Where to send your updated information

You update your Social Security card through the Social Security Administration (SSA), not through your state or any other agency. The SSA issues the card and maintains the record attached to your number, so they are the only body that can change what appears on it.

You have three ways to start the process: visit a local Social Security office in person, mail documents to the SSA, or in some cases use their online portal. Which route works depends on what you are changing and whether you have a recent identity document to prove it.

The fastest route is usually your local Social Security office. You can find the address and hours at ssa.gov/locator, or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm what documents to bring before you go. Walk-in service exists at most offices, but wait times vary widely — some offices take appointments only.

Key Takeaways

  • The Social Security Administration is the only body that can update your card; you cannot change it through your state or employer.
  • You need proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of the change you are making (a birth certificate for a name change, a marriage certificate, a court order, or a medical document).
  • Visiting a local Social Security office in person is usually faster than mailing, and you can confirm what documents to bring by calling 1-800-772-1213 beforehand.
  • The SSA will not charge you for a replacement card, but they may ask for a small fee if you request multiple replacements in a short time.
  • Your new card arrives by mail within two to four weeks; you cannot pick it up at the office.

What documents you need to bring

The SSA requires two categories of documents: proof of who you are, and proof of what changed. You cannot update your card without both.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a current driver's license, a state ID card, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a tribal ID. The document must not be expired, or must have expired no more than five years ago. If you do not have any of these, call the SSA before you go — they accept other documents in limited cases, but you need to know what they will take.

For proof of the change itself, what you bring depends on why you are updating. A name change requires a birth certificate, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order. A change of address requires no extra document — you can update your address at the office with just your identity proof. A correction to your birth date or place requires a birth certificate or passport. If you are updating because of a legal name change through the courts, bring the court order.

Bring originals or certified copies. The SSA will not accept photocopies or notarized copies for most documents. If you do not have the original, ask the issuing agency (your state vital records office for a birth certificate, your county clerk for a marriage certificate) how to get a certified copy. This usually costs between $10 and $25 and takes one to three weeks.

Updating by mail

You can mail your documents to the SSA if you prefer not to visit an office. This route takes longer — typically four to six weeks from the day the SSA receives your envelope — but it works if you live far from an office or have limited mobility.

Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov/forms. Fill out the form completely, including your current name, your Social Security number, and the change you want made. Sign and date it. Make copies of your identity document and your proof of change (both sides of your ID, both sides of your marriage certificate, the full birth certificate, etc.). Do not send originals.

Mail the completed form and copies to the Social Security office that serves your area. Find the correct address on ssa.gov/locator. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the SSA received it. The SSA will contact you if they need anything else, so include a phone number and email address where they can reach you.

Online updates through my Social Security

The SSA's online portal, my Social Security, lets you change your address without visiting an office or mailing documents. You cannot change your name, date of birth, or other identity information online — those changes require an in-person visit or mailed documents.

To use my Social Security, create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a mobile phone number or a credit card). Once you are logged in, you can update your mailing address under "Profile Settings." The change takes effect immediately in the SSA's system, though your card itself does not change — address updates do not trigger a new card.

How long the process takes

If you visit an office in person, the SSA usually processes your request the same day and mails your new card within two to four weeks. You will receive a receipt showing your application was accepted; keep this receipt until your new card arrives.

If you mail your documents, add one to two weeks for postal delivery each way, plus four to six weeks for the SSA to process. Total time is usually six to ten weeks.

If you update your address online through my Social Security, the change is instant in their system, but no new card is issued — your existing card remains valid.

What happens if your card is lost or stolen

If your card is lost or stolen, report it to the SSA as soon as you notice. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. You do not need to file a police report first, though you can if you want a record.

The SSA will issue a replacement card at no charge. You follow the same process as any other card update — bring your identity proof and fill out Form SS-5. The new card will have the same number as your old one, so your Social Security number does not change.

If you are concerned about identity theft (for example, if your card was stolen along with other documents), contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Corrections to information on your existing card

If your card has a typo or error — your name is spelled wrong, your birth date is incorrect, or your number is wrong — the SSA corrects it for free. Bring your identity proof and proof of the correct information (a birth certificate for a birth date error, a marriage certificate if your name changed and the card reflects an old version, etc.).

An error on your card is different from a legal name change. If you legally changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you are updating the card to reflect a real change in your identity. If your card says "Jon" and your name is actually "John," that is a correction of an error. The SSA treats both the same way — you bring proof and they issue a new card — but it helps to be clear about which one you are reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement card the same day I apply?

No. The SSA issues a receipt when you apply, but the actual card is printed and mailed to you, which takes two to four weeks. You cannot pick it up at the office or have it expedited. If you need proof of your Social Security number before the card arrives, the receipt serves that purpose for most employers and banks.

What if I changed my name but do not have a marriage certificate?

If you were married outside the United States, or if your marriage certificate is lost, contact your county clerk or the vital records office in the state or country where you were married. They can issue a certified copy, usually for $10 to $25. If you legally changed your name through a court order (not marriage), bring the court order instead. If you cannot get any of these documents, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to ask what alternatives they accept.

Do I need to update my Social Security card if I moved?

Your card itself does not change when you move — your Social Security number stays the same and the card remains valid. You should update your address in the SSA's records through my Social Security or by visiting an office, so mail reaches you and your records are current. But you do not need a new card just because your address changed.

What if the SSA says my documents are not acceptable?

If the SSA rejects your documents, they will tell you in writing what is missing or what they need instead. Common reasons include a document that is expired, a photocopy instead of a certified copy, or a document that does not clearly show the change you are claiming. Contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to ask what specific documents they will accept for your situation, then gather those and reapply.

Can someone else update my card for me?

No. You must apply in person or by mail yourself. If you are unable to visit an office due to age or disability, you can mail your documents, or a representative payee or legal guardian can apply on your behalf if they have power of attorney or guardianship papers. Call the SSA first to confirm what documents they need from you.