Getting a replacement Social Security card is free and takes about two weeks through the mail, or you can get one the same day at a local Social Security office if you go in person

You need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your current address. Social Security will not charge you for the first nine replacements in your lifetime. The process is the same whether your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or you need a name change reflected on it.

You can request a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you have a my Social Security account and meet certain requirements — mainly that you are a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and have a state-issued ID. Online requests take about two weeks. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail an application or visit an office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The first nine replacement cards in your lifetime are free; the 10th and beyond cost $29 each.
  • You must provide an original or certified birth certificate, a photo ID, and proof of your address — a utility bill or lease works for the address.
  • Online replacement through my Social Security account is fastest if you are a U.S. citizen, at least 18, and have a state ID.
  • In-person replacement at a local Social Security office takes the same day, but you may wait several hours depending on how busy the office is.
  • Mail-in replacement takes about two weeks and requires you to submit Form SS-5 with copies of your documents.

Applying online through my Social Security account

If you already have a my Social Security account, you can order a replacement card without leaving home. Log in, go to the "Replacement Social Security Card" section, and follow the prompts. You will need your state-issued ID number and the last four digits of your phone number on file. Social Security will mail the card to the address they have for you, which usually takes 10 to 14 business days.

You cannot order online if you are under 18, not a U.S. citizen, or do not have a state-issued ID. You also cannot use the online system if your name has changed and you need that reflected on the card — you will have to go to an office or mail in an application instead.

Applying in person at a Social Security office

Walk into any Social Security office with your birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of address, and you can walk out with a replacement card the same day. Bring originals or certified copies — Social Security will not accept photocopies of your birth certificate. A certified copy has the state seal and the clerk's signature and is available from the vital records office in the county where you were born.

Offices are busiest in the morning and on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can call ahead to ask how long the wait is, or check the office locator at ssa.gov/locator to find the nearest one. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online or by phone, which can cut your wait time significantly.

Applying by mail with Form SS-5

Download or request Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov. Fill it out, make copies of your birth certificate and photo ID (certified copies are not required for mail-in), and include proof of your address. Mail everything to the Social Security office that serves your area — the form tells you which address to use.

Mail-in applications take about two weeks, sometimes longer if the office is backlogged. You can track your application status by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and providing your Social Security number. If you need the card urgently, going to an office in person is faster.

What counts as proof of address

Social Security accepts a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail with your name and address. The document must be recent — usually from the last 12 months. A cell phone bill counts. A credit card statement counts. A letter from your landlord or employer does not.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can use two documents together, such as a school ID and a library card, as long as both show your current address. Ask the Social Security office or include a note with your mail-in application if you are unsure whether what you have will work.

Replacing a card with a name change

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other legal process, you need to show Social Security the document that proves the change. This is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need your birth certificate and photo ID.

You cannot request a name change online — you must go to an office or mail in Form SS-5 with the name-change document attached. Social Security will issue a new card with your new name at no cost. If you have already changed your name with your state ID or driver's license, bring that as your photo ID to make the process faster.

If your card was stolen or you suspect fraud

Request a replacement card right away, but also check your Social Security statement for any earnings you do not recognize. You can view your statement at ssa.gov/myaccount or request one by mail. If someone has used your number to work or claim benefits, Social Security will contact you, but you can also call them at 1-800-772-1213 to report it.

If you see fraudulent activity, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and consider a credit freeze. These steps are separate from replacing your card but can help protect you if someone tries to open accounts in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a replacement card cost?

The first nine replacements in your lifetime are free. The 10th replacement and any after that cost $29 each. You pay in cash or by check at the office, or by check if you mail in your application.

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

Yes, but you cannot use the online system. You must go to an office in person or mail in Form SS-5. You will need to show your visa, work permit, or other immigration document along with your birth certificate and photo ID.

What if I lost my birth certificate too?

Contact the vital records office in the county where you were born to request a certified copy. You can usually do this by mail or online, though it takes one to four weeks depending on the state. Some offices offer rush processing for an extra fee. You cannot get a Social Security card without a birth certificate.

How long does a replacement card take if I apply online?

Online applications through my Social Security account usually take 10 to 14 business days. In-person replacement at an office takes the same day. Mail-in applications take about two weeks, though this can vary by location and how busy the office is.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. Social Security will only give the card to the person whose name is on it. If you cannot go to the office yourself, you will need to use the mail-in option or have someone help you apply online if you have a my Social Security account.