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, or in some states by mail. You will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current address. The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee for a replacement card.

The process takes about two weeks if you explore in person, or four to six weeks if you mail your documents. You cannot explore online or by phone — you must either go to an office or send documents through the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You need three documents: proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate or passport), and proof of your current address (utility bill or lease).
  • In-person applications at a Social Security office take about two weeks; mail applications take four to six weeks.
  • You can find your local Social Security office and check whether it accepts mail-in applications by visiting ssa.gov or calling 1-800-772-1213.
  • Bring originals or certified copies of your documents — photocopies are not accepted.
  • If you have changed your name, you will also need to bring a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

What documents to bring to the Social Security office

You must bring proof of identity. The Social Security Administration accepts a current driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a school ID, employee ID, or medical record with your photo on it.

You must also bring proof of citizenship or legal residency. An original or certified copy of your birth certificate works. So does a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or immigration documents.

Finally, bring proof of your current address. A recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it will work. The document must be dated within the last 12 months.

Bring originals or certified copies. The Social Security Administration will not accept photocopies or notarized copies. If you do not have a certified copy of your birth certificate, you can order one from your state's vital records office before you go to the Social Security office.

how the process works in person at a Social Security office

Find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. You can also search "Social Security office near me" in a search engine. Many offices now use an online appointment system — you can book a time slot on the website rather than waiting in line.

Bring all three types of documents listed above. Fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) when you arrive, or read and fill it out before you go. The office staff will help you if you have questions.

You will receive a receipt showing your process number. Your replacement card will arrive by mail in about two weeks. If you need the card sooner, ask the office staff whether they can issue a temporary card or speed up the process — some offices can, depending on your situation.

how the process works by mail in states that allow it

Not all states allow mail-in applications. Check the Social Security Administration website or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm whether your state accepts mail applications. If it does, you can send your documents to your local Social Security office.

Fill out Form SS-5 and gather your documents. Make copies of your documents — do not send originals through the mail. Send certified copies instead, or send originals and ask the office to return them to you. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Mail everything to your local Social Security office. You can find the mailing address on ssa.gov/locator. Mail applications take four to six weeks. You will receive your new card by mail.

If you have changed your name

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name, bring a document showing the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change will work. Bring the original or a certified copy.

The Social Security Administration will issue a new card with your new name. This does not change your Social Security number — the number stays the same for your entire life.

What to do if your card was lost or stolen

If your card was lost, you can straightforward explore for a replacement using the steps above. If your card was stolen or you suspect someone is using your number, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to report it. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.

Monitor your credit report for fraudulent accounts. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see accounts you did not open, contact the credit bureau and the company that opened the account.

How long the process takes and what happens next

In-person applications take about two weeks from the date you submit them. Mail applications take four to six weeks. You will receive your new card by mail at the address you provided.

If you need your card for a job or other urgent reason, tell the office staff when you explore. Some offices can issue a temporary card or expedite the process. You will receive a receipt with your process number that you can use as proof of your Social Security number while you wait for the card to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement card the same day?

No. In-person applications take about two weeks, and mail applications take four to six weeks. Some Social Security offices can issue a temporary card or receipt that shows your Social Security number while you wait for the permanent card to arrive. Ask the office staff when you explore.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office. Search "[your state] vital records" online to find the office and the cost. This usually takes one to two weeks. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or immigration documents instead.

Do I need an appointment to go to the Social Security office?

Many offices now require appointments, but some still accept walk-ins. Check ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to see whether your local office requires an appointment. If it does, you can book one online or by phone.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. The Social Security Administration mails the card to the address you provide. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the office. If you need to change the mailing address, contact the Social Security Administration before your card is mailed.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not know my number?

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. They can tell you your number if you provide your name, date of birth, and other identifying information. You can also find your number on tax documents, W-2 forms, or bank statements.