to you.
Do I need to report my card lost or stolen to Social Security?
No. You only need to report it to Social Security when you're ready to replace it by submitting Form SS-5. If you suspect fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov instead.