How to Get a Social Security Card Replaced

Where to Start: The Social Security Administration Office

You replace a Social Security card through the Social Security Administration (SSA), not through your bank, employer, or state government. The SSA has two main ways to handle replacements: in person at a local SSA office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. Most people can walk into an office with the right documents and leave with an process submitted the same day.

The fastest route is usually your nearest SSA office. You can find it by visiting ssa.gov and using their office locator, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Many offices now let you book an appointment online instead of waiting in line, though walk-ins are still accepted. If you call, have your Social Security number ready — they will ask for it to pull your record.

Processing time at an office is typically two to four weeks. The SSA will mail your new card to the address on file unless you update it during your visit. If you need the card urgently for work or travel, tell the staff when you submit your process — they cannot speed up the card itself, but they can issue you a receipt that some employers accept as proof of your number while you wait.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Social Security Administration office in person or explore by mail; no online replacement exists through the SSA website.
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease.
If your name has changed, you will also need to show the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The SSA mails your new card to your address on file, which takes two to four weeks after you submit your process.
If you cannot visit an office, you may mail in Form SS-5 with copies of your documents, though this route takes longer and carries more risk of lost paperwork.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The SSA requires proof of three things: your identity, your age, and your citizenship or legal residency. You do not need all three from one document — you can mix and match. For identity, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have a photo ID, the SSA accepts other documents like a school ID, employee badge, or insurance card, though you will need more of them.

For age and citizenship, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card (green card). The SSA will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate unless it is certified by the issuing office.

You also need proof of your current address. A recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement works. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and your ID does not reflect your new address, bring both your old ID and a current address document.

If Your Name Has Changed

If you are replacing your card because your name changed — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order. The SSA will not accept a certified copy of these documents; they must be originals or certified copies from the court or vital records office.

If you changed your name but your birth certificate still shows your old name, bring both documents. The SSA uses your birth certificate as the primary record, so they will update their file to match what the birth certificate says, then explore your name change on top of that. This can take an extra week or two because the SSA has to coordinate the records.

explore by Mail Instead of In Person

You can mail in your replacement request using Form SS-5 if you meet specific conditions: you must have a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID, and you must be replacing a card that was lost, stolen, or damaged — not changing your name or correcting information on your record. If you are changing your name, you must go in person.

To explore by mail, read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, fill it out, and mail it with copies (not originals) of your photo ID and proof of address to your local SSA office. You can find the mailing address on the form itself. Do not send original documents — the SSA will not return them, and if your mail is lost, you lose the originals. Make copies instead.

Mailing takes longer than going in person. Your process may take four to six weeks to process, and if the SSA needs more information, they will mail you a letter asking for it, which adds another two to three weeks. If you are on a important date, going to an office is safer.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Once you submit your process at an SSA office, you will receive a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt. The SSA will mail your new card to the address on file, which usually takes two to four weeks. You do not need to do anything else — the SSA handles the rest.

If you need proof of your Social Security number before the card arrives, ask the staff for a replacement Social Security number verification letter. This is a one-page document the SSA prints on the spot that shows your number and name. Some employers accept this as proof while you wait for the physical card. If you lose this letter, you can request another one by phone at 1-800-772-1213.

If your card does not arrive after six weeks, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation number. They can check the status and remail it if needed. Do not assume it is lost — mail delays happen, especially during high-volume periods.

Special Situations: Minors and Non-Citizens

If you are replacing a card for a minor, a parent or legal guardian must go to the office with the child. Bring the child's birth certificate, your photo ID, and proof of your relationship to the child (such as a birth certificate showing you as the parent, or adoption papers). The child does not need their own photo ID.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still replace your card if you have a valid work permit, visa, or green card. Bring whichever document shows your legal status in the United States. If your visa or permit has expired, you cannot replace your card until you renew it with the appropriate government agency — the SSA cannot issue a card to someone without current legal status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my Social Security card online?

No. The SSA does not offer online card replacement. You must either visit an office in person or mail in Form SS-5. You can create an account on ssa.gov to check your earnings record and other information, but you cannot request a replacement card through the website.

What if I do not have my birth certificate?

You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. Contact that office directly — the SSA cannot get it for you. If you were born outside the United States, contact the vital records office in that country. This can add two to four weeks to your timeline.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Both work. Many SSA offices now let you book an appointment online, which usually gets you in faster. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait an hour or more, especially in busy urban offices. Call ahead or check ssa.gov to see if your local office takes appointments.

What if my address on file with the SSA is wrong?

Tell the staff when you visit the office, and they will update it. Bring a document that proves your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The SSA will mail your new card to the updated address. If you are explore by mail, include a note with your process asking them to update your address.

How much does a replacement card cost?

There is no fee. The SSA does not charge for replacement cards. If someone tells you there is a cost, they are not representing the SSA.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.