Yes, you can get a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards to anyone whose card is lost, stolen, damaged, or whose name has changed. You do not need to wait for your card to expire—the SSA will replace it at any time. The process is straightforward: you gather a few documents, visit your local Social Security office or explore online, and receive your new card by mail in one to two weeks.

You are limited to three replacement cards per year and ten total in your lifetime, though most people never reach these limits. There is no fee for a replacement card.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a replacement card in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online through my Social Security if you have an account.
  • You will need to bring or submit proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or passport), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease).
  • The SSA processes most replacement requests within one to two weeks and mails the card to your address on file.
  • If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must also submit a document proving the legal name change.
  • You can track the status of your replacement card through my Social Security online or by calling the SSA directly.

What documents you need to bring

The SSA requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of a driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or military ID. A photocopy is not acceptable.

For citizenship, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. Again, photocopies do not work. If you were born outside the United States, a passport is usually the easiest option.

For your current address, bring an original or copy of a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you do not have a current address document, you can use a notarized statement instead, though this takes extra time.

If your name has changed, bring the document that proves it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must be an original or certified copy.

explore in person at a Social Security office

Visit your local Social Security office with your documents and complete Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) on site. You can find your nearest office by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator. Most offices do not require an appointment, but calling ahead to confirm hours is a good idea, especially if you are traveling a distance.

Bring all original documents or certified copies—the SSA will not accept photocopies. The staff will review your documents, take your process, and tell you when to expect your card. Most people receive their replacement card within one to two weeks. If you are explore because your card was stolen, ask the SSA staff whether you should place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

explore by mail

read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, fill it out completely, and mail it with certified copies of your documents to your local Social Security office. You can find the mailing address for your office at ssa.gov/locator. Do not send original documents—always send certified copies, and keep copies for yourself.

Mail your process using a method that provides tracking, such as certified mail or a carrier that requires a signature. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person applications, usually two to three weeks, because the SSA must verify your documents before issuing the card. If the SSA finds a problem with your documents, they will contact you by mail, which adds more time.

explore online through my Social Security

If you have a my Social Security account, you can request a replacement card online without visiting an office or mailing documents. Log in to ssa.gov/myaccount, click "Replacement Social Security Card," and follow the prompts. You will answer questions about your identity and confirm your current address.

Online replacement is available only if you meet certain conditions: you must have a my Social Security account that has been active for at least 30 days, you must be at least 18 years old, you must have a valid state-issued ID or passport on file, and your name cannot have changed since your last card was issued. If your name has changed or you do not meet these requirements, you must explore in person or by mail.

If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one at ssa.gov/myaccount in about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a mobile phone number or email address linked to your bank or credit card account).

What happens after you submit your process

The SSA will review your documents and verify your information with other government agencies. If everything is correct, they will print your new card and mail it to the address you provided. You do not need to do anything else—just wait for it to arrive.

If the SSA finds a problem, they will contact you by phone, mail, or email (depending on how you applied) and ask you to provide more information or corrected documents. This usually happens if a document is unclear, if your name does not match their records, or if your address cannot be verified. Respond as quickly as you can to avoid delays.

You can check the status of your replacement card through my Social Security if you applied online, or by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Have your Social Security number ready when you call.

Special situations: name changes and stolen cards

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must submit a document proving the change along with your replacement request. The SSA will not issue a card with a new name without this proof. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or a court order. The document must be an original or certified copy.

If your card was stolen, report it to the SSA right away by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office. Ask whether you should also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to protect yourself against identity theft. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling any one of the bureaus, and they will notify the other two automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

In-person and online applications usually take one to two weeks. Mail applications take two to three weeks because the SSA must verify your documents before printing the card. If the SSA needs more information from you, add extra time for their request and your response.

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate or passport?

No. The SSA requires original documents or certified copies only. A photocopy will not be accepted. If you do not have a certified copy, you can request one from the agency that issued the document (your state vital records office for a birth certificate, the State Department for a passport, etc.).

What if I do not have a current address document?

You can use a notarized statement instead. Have a notary public sign and stamp a letter stating your current address, then submit it with your other documents. Notaries are available at banks, libraries, and UPS stores, usually for a small fee.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Social Security office?

Most offices do not require an appointment for a replacement card request, but policies vary by location. Call your local office or check ssa.gov/locator to confirm whether appointments are needed before you visit.

Can I get a replacement card if I owe child support or have other legal issues?

The SSA will still issue a replacement card. However, if you owe child support or have other legal debts, the SSA may flag your account. This does not prevent you from getting a new card, but it may affect other benefits or services. Contact your local office if you have concerns about your specific situation.