The SS-5 is how you request a Social Security number or replace a lost card
The SS-5 form is the official document you fill out to get a Social Security number for the first time, replace a card you've lost or damaged, or correct information on your existing record. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses it to verify your identity and create or update your account. You can submit it in person at a local Social Security office, by mail, or sometimes online through a limited portal.
Most people encounter this form once — when they're born and their parent applies on their behalf — but you'll need it again if your card goes missing, your name changes legally, or you discover an error in the SSA's records about you. The form itself is straightforward, but what you bring with it matters more than what you write.
Key Takeaways
- The SS-5 form requests a new Social Security number, a replacement card, or a correction to your existing record with the SSA.
- You must bring original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status — the form alone is not enough.
- Processing takes about two weeks by mail and can be faster in person at a Social Security office, though wait times vary by location.
- You can request a replacement card online if you already have a Social Security number and only need a new card due to loss or damage.
What documents you need to bring with the form
The SSA requires proof of three things: your identity, your age, and your citizenship or immigration status. For identity, they accept a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. For age, a birth certificate (original or certified copy) works best, though a hospital record of birth or religious record created before age five is also acceptable. For citizenship or immigration status, a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or immigration document like a green card or visa.
If you're applying on behalf of a child, you'll need to prove your relationship to them — usually a birth certificate showing you as the parent. If you're replacing a card because it was lost or stolen, you don't need to prove anything beyond your identity; the SSA already has your information on file. Bring originals if you have them; if not, certified copies from the issuing agency work. Photocopies alone are not accepted.
How to get the form and where to submit it
You can download the SS-5 from the SSA's website (ssa.gov), pick one up at your local Social Security office, or call 1-800-772-1213 to request it by mail. The form is free. Once you've filled it out and gathered your documents, you have three options: mail everything to the address listed on the form, walk into a Social Security office with your documents and form, or use the online replacement card service if you're only replacing a card and already have a number.
The online option is the fastest for card replacements — you can request one through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, and it will arrive by mail within about two weeks. If you're applying for a number for the first time or correcting information on your record, you must go in person or mail the form. Call ahead to your local office if you plan to visit; many require appointments now, and wait times can be long.
Processing time and what happens after you submit
If you mail your form and documents, expect processing to take about two weeks. If you submit in person at an office, you may get your card faster — sometimes within a week — but this depends on how busy your local office is. The SSA will contact you by phone or mail if they need more information or if there's a problem with your application.
Once approved, your new card will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. If you applied in person, ask the staff member whether you can pick it up at the office instead of waiting for mail delivery. Keep the receipt they give you as proof you've applied; some employers or banks will accept it temporarily while you wait for the physical card.
Correcting errors on your Social Security record
If you discover the SSA has your name spelled wrong, your birth date incorrect, or your citizenship status listed incorrectly, you can use the SS-5 to request a correction. You'll need to bring documents that prove what the correct information should be — for example, an amended birth certificate if your name changed, or an immigration document if your status was recorded wrong.
Errors on your record can affect your taxes, your benefits later, or your ability to work, so it's worth fixing them as soon as you notice. The SSA doesn't charge a fee to correct mistakes they made. If you're unsure whether something on your record is wrong, you can request a replacement Social Security Statement (now called a "my Social Security" account online) to review what they have on file before you file the form.
Replacing a card due to loss, theft, or damage
If your card is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you can request a replacement without explaining what happened. You're limited to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime, but most people never hit these limits. The fastest way is the online replacement service if you have a my Social Security account — you'll need to verify your identity with a few security questions, and the card ships within two weeks.
If you can't use the online service or prefer to apply in person or by mail, fill out the SS-5 and bring proof of identity. You don't need to bring proof of age or citizenship again; the SSA already has that information. There's no fee for a replacement card, and you don't need to report the loss to anyone except the SSA.
Getting a Social Security number for a newborn or immigrant
If you're a parent applying for your newborn's first Social Security number, you can do this at the hospital when your child is born in most states, or file the SS-5 afterward. You'll need the baby's birth certificate and proof of your identity and relationship. The SSA will mail the card to your home address.
If you're an immigrant applying for your first Social Security number, you'll need to visit a Social Security office in person with your passport or visa, proof of age (birth certificate or passport), and proof of your immigration status (green card, work visa, or other immigration document). The SSA does not issue numbers to people without work authorization, though the rules vary depending on your visa type. Call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm what documents you need before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Social Security number online?
You cannot apply for a new number online, but you can request a replacement card online if you already have a number and a my Social Security account. For a first-time number, you must apply in person at a Social Security office or by mail with the SS-5 form and required documents.
How long does it take to get a Social Security card in the mail?
Standard processing takes about two weeks from the date the SSA receives your form and documents. If you submit in person at an office, some locations can issue a card faster, though this varies. You can ask staff when you visit whether expedited processing is available.
What if I don't have an original birth certificate?
A certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born is acceptable. You can request one by contacting that office directly — search online for "[your state] vital records" or "[your country] birth certificate" to find the right agency and their process.
Do I need an appointment at the Social Security office?
Many offices now require appointments, though some still accept walk-ins. Call your local office at 1-800-772-1213 or check ssa.gov to see the policy at your location. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait.
What if the SSA denies my application?
The SSA will contact you by mail explaining why. Common reasons include missing or unclear documents, identity verification issues, or immigration status problems. You can reapply with corrected documents or call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss what went wrong and what to bring next time.