You can order a replacement card by mail, in person, or online through the Social Security Administration website
The fastest way to get a replacement Social Security card is through the SSA's online ordering system at ssa.gov/myaccount. You create a my Social Security account, verify your identity, and request a replacement card—the SSA mails it to you within 7 to 10 business days. This works if you have a driver's license or state ID card issued after 2013, and if your name hasn't changed since your last card.
If you can't use the online system, you can visit a Social Security office in person or mail an process. In-person visits are fastest if you need the card urgently, though you'll need to bring documents. Mailing takes longer but works if you can't get to an office. All three methods are free—the SSA does not charge a fee for replacement cards.
Key Takeaways
- The online system at ssa.gov/myaccount is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days if you have a recent driver's license or state ID.
- You'll need to prove your identity, citizenship, and age—the documents required depend on which method you choose.
- Visiting a Social Security office in person is faster than mailing but requires an appointment, which you can book online or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.
- If your name has changed since your last card, you must provide a legal document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
- There is no fee to replace a Social Security card, but you may need to pay for certified copies of documents if you don't have originals.
Ordering online through my Social Security
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in or create an account. You'll need an email address and a phone number. The SSA will send you a verification code by text or email to confirm your identity.
Once you're signed in, select "Replacement Social Security Card" from the menu. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and choose where you want the card mailed. You can have it sent to your current address or a different one. The SSA will mail the card within 7 to 10 business days.
This method only works if you have a driver's license or state ID card issued after 2013 and your name matches the name on your Social Security record. If your name has changed, you'll need to use a different method. The online system cannot process name changes, so you must visit an office or mail an process instead.
Visiting a Social Security office in person
Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment, or book one online at ssa.gov by selecting "Schedule an Appointment." You can also walk into your local office without an appointment, but wait times are longer.
Bring your original or certified copy of a document proving your age (birth certificate, passport, or driver's license), a document proving your citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and a document showing your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If your name has changed, bring the legal document that shows the change. The SSA will process your process on the spot and mail the card to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need the card faster, ask the office staff whether they can issue a temporary card or expedite the order. The SSA does not routinely issue temporary cards, but some offices may have options depending on your situation.
Mailing an process
read Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov/forms. Fill it out completely and sign it. Do not sign it before you mail it—the SSA needs your original signature on the form itself.
Include the same documents you would bring to an office: proof of age, proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address. If your name has changed, include the legal document showing the change. Make copies of everything—do not send originals. The SSA will not return your documents, so keep the originals for your records.
Mail the form and copies to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on the SSA website by entering your zip code. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the SSA receives your process, plus mailing time both ways. This is the slowest method, so use it only if you cannot visit an office or use the online system.
What documents you need
| Document Type | What Counts |
|---|---|
| Proof of Age | Birth certificate, passport, driver's license, state ID card, or adoption papers |
| Proof of Citizenship | Birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship |
| Proof of Current Address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 12 months |
| Proof of Name Change (if applicable) | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers |
The SSA accepts certified copies of documents, but not notarized copies. If you don't have an original, you can request a certified copy from the agency that issued it—your state vital records office for a birth certificate, your county clerk for a marriage certificate, or your state DMV for a driver's license. Each state charges a different fee for certified copies, usually between $10 and $25.
Bring or send the documents as originals or certified copies only. The SSA will not accept photocopies, faxes, or notarized copies. If you're mailing your process, make copies for your own records but send certified copies to the SSA.
If your name has changed
You must provide a legal document showing the name change. This includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for a name change, or adoption papers. The document must be an original or certified copy—photocopies will not work.
You cannot use the online system if your name has changed since your last card. You must visit an office in person or mail an process. When you explore, the SSA will update your name in their records and issue a new card with the correct name. The processing time is the same as for any other replacement—7 to 10 business days if you visit in person, or 2 to 3 weeks if you mail the process.
Replacing a lost or stolen card
The process is the same whether your card is lost, stolen, or damaged. You still need to prove your age, citizenship, and current address. The SSA does not require a police report if the card was stolen, though you may want to file one for your own records.
If you're concerned about identity theft because your card was stolen, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling one of them. The bureau you call will notify the other two. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can also freeze your credit to prevent anyone from opening accounts without your permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
Online ordering takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you submit your request. In-person applications also take 7 to 10 business days for mailing. Mailed applications take 2 to 3 weeks from the time the SSA receives them, plus mailing time. The SSA does not issue cards on the spot—they always mail them to you.
Can I get a temporary card while I wait?
The SSA does not issue temporary Social Security cards. However, if you need proof of your Social Security number before the card arrives, you can print a statement from your my Social Security account that shows your number. Some employers and banks will accept this as proof.
What if I don't have a driver's license or state ID?
You can still get a replacement card by visiting an office in person or mailing an process. You'll need to bring or send other documents proving your age, such as a birth certificate or passport. You cannot use the online system without a driver's license or state ID issued after 2013.
Is there a fee to replace a Social Security card?
No, the SSA does not charge a fee for a replacement card. However, you may need to pay to get certified copies of documents if you don't have originals. Your state vital records office charges a fee for certified birth certificates, usually between $10 and $25 depending on the state.
What if the SSA says my documents don't match?
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and ask what documents they need. Sometimes the issue is a small discrepancy in spelling or dates. The SSA can tell you which document to bring or send to clear it up. If you need to correct your Social Security record, you may need to visit an office in person.