You can get a new Social Security card from your local Social Security office, by mail, or online if you meet certain conditions

The fastest way depends on what you need the card for and whether you have the documents ready. If you lost your card, need a name change reflected, or simply need a duplicate, the Social Security Administration (SSA) handles all three through the same process. You do not pay a fee — replacement cards are free.

The three main routes are walking into a local office (usually fastest for in-person service), requesting one by mail (takes longer but requires no trip), or applying online through ssa.gov if you have a verified account and meet may be able to access rules. Which one works for you depends on your situation and how quickly you need the card.

Key Takeaways

  • You can apply in person at any Social Security office, by mail, or online through ssa.gov if you have a verified account and are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • You will need proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of your current legal name if it has changed.
  • In-person applications usually take one to two weeks; mail applications take three to four weeks; online applications take five to seven business days.
  • You can find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213.
  • If you need the card urgently for employment, ask the office whether they can issue a temporary document while your card is being processed.

Applying in person at a Social Security office

Walking into your local Social Security office is usually the fastest route if you have your documents ready. Bring your original or certified copy of proof of identity (a driver's license, U.S. passport, state ID, or military ID), proof of citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), and proof of your current legal name if it differs from your birth name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary widely. Some offices have short lines in the morning; others have waits of an hour or more. Call ahead or check ssa.gov/locator to find your nearest office and ask about typical wait times. Bring all documents in originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

Once you submit your application in person, the SSA typically mails your new card within one to two weeks. You will receive it at the address you provide on the form. If you need the card for a job starting soon, ask the office staff whether they can issue a temporary document or letter stating your Social Security number while you wait for the physical card.

Requesting a card by mail

If you cannot visit an office or prefer not to, you can request a replacement card by mail. Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, fill it out completely, and mail it with certified copies of your identity documents and citizenship proof to your local Social Security office. Do not send originals — the SSA will not return them.

Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number so the office can match your documents to your account. Mail everything to the address listed on the form for your state. Processing takes three to four weeks from the time the office receives your envelope, plus mail transit time both ways.

This route works well if you are not in a rush or live far from an office, but it carries more risk: if a document is unclear or missing, the SSA will mail it back and you will lose another week or two. Double-check that all documents are legible and that you have included everything the form requires before you send it.

Applying online through ssa.gov

The SSA allows online applications for replacement cards if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a verified my Social Security account, and meet a few other conditions. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid state-issued ID or passport, and have a Social Security number already on file.

To start, log into or create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Verify your identity using the online verification process (usually involving questions about your credit history or other personal details). Once verified, you can apply for a replacement card directly through your account. You will upload images of your identity document and citizenship proof.

Online applications are processed within five to seven business days, and your card is mailed to the address on file. This is faster than mail and avoids a trip to the office, but it only works if you already have a Social Security number and can pass the identity verification step. If verification fails, you will need to apply in person or by mail instead.

Documents you will need

The SSA requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of your current legal name if it has changed since your last card.

For identity, bring an original or certified copy of a driver's license, U.S. passport, state ID, military ID, or (in some cases) a school ID or employee ID. For citizenship, bring a birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers.

If you do not have a birth certificate, the SSA accepts other documents like a hospital birth record, baptism record, or census record. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your immigration documents — a green card, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or I-94 arrival/departure record. Ask your local office which documents they accept in your specific situation; rules can vary slightly by state.

What to do if you do not have all your documents

If you are missing a birth certificate or citizenship document, you can still move forward — it just takes longer. Contact your state's vital records office to order a certified birth certificate (search "vital records" plus your state name online). This usually takes one to three weeks and costs between $10 and $30.

If you are an immigrant without a birth certificate from your home country, bring whatever documents you do have to your local Social Security office and ask which alternatives they will accept. Many offices work with secondary documents like school records, medical records, or affidavits from family members. Bring what you have; the office staff can tell you whether it is enough or what else you need.

Do not delay applying because you think a document is not good enough. The worst that happens is the SSA asks for something else. It is faster to apply with what you have and get feedback than to guess what might be needed.

Replacing a card that was lost, stolen, or damaged

The process is the same whether your card is lost, stolen, or damaged — you fill out the same form and bring the same documents. You do not need to report a lost card to the SSA separately, though if you believe it was stolen or used fraudulently, you should also contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov to file a report and protect your credit.

If your card is damaged but still readable, you can still apply for a replacement. Bring the damaged card with you if applying in person, or include a photo of it if applying by mail. The SSA will destroy the old card and issue a new one with the same number.

Getting a card with a name change

If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you can get a new card reflecting your current name. Bring your original or certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your identity and citizenship documents. The new card will have the same Social Security number but your updated name.

This is important for employment records and tax filing. If you change your name but do not update your Social Security card, your employer's records may not match your tax return, which can cause problems when you file. Apply for the new card as soon as your name change is official.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Social Security card?

In-person applications take one to two weeks. Mail applications take three to four weeks from when the office receives your envelope, plus mail time. Online applications take five to seven business days. These are estimates; actual times vary by office and how busy they are.

Can I get a temporary card while I wait?

The SSA does not issue temporary cards, but some offices will give you a letter on official letterhead stating your Social Security number. This letter can sometimes be used for employment or banking while you wait for the physical card. Ask the office staff whether they offer this when you apply.

What if I need the card for a job that starts before it arrives?

Tell your employer that you have applied for a replacement card and provide them with your Social Security number and the letter from the SSA office if available. Most employers can start your paperwork with your number and the letter. Once your card arrives, you can show it to complete your employment file.

Do I need to replace my card if my name changed but I want to keep using my old name?

No. Your Social Security card does not have to match your legal name. However, your Social Security record must match your name on tax returns and employment documents. If your legal name changed but you use a different name professionally, talk to your employer and tax preparer about how to handle it — you may not need a new card.

What if I lost my card outside the United States?

You can still apply by mail or online once you return home. If you are abroad and need proof of your Social Security number urgently, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate — they may be able to help you get a letter from the SSA confirming your number.