Where the Seattle Social Security Office Is Located
The main Social Security office serving Seattle is at 701 5th Avenue, Suite 1900, Seattle, WA 98104. This is a full-service office where you can handle most in-person transactions: replacing a lost Social Security card, updating your name or address, reporting a death, or discussing your benefits account.
The office is in downtown Seattle, near Pioneer Square. Street parking is limited; the building has a paid garage. If you use public transit, the office is two blocks from the Pioneer Square light rail station.
Social Security also operates a card replacement office at 2707 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98201, about 30 miles north. This location handles Social Security card requests only — not benefit questions or account changes. Hours and wait times vary between locations.
Key Takeaways
- The main Seattle office is at 701 5th Avenue, Suite 1900, and handles card replacements, address changes, and benefit account questions in person.
- You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but you will wait in line; calling ahead to ask current wait times can save you a trip.
- The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on federal holidays.
- For many routine tasks — checking your benefit amount, replacing a card, or updating your address — you can use my Social Security online instead of visiting in person.
- If you cannot reach the Seattle office by phone, calling the national Social Security line at 1-800-772-1213 will route you to a representative who can help or schedule an appointment.
Hours, Phone Numbers, and How to Reach Them
The Seattle office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific time. It is closed on weekends and federal holidays. The direct phone number is 206-615-2000. This line can be busy, especially mid-morning and mid-week; calling early in the day or on Mondays often means shorter hold times.
If you cannot reach the Seattle office directly, call the national Social Security customer service line at 1-800-772-1213. This number connects you to a representative who can answer questions about your account, help you with certain transactions over the phone, or schedule an in-person appointment at the Seattle office if you need one.
Social Security also offers a TTY number for people who are deaf or hard of hearing: 1-800-325-0778. This line is available during the same hours as the main line.
What You Can Do at the Seattle Office in Person
The Seattle office handles the transactions that require a physical signature or document verification. You can replace a lost or stolen Social Security card, update your name or address on file, report the death of a beneficiary, request a replacement Medicare card, or discuss questions about your benefit amount or payment schedule.
You can also bring documents to verify your identity and citizenship if you are applying for benefits for the first time or if Social Security has asked you to provide proof. Bring your original birth certificate, passport, or state ID, plus a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address.
You do not need an appointment for most card replacements or address changes. Walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn. For complex benefit questions or if you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour depending on how busy the office is that day.
When to Use My Social Security Online Instead
My Social Security is the official Social Security website where you can create a free account and handle many tasks without visiting an office. You can check your current benefit amount, view your payment history, change your address, request a replacement Social Security card (which will be mailed to you), and update your direct deposit information.
Creating an account takes about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a mobile phone number or a credit card on file. Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to check your information or make changes.
If you are not comfortable using the website or do not have internet access, you can still call 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card or update your address over the phone. A representative can process these requests without you visiting an office.
What to Bring and How Long to Wait
Bring your Social Security number (or the number of the person whose account you are managing) and a photo ID. If you are replacing a card, bring your original birth certificate or passport if you have one — Social Security may ask to see it. If you are updating your address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your current address.
Wait times vary. On a quiet Tuesday morning, you might be seen in 15 minutes. On a busy Friday afternoon, you could wait 45 minutes to an hour. The Seattle office does not take appointments for routine card replacements, so you cannot reserve a time slot. If you want to know the current wait time before you go, call 206-615-2000 and ask; staff can tell you how many people are waiting.
If you are managing someone else's account — a parent, spouse, or child — bring a document showing your relationship and legal authority to act on their behalf, such as a power of attorney, guardianship papers, or a representative payee letter from Social Security.
If You Cannot Visit in Person
If you are homebound, ill, or unable to travel to the office, you can request a phone appointment. Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you need to handle your account by phone. They can process many transactions over the phone, including address changes, direct deposit updates, and some benefit questions.
For a Social Security card replacement, you can request one by mail through My Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The card will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. There is no charge.
If you need to provide documents to Social Security — such as proof of citizenship or a birth certificate — you can mail them to the Seattle office at 701 5th Avenue, Suite 1900, Seattle, WA 98104. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and what you are sending. Keep copies for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the Seattle Social Security office?
No. Most transactions — replacing a card, updating your address, or asking about your benefits — do not require an appointment. Walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait. For complex matters or if you want to avoid a long wait, you can call 206-615-2000 to ask the current wait time before you go.
Can I handle my Social Security business by phone instead of going to the office?
Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 to update your address, change your direct deposit, request a replacement card, or ask questions about your benefits. A representative can handle many tasks over the phone. If you need to provide original documents, you can mail them or visit in person.
How long does it take to replace a Social Security card?
If you request a replacement in person at the Seattle office, you will receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you request one through My Social Security online or by phone, the timeline is the same. There is no charge for a replacement card.
What if I need to report a death or manage a deceased person's account?
Call 1-800-772-1213 to report a death. A representative can start the process over the phone. If you are the surviving spouse, child, or representative managing the account, you may need to visit the Seattle office with a death certificate and proof of your relationship to complete the process.
Is there a Social Security office closer to me if I live outside Seattle?
Social Security has offices throughout Washington State. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the office nearest you, or visit the Social Security office locator on their website. The Everett office (2707 Colby Avenue) handles card replacements only. For full-service help, the Seattle office is the main location for the region.