You can get a replacement card by visiting your local Social Security office, ordering by mail, or using the online portal if you meet certain requirements

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers three main routes to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card. The fastest is usually the online option through ssa.gov/myaccount, which takes about 5 to 10 business days and requires no office visit. If you cannot use the online portal, you can request a replacement by mail or in person at your nearest Social Security office — mail takes 7 to 10 business days, and in-person visits are typically processed the same day or within a few days.

You do not pay a fee for a replacement card. The SSA issues up to three replacement cards per year and up to ten in your lifetime, though most people never need more than one or two.

Key Takeaways

  • The online replacement portal at ssa.gov/myaccount is the fastest option if you have a driver's license or state ID and a My Social Security account.
  • If you cannot use the online portal, you can mail Form SS-5 to your local Social Security office or visit in person with proof of identity and citizenship.
  • In-person replacement usually takes a few days; mail requests take 7 to 10 business days; online requests take 5 to 10 business days.
  • You will need to show original or certified documents proving your identity, age, and citizenship — a driver's license alone is not enough.
  • There is no cost for a replacement card, and you can request up to three per year without restriction.

Replacing your card online through My Social Security

The online portal is the simplest route if you have a valid driver's license or state ID and can create a My Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount, sign in or create an account, and select "Replacement Social Security Card" from the menu. You will answer questions about your identity and confirm your mailing address. The SSA will mail your card to the address on file, and it typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days.

You cannot use the online portal if you are under 18, if your name does not match SSA records, if you were born outside the United States and do not have a valid U.S. driver's license or state ID, or if you have changed your name and do not have a court order or marriage certificate on file with the SSA. If any of these explore, use the mail or in-person route instead.

Requesting a replacement by mail

read or request Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, place of birth, and reason for replacement. You will need to include copies of documents proving your identity, age, and citizenship — originals are not required, but certified copies are preferred.

Mail the completed form and copies of your documents to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the SSA receives your process. Keep a record of when you mailed it in case you need to follow up.

What documents you need to bring or send

The SSA requires proof of three things: your identity, your age, and your citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. You do not need all three from one document — you can combine them.

For identity, acceptable documents include a current driver's license, state ID card, passport, or employee ID. A Social Security card alone does not count as identity proof.

For age, use a birth certificate, passport, or baptism record. The document must be an original or certified copy.

For citizenship or lawful presence, use a U.S. birth certificate, passport, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, or a valid visa with an I-94 arrival/departure record. If you were born outside the U.S., you will also need to show proof of a valid immigration status — this is required even if you are a U.S. citizen now.

If you do not have originals, the SSA will accept certified copies from the issuing agency. Photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted. If you cannot locate a document, call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what alternatives the SSA will accept in your situation.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

Walk into your local Social Security office with your completed Form SS-5 and the required documents. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use an online scheduling system — check ssa.gov/locator to see if yours does. Bring originals or certified copies of your identity, age, and citizenship documents.

Processing times vary by location. Some offices issue a replacement card the same day; others take a few business days. Ask the staff member when you can expect your card to arrive in the mail. If you are in a time-sensitive situation — for example, you need the card for a job or to open a bank account — tell the staff member, and they may be able to expedite the process or issue a temporary document.

If your card was stolen or you suspect fraud

If your card was stolen or you think someone is using your Social Security number, request a replacement and then monitor your credit. You can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling one of them — they will notify the others. A fraud alert lasts one year and tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

You can also freeze your credit, which prevents anyone from opening accounts without your permission. Freezes are free and last until you unfreeze them. Contact each credit bureau directly to set one up, or use the website IdentityTheft.gov, which is run by the Federal Trade Commission.

Replacing a card with a name change

If you have changed your name since your card was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means — you will need to show proof of the name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SSA will issue a new card with your current legal name.

If your name change is very recent and the SSA's records have not been updated yet, bring the original or certified copy of the document proving the change. The SSA may need to update your record before issuing the card, which can add a few days to the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Online requests take 5 to 10 business days. Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days from the date the SSA receives your process. In-person visits at a Social Security office usually result in a card within a few days, though some offices can issue one the same day. Times vary by location and how busy the office is.

Can I get a temporary Social Security card while I wait?

The SSA does not issue temporary cards. However, if you need proof of your Social Security number for a job or bank account, you can print a letter from your My Social Security account that shows your number, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask the SSA to mail you a verification letter.

What if I lost my card and do not have a driver's license?

You can still get a replacement by mail or in person. You will need to show other forms of identity, such as a passport, employee ID, or state ID card. If you do not have any of these, call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what documents the SSA will accept in your situation.

Do I need to report my lost or stolen card to anyone besides the SSA?

You do not have to report it to the SSA, but you should monitor your credit and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if you think someone might use your number. Contact the three credit bureaus or visit IdentityTheft.gov to set up protection.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. The SSA mails replacement cards directly to the address on file in your account. If you need to change the mailing address, update it in your My Social Security account or call 1-800-772-1213 before you request the replacement.