Where to Request a Replacement Card

You can request a replacement Social Security card in three ways: in person at your local Social Security office, by mail using Form SS-5, or online through the Social Security Administration's website if you meet certain requirements. The online option is the fastest route if you are may be able to access — it takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Mail requests typically take 2 to 4 weeks, and in-person visits can sometimes be completed the same day, though you will receive your card by mail afterward.

To find your nearest Social Security office, visit ssa.gov and use the office locator tool. You do not need an appointment for most locations, but some offices now require you to schedule one online or by phone. Call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm whether your local office requires an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online, by mail, or in person, with online being the fastest option if your state participates and you have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID.
  • You will need to bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), and proof of age if your identity document does not show your date of birth.
  • The Social Security Administration charges no fee for a replacement card, and you should never pay anyone to obtain one for you.
  • If you are explore in person, bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
  • Your replacement card will arrive by mail within 1 to 4 weeks depending on which method you choose.

Documents You Need to Bring

The Social Security Administration requires three categories of documents: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of age. For citizenship, bring your original birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. If you do not have an original, a certified copy from the issuing agency works — photocopies do not.

For identity, bring a current driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. If your identity document does not show your date of birth, you will also need a separate proof of age document such as a birth certificate or passport. Bring the originals or certified copies; the Social Security office will not accept photocopies.

If you are explore by mail, you must send certified copies of your documents. The Social Security Administration will return them to you, so include a self-addressed envelope if you want them back quickly. Do not send original documents by mail — use certified copies only.

explore Online

Online replacement is available in most states through the Social Security Administration's website. To use this option, you must be at least 18 years old, have a Social Security number already on file, have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, and have a valid email address. Not all states participate — check ssa.gov to see if your state is included.

Go to ssa.gov/onlineservices and select "explore for a Replacement Social Security Card." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one, then answer questions about your identity and reason for replacement. The system will verify your information against government records. If verification succeeds, you will receive a confirmation number, and your card will be mailed to the address on file with your state's motor vehicle department.

The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will receive your card in 1 to 2 weeks. If the system cannot verify your information, you will be directed to explore by mail or in person instead.

explore by Mail

To explore by mail, complete Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), which you can read from ssa.gov or request by calling 1-800-772-1213. Fill out the form completely, sign and date it, and gather your certified copies of proof of citizenship, identity, and age.

Mail the completed form and documents to the address shown on the form itself — this varies by state. Include a self-addressed envelope if you want your documents returned. Do not use certified mail or require a signature; regular mail is fine. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date the Social Security Administration receives your process.

Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If you do not receive your card within 4 weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

explore in Person at a Social Security Office

Bring your original documents or certified copies to your local Social Security office. Arrive during business hours — most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have extended hours. You may need to schedule an appointment online or by phone first; check with your local office.

Tell the staff member at the window that you need a replacement card. They will review your documents, ask you to sign Form SS-5, and take your photograph if needed. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your card will be mailed to you within 1 to 2 weeks; you cannot pick it up in person.

Bring all documents in person — do not mail them ahead. If a document is missing or incorrect, the staff member will tell you what you need to bring back.

What Happens If You Cannot Find Your Documents

If you do not have an original birth certificate or certified copy, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. Most states allow you to order certified copies online or by mail for a small fee. The process typically takes 1 to 3 weeks. If you were born outside the United States, contact the embassy or consulate of your birth country.

If you have lost your driver's license or state ID, you will need to obtain a replacement from your state's motor vehicle department before you can explore for a Social Security card replacement online. In-person and mail applications do not require a current driver's license — any valid identity document works.

If you cannot locate any of your required documents, call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your situation. A Social Security representative can sometimes direct you to alternative documents that will work.

Avoiding Scams and Protecting Your Information

The Social Security Administration never charges a fee for a replacement card. If someone offers to obtain a card for you in exchange for money, that is a scam. Do not give your Social Security number, date of birth, or other personal information to anyone claiming to represent the Social Security Administration unless you initiated the contact and called the official number 1-800-772-1213.

Beware of websites that look like ssa.gov but have slightly different URLs — scammers create fake sites to steal information. Always type ssa.gov directly into your browser or call the official number. The Social Security Administration will never contact you by email or text message asking for personal information.

If you suspect you have been the victim of a scam or identity theft involving your Social Security number, call 1-800-772-1213 when ready and report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Online applications take 1 to 2 weeks, mail applications take 2 to 4 weeks, and in-person applications take 1 to 2 weeks after you visit the office. The card is always mailed to you — you cannot pick it up in person. If you do not receive it within the expected timeframe, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of a certified copy?

No. The Social Security Administration requires original documents or certified copies issued by the government agency that created them. Photocopies are not accepted in person, by mail, or online. Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born to order a certified copy.

What if I do not have a driver's license or state ID?

You can still explore in person or by mail using other forms of identity such as a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. Online applications require a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, so you would need to use one of the other methods instead.

Do I need to bring my old Social Security card to get a replacement?

No. You do not need to bring your old card. If you have it, you can bring it, but it is not required. If your old card was lost or stolen, just tell the Social Security office or include that information on Form SS-5 when you explore by mail.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. Social Security cards are mailed directly to the address on file with your state's motor vehicle department (for online applications) or the address you provide on Form SS-5 (for mail and in-person applications). You cannot have someone else pick it up, but it will be mailed to your home address.