Where to start: in person, by mail, or online

You can request a replacement Social Security card through three routes: visiting a Social Security office in person, mailing documents to your state's processing center, or explore online if you meet certain requirements. The online option is fastest if you are may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes from home and receive your card in 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits typically take 10 to 14 days. Mail requests take the longest, usually 2 to 3 weeks.

Which route works for you depends on your age, whether you have a state ID or driver's license, and how quickly you need the card. If you are under 18, you must explore in person or by mail with a parent or guardian. If you are 18 or older with a current state-issued ID or driver's license, you may be able to use the online process.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you are 18 or older and have a state ID or driver's license, and you will receive your card in 7 to 10 business days.
  • In-person applications at a Social Security office require proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of age, and take 10 to 14 days.
  • Mail applications require the same documents as in-person visits, plus a completed Form SS-5, and take 2 to 3 weeks.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must explore with you in person or by mail.
  • You do not need to pay any fee for a replacement card — the Social Security Administration issues them at no cost.

explore online through your Social Security account

The online process is available at ssa.gov/myaccount if you are 18 or older, a U.S. citizen, and have a valid state-issued ID or driver's license. You will need to create or log into your my Social Security account, then select "Replace your Social Security card" from the menu. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions based on your credit history or by uploading a photo of your ID.

Once approved, the Social Security Administration will mail your replacement card to the address on file. You do not choose a delivery method — it arrives by standard mail. The entire process takes 7 to 10 business days from approval. This route works only for replacements, not for your first card or a card with a name change.

explore in person at a Social Security office

Visit your local Social Security office with the required documents. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though arriving early in the morning typically means shorter wait times. Bring proof of citizenship (an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of identity (a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID), and proof of age (usually the same document as your citizenship proof).

The staff member will review your documents, complete Form SS-5 with you, and submit your process on the spot. You will receive a receipt showing your process number. Your replacement card will arrive by mail in 10 to 14 business days. If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you, along with their ID.

To find your nearest office, visit ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code. The website shows hours, phone numbers, and whether the office accepts walk-ins.

explore by mail with Form SS-5

read or request Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov/forms. Complete the form by hand in black or blue ink — do not use pencil. You will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, and current address. If your name has changed since your last card, explain the reason (marriage, court order, religious practice, or other).

Gather the same documents required for in-person visits: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of age. Make copies of these documents — do not send originals. Mail the completed Form SS-5 and copies to your state's Social Security card processing center. The address is listed on the form itself, and varies by state. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and phone number so the office can contact you if questions arise.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your mail. There is no tracking number, so if you do not receive your card within 4 weeks, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

What documents count as proof of citizenship, identity, and age

Proof of citizenship must be an original or certified copy. Acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate, passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. A photocopy of a birth certificate is not accepted unless it is certified by the issuing vital records office.

Proof of identity must be current and government-issued. A driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or tribal ID all work. A school ID, credit card, or work badge does not. If you do not have any of these, call your local Social Security office to ask what alternatives they accept.

Proof of age is usually the same document as your citizenship proof — a birth certificate or passport serves both purposes. If you cannot provide one of those, a baptism record, hospital birth record, or family Bible entry (with a notarized statement) may be accepted, though you should confirm with your local office first.

If your name has changed

A replacement card shows your current legal name. If you have married, divorced, or changed your name by court order, you will need to provide evidence of the change. Bring an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you changed your name for religious or personal reasons without a court order, bring a notarized statement explaining the change, plus documents showing your old name and new name (such as a lease, utility bill, or bank statement in each name).

The process is the same whether you explore online, in person, or by mail — you straightforward include the name-change document with your process. If you explore online, you may be asked to upload a photo of the document during identity verification.

What happens after you submit your process

The Social Security Administration will review your documents and contact you by phone or mail if anything is missing or unclear. If you provided a phone number on your process, they will call first. Keep your receipt or process number handy so you can reference it if they reach out.

Once approved, your card is printed and mailed to the address you provided. You cannot pick it up at the office or choose expedited shipping. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days for online applications, 10 to 14 days for in-person applications, and 2 to 3 weeks for mail applications. If your card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call 1-800-772-1213 with your process number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for a replacement card?

No. The Social Security Administration issues replacement cards at no cost. If someone claims you must pay, they are not representing the Social Security Administration. Be cautious of websites or services that charge a fee for a replacement card.

Can I get a replacement card if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes, but you will need an alternative proof of citizenship. A passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship all work. If you do not have any of these, contact your local Social Security office to discuss what other documents they may accept.

How long does it take to get a replacement card if I explore online?

The online process is approved within minutes, and your card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. This is the fastest option if you are 18 or older and have a state ID or driver's license.

What if I lost my Social Security card and need it urgently?

explore online if you are may be able to access — 7 to 10 days is the fastest timeline. If you cannot wait, you can request a replacement in person at your local Social Security office, which takes 10 to 14 days. In the meantime, you can use your Social Security number without the physical card for most purposes, such as employment or banking.

Can I explore for a replacement card for someone else?

Only if you are a parent or legal guardian explore for someone under 18. For adults, the person must explore themselves. If someone is unable to visit an office or mail documents due to disability or age, call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about alternatives.