Where to start: the Social Security Administration office or online
You can request a replacement Social Security card in two ways: online through the Social Security Administration's website, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online route is faster if you have a state-issued ID and a mailing address on file with the Social Security Administration. If you do not have those, or if you prefer to explore in person, you will need to visit an office.
The online process takes about 15 minutes and you will receive your card by mail within 1 to 2 weeks. In-person applications also take 1 to 2 weeks for delivery, but the appointment itself is usually shorter than the online process because you hand over documents directly instead of uploading them.
You do not need to pay a fee. The Social Security Administration issues replacement cards at no cost.
Key Takeaways
- explore online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you have a state ID and a current mailing address on file with Social Security.
- Visit your local Social Security office in person if you do not have a state ID, have changed your name, or prefer to hand over documents yourself.
- Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy, a state ID or passport, and proof of your current address when you explore in person.
- Your replacement card will arrive by mail within 1 to 2 weeks from either the online or in-person process.
- You can find your nearest Social Security office and check wait times at ssa.gov/locator.
explore online through your Social Security account
To explore online, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in or create an account. You will need an email address, a phone number, and a way to verify your identity — usually a state driver's license or ID card. The Social Security Administration will ask you to take a photo of your ID and answer security questions based on your credit history.
Once you are verified, you will answer questions about your name, date of birth, and why you need a replacement card. You will also confirm your mailing address. The system will tell you when ready whether you can complete the process online or whether you need to visit an office instead.
If you are approved, your card will be mailed to the address you provided. You do not need to do anything else. If the system tells you to visit an office, it means your account needs verification that only happens in person — usually because your identity cannot be fully verified online or because you have had a name change.
explore in person at a Social Security office
Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator by entering your zip code. Many offices now let you schedule an appointment online, which reduces wait time. If your office does not offer online scheduling, you can call the main Social Security number at 1-800-772-1213 to book an appointment or ask about walk-in hours.
Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. If you do not have your birth certificate, bring a passport, a naturalization document, or a military discharge paper instead. You will also need a state-issued photo ID or passport and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.
Hand your documents to the staff member at your appointment. They will review them, take your photo for the card, and tell you when to expect your replacement in the mail. You do not need to fill out a form; the staff member will enter your information into the system.
What to do if you have changed your name
If you have changed your name since your last Social Security card was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason — you will need to explore in person. The online system cannot process name changes. Bring your original birth certificate or certified copy, your state ID or passport, and a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The Social Security Administration will issue a new card with your current legal name. This process takes the same 1 to 2 weeks as a standard replacement.
What to do if you do not have a state ID
If you do not have a state driver's license or ID card, you cannot explore online. You will need to visit your local Social Security office in person. Bring your birth certificate or certified copy, a passport, a military ID, or a naturalization document instead of a state ID. You will also need proof of your current address.
Some people do not have any of these documents. If that is your situation, call 1-800-772-1213 and explain what documents you do have. The Social Security Administration can sometimes accept alternative documents, but you will need to discuss your specific case with a staff member.
Tracking your replacement card after you explore
Once you have applied, the Social Security Administration will mail your card to the address you provided. There is no tracking number or way to check the status online. Cards typically arrive within 1 to 2 weeks, though delivery times can vary by location.
If your card does not arrive within 3 weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 and have your Social Security number ready. A staff member can check whether the card was mailed and help you figure out what happened.
What to do if your card was lost or stolen
If your card was stolen or lost in a way that makes you concerned about identity theft, you can still request a replacement using the same process. However, you may also want to place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to protect yourself. You can do this for free by calling any one of them, and they will notify the others.
A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. A credit freeze blocks creditors from accessing your credit report entirely unless you temporarily lift it. Either option can slow down identity theft, though neither is required to get a replacement card.
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. Whether you explore online or in person, your card will be mailed to you and should arrive within 1 to 2 weeks. If you need proof of your Social Security number before the card arrives, you can print a statement from your ssa.gov account.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can bring a passport, military discharge paper, naturalization document, or adoption record instead. If you do not have any of these, call 1-800-772-1213 before you visit an office to ask what other documents might work in your situation.
Do I need to bring my old card when I explore for a replacement?
No. If you have your old card, you can bring it, but it is not required. The Social Security Administration can issue a replacement based on your identity documents alone.
How much does a replacement card cost?
There is no fee. The Social Security Administration issues replacement cards at no cost to you.
What if I moved and my address is not current with Social Security?
If you explore online, you will confirm your current address as part of the process, and your card will be mailed there. If you explore in person, bring a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. Either way, your address will be updated in the system.