Replacing your Social Security card is free

The Social Security Administration does not charge you to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Social Security card. There is no process fee, no processing fee, and no charge when you pick it up or receive it by mail. The card itself costs nothing.

You do need to bring documents to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency status. Those documents themselves may cost money if you do not already have them — for example, a birth certificate or passport — but the card replacement process itself is always free.

Key Takeaways

  • The Social Security Administration charges no fee to replace a Social Security card, whether you explore in person or by mail.
  • You must bring documents proving your identity and citizenship or legal residency, and obtaining those documents may have a cost.
  • You can explore at your local Social Security office, by mail using Form SS-5, or online at ssa.gov if you have a my Social Security account.
  • Processing time is typically one to two weeks if you explore in person, or two to four weeks if you explore by mail.

What documents you need to bring

The Social Security Administration requires proof of identity and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Identity documents include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. If you do not have one of those, you can bring a combination of other documents — a school ID plus a credit card, for example — but the SSA has a specific list of what combinations work.

For citizenship or legal residency, you can bring a birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or a permanent resident card. If you were born outside the United States, you may need additional documents. The SSA website lists the full requirements by situation, and your local office can tell you exactly what to bring before you go.

If you do not have a birth certificate and need one, your state's vital records office will charge a fee — typically between $15 and $30, depending on the state. A passport costs $130 for an adult book passport and takes several weeks to arrive. These costs are separate from the card replacement itself.

how the process works in person at a Social Security office

Walk into your local Social Security office with your documents and a completed Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card). You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some now ask you to book one online or by phone first. Check your local office's website or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm whether appointments are required in your area.

Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. The staff will review your documents, take your process, and give you a receipt. You will receive your new card by mail within one to two weeks in most cases. There is no charge for this process.

how the process works by mail

You can mail Form SS-5 and copies of your documents to your local Social Security office. You will need to send certified copies of your documents, not originals, because the SSA will not return them. A certified copy of a birth certificate costs $15 to $30 depending on your state; certified copies of other documents vary.

Mail your process to the address on Form SS-5 or find it on the SSA website. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive your new card by mail at the address you provide. Again, there is no fee from the Social Security Administration.

how the process works online if you have a my Social Security account

If you are between 18 and 79 and have a my Social Security account, you can request a replacement card online at ssa.gov without visiting an office or mailing documents. You will need to verify your identity using information from your credit file or by uploading a photo of your ID. This process is free and takes about five minutes.

Your new card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. You cannot use this method if you have changed your name, if your card was stolen (rather than lost), or if you need to correct information on your card. For those situations, you will need to visit an office or mail in Form SS-5.

When you might need to pay for supporting documents

The only costs in a card replacement come from getting the documents you need to prove who you are. If you already have a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate, you have no cost. If you need to obtain one of these documents for the first time, you will pay your state or the federal government for that document.

A state ID card costs between $15 and $50 depending on your state. A U.S. passport book costs $130 for adults and takes four to six weeks. A birth certificate costs $15 to $30. These are one-time costs that you may use for other purposes — opening a bank account, getting a job, traveling — so the expense is not solely for the card replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The Social Security Administration does not issue cards on the spot. If you explore in person, you will receive your card by mail within one to two weeks. If you explore by mail, it takes two to four weeks. Plan ahead if you need the card for a specific important date.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have a birth certificate?

You can use other documents to prove citizenship or residency — a passport, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card. If you do not have any of those, you will need to obtain a birth certificate from your state's vital records office, which charges a fee. Your local Social Security office can tell you which documents will work for your situation.

Do I have to pay if my card was stolen instead of lost?

No, the replacement is still free. However, you cannot use the online method if your card was stolen. You will need to explore in person or by mail using Form SS-5. Some people also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus when a card is stolen, which is a separate free process.

Is there a fee if I need to correct my name on the card?

No. Correcting your name, date of birth, or other information on your card is free. You will need to bring documents proving the correct information — such as a marriage certificate for a name change — but the Social Security Administration charges no fee for the correction.