What you need to do to get a replacement card

You can get a replacement Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office in person, by mail, or through an online request if you meet certain conditions. The fastest way is usually in person — you walk in with documents, and the office processes your request on the spot. By mail takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office. Online requests are available to U.S. citizens age 18 and older who have a state-issued ID or driver's license and a Social Security number already on file.

The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee for a replacement card, no matter which method you use. You will receive your new card in the mail within 1 to 2 weeks if you explore in person, or 3 to 4 weeks if you mail in your request. Online requests typically arrive within the same timeframe as in-person applications.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore in person at a Social Security office, by mail, or online if you are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older with a state ID.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a state-issued ID or driver's license, and proof of your current address.
  • In-person applications are processed when ready, and your card arrives within 1 to 2 weeks.
  • There is no fee for a replacement card, and you do not need to prove why you need a new one.
  • If you cannot visit an office, you can mail Form SS-5 with copies of your documents, though this takes longer.

explore in person at a Social Security office

Bring three documents: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a state-issued ID or driver's license, and proof of your current address. The proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 12 months. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Find your nearest Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov and using the office locator, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now require one. Check the office's page on ssa.gov to see whether appointments are required in your area. Walk-ins are still accepted at many locations, but wait times can be long.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the representative you need a replacement card. Hand over your documents. The office will fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) for you, and you will sign it. Your new card will be mailed to the address on your ID within 1 to 2 weeks.

explore by mail

read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request it by mail. Fill out the form completely — print it and sign it by hand. Do not sign it before mailing; the Social Security Administration needs your signature on the form itself.

Make copies of your documents: an original or certified birth certificate, a state-issued ID or driver's license, and proof of your current address. Do not send originals — send copies only. If your name has changed, include a copy of the document showing the change.

Mail the completed form and copies to the address listed on the form itself, which varies by region. The Social Security Administration will process your request and mail your new card to you within 3 to 4 weeks. If you want to track your process, call 1-800-772-1213 after two weeks and provide your Social Security number.

explore online

You can create a my Social Security account and request a replacement card online if you are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older, have a state-issued ID or driver's license, and already have a Social Security number on file. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will need to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo of your ID.

Once your account is set up, log in and select "Replacement Social Security Card" from the menu. Answer the questions about why you need a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged) and confirm your mailing address. Submit your request. Your card will arrive within 1 to 2 weeks.

Online requests are not available if you are under 18, not a U.S. citizen, or do not have a state ID or driver's license. In those cases, explore in person or by mail instead.

What happens if your card is lost or stolen

If your card is lost or stolen, you do not need to report it to the Social Security Administration before requesting a replacement. straightforward explore using one of the three methods above. The Social Security Administration will issue you a new card with the same number.

If you are concerned about identity theft — for example, if your wallet was stolen along with other documents — you may want to place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This is separate from replacing your Social Security card, but it can help protect you if someone tries to open accounts in your name. Contact the bureaus directly through their websites or by phone.

If you have a name change

Bring or mail a certified copy of the document showing your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The Social Security Administration will update your name in their records and issue a new card with your current name and the same Social Security number.

If you have changed your name multiple times, bring copies of all the documents showing each change in order. The Social Security Administration needs to see the chain of changes to update your record correctly.

If you are not a U.S. citizen

You can get a replacement card if you have a valid visa or work permit and already have a Social Security number. explore in person at a Social Security office or by mail using Form SS-5. You will need to bring or mail your birth certificate, a state-issued ID or passport, proof of your current address, and your visa or work permit.

If you do not have a state-issued ID, bring a passport instead. If you do not have a birth certificate, the Social Security Administration will accept other documents showing your age and identity — ask the office what documents they will accept before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

In-person applications take 1 to 2 weeks. Mail applications take 3 to 4 weeks. Online requests take about the same time as in-person applications. The card is mailed to the address on your ID, so delivery time depends on your location.

Do I need to explain why I need a replacement card?

No. The Social Security Administration does not require you to prove that your card was lost, stolen, or damaged. You can request a replacement for any reason. straightforward tell the representative or check the box on the form that matches your situation.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy. If you cannot get a birth certificate, the Social Security Administration will accept other documents showing your age and identity — such as a passport, adoption papers, or hospital records. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask which documents your local office will accept.

Can I get a replacement card if I am under 18?

Yes, but you must explore in person or by mail. Online requests are only available to people age 18 and older. A parent or guardian can explore on your behalf by visiting a Social Security office with your documents and theirs.

What if my address has changed since I got my last card?

Bring or mail proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 12 months. The Social Security Administration will update your address in their records and mail your new card to the address you provide.