What you need to do to get a replacement card

You can request a replacement Social Security card by mail or in person at your local Social Security office. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not charge a fee. You will need to show proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current address. The process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail, or you may receive your card the same day if you explore in person at an SSA office.

You do not need to have your original card to request a replacement — the SSA has your information on file. If your card was stolen rather than lost, you should also monitor your credit report and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, though that is a separate step from replacing the card itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore for a replacement card by mail using Form SS-5, or in person at a Social Security office without an appointment.
  • You must bring one form of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and proof of your current address.
  • There is no fee to replace a lost or damaged Social Security card.
  • Replacement cards arrive by mail within 1 to 2 weeks, or the same day if you explore at an SSA office in person.
  • If your card was stolen, check your credit report and consider a fraud alert with the credit bureaus as a separate precaution.

how the process works by mail

read or request Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) from the SSA website at ssa.gov. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, and the reason you need a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged). You do not need to explain how you lost it — straightforward checking the box is enough.

Gather copies of your documents: one form of identity such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID; proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers; and proof of your current address such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail the form and copies to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code.

Do not mail original documents — send copies only. The SSA will not return them. Your replacement card will arrive by mail within 1 to 2 weeks.

how the process works in person at a Social Security office

Visit your local Social Security office with your original documents (not copies). You do not need an appointment. Bring one form of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address. The staff will review your documents, fill out the process with you, and in most cases issue your replacement card the same day.

Find your nearest office on ssa.gov by entering your zip code or city. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some offices have extended hours. Arrive early if possible, as offices can have wait times during peak hours.

What documents count as proof of identity

The SSA accepts a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID as proof of identity. The document must show your name and photograph. If you do not have any of these, the SSA has a list of alternative documents on its website, though they are less common — these include a school ID with a photo, a work ID, or a medical record.

Your document must be current or expired no more than 5 years ago. If your identity document was also lost or stolen, you will need to replace that first before you can replace your Social Security card.

What documents count as proof of citizenship

A U.S. passport is the easiest proof of citizenship because it serves as both citizenship and identity proof. A certified birth certificate (the official copy with the raised seal, not a photocopy) also works. Naturalization papers or a Certificate of Citizenship are accepted if you were born outside the United States.

If you were born in a U.S. territory such as Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, a birth certificate from that territory counts as proof of citizenship. If you do not have any of these documents, you will need to obtain a birth certificate or passport before you can replace your Social Security card.

What documents count as proof of address

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work as proof of address. The document must show your name and current address. A cell phone bill, insurance policy, or government mail such as a tax return also counts.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a letter from your landlord or the bill holder on their letterhead confirming you live at that address. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of address on its own.

What to do if you cannot find your documents

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This process takes 1 to 4 weeks depending on the state. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can explore for one at your state's DMV or the passport office, though this adds time to your overall replacement process.

If you are a non-citizen, you will need your immigration documents such as a green card, visa, or employment authorization document (EAD). If you have lost those as well, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before explore for a Social Security card replacement.

What happens after you submit your process

If you applied by mail, the SSA will process your form and mail your replacement card to the address you provided. You should receive it within 1 to 2 weeks. If you applied in person, you will receive your card the same day in most cases, though the SSA may mail it if there is a delay.

You do not need to do anything else while you wait. You can use your Social Security number for work, banking, and other purposes even without the physical card. If your replacement card does not arrive within 3 weeks of explore by mail, contact your local Social Security office to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my Social Security card if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a valid visa, green card, or employment authorization document (EAD). You will need to bring that document along with your other proof of identity and address. Refugees and asylees can also replace their cards using their immigration documents.

What if my name has changed since I got my original card?

You can replace your card with your new name by bringing a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Fill out Form SS-5 with your new name and bring the name-change document to your Social Security office or include a copy with your mail process.

Do I need to replace my card if it is damaged but still readable?

You can request a replacement if your card is torn, faded, or otherwise damaged. The process is the same — check the "damaged card" box on Form SS-5. A damaged card does not prevent you from using your Social Security number, but a replacement card is useful if you need to show it as identification.

How many replacement cards can I get in a year?

The SSA limits you to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime. This limit exists to prevent fraud. If you have reached your limit, you can request an exception by contacting your local Social Security office and explaining your situation.

What if I lost my card while traveling outside the United States?

You can explore for a replacement by mail once you return home. If you need a replacement urgently while abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate — they can help you understand your options, though you will still need to complete the formal replacement process once you return to the United States.