What you need to do to get a replacement card

To replace your Social Security card, you submit a form and documents to your local Social Security office or by mail. The process takes about two weeks if you go in person, or three to five weeks by mail. You do not pay a fee. You will need to prove your identity, citizenship or legal residency, and age — Social Security will not issue a card without all three.

The fastest route is to visit a Social Security office in person with the right documents. You fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) on the spot, hand over your documents, and leave. They mail the card to your address within 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot go in person, you can mail the form and documents, but the whole process takes longer because of mail time on both ends.

Key Takeaways

  • You need Form SS-5, proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of age — Social Security will not process your request without all four.
  • Going to a Social Security office in person is faster than mailing: two weeks total versus three to five weeks.
  • You do not need an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead to confirm hours and current wait times saves a trip.
  • If you have changed your name, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the legal change.
  • You can check the status of a mailed process by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, but only after two weeks have passed.

Documents you must bring or send

Social Security requires one document from each of three categories: identity, citizenship or legal residency, and age. If a single document covers two categories — for example, a passport covers both identity and citizenship — you still need documents from all three groups.

For identity, bring an unexpired driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. A school ID, work ID, or library card does not count. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a utility bill and a bank statement, but Social Security prefers a photo ID.

For citizenship or legal residency, bring a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport or naturalization papers, bring your green card or an I-94 arrival/departure record. If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may still be able to get a card if you have a work permit or visa — call your local office to ask what documents they will accept.

For age, bring a birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. A school record or baptism certificate can work if you have nothing else, but Social Security prefers a birth certificate or passport.

Where to go and what to expect

Find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov and using the office locator, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Most offices do not require an appointment — you walk in, take a number, and wait. Wait times vary widely depending on the office and the time of day. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times and hours is worth the five minutes it takes.

Bring all your documents and the completed Form SS-5. You can fill out the form at home before you go, or fill it out in the waiting area. The interview itself takes about 10 minutes. The worker will look at your documents, ask you to sign the form, and tell you when to expect your card in the mail.

If you are replacing a card because yours was lost or stolen, tell the worker. Social Security will note this in your file. If someone else has been using your number, you can also report that during the interview, and the worker will direct you to resources for identity theft.

Mailing your process instead of going in person

If you cannot visit an office, you can mail Form SS-5 and copies of your documents to your local Social Security office. Do not mail original documents — make copies and send those. Write your name and Social Security number on the back of each copy so Social Security can match them to your process.

Mail everything to the address listed on the Social Security website for your local office. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, current phone number, and a brief note saying you are requesting a replacement card. Keep a copy of everything you send.

The mailed process takes three to five weeks total because of mail time on both ends. After two weeks have passed, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether your process arrived and what stage it is in. Do not call before two weeks — the office will not have processed it yet.

If your name has changed

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring proof of the legal change along with your other documents. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change is required. Social Security will not issue a card with a new name without this document.

If you changed your name but do not have the original document, you can request a certified copy from the court that issued it (for a court order), the county clerk (for a marriage certificate or divorce decree), or the vital records office in the state where you were married or divorced. This takes a few weeks and costs money, so plan ahead if you need a replacement card quickly.

Replacing a card that was stolen or lost

If your card was stolen, tell the worker at the Social Security office or mention it in your cover letter if you are mailing. Social Security will flag your account. This does not prevent someone else from using your number, but it creates a record that you reported the theft.

If you think someone has used your Social Security number without permission, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. The FTC will create a report and give you a recovery plan. You can also file a police report in your city or county, which some creditors and banks will want to see. Social Security itself does not investigate identity theft — that is handled by the FTC and law enforcement.

How long the card takes to arrive

If you explore in person, Social Security mails your card within 7 to 10 business days. You should receive it within two weeks. If you mail your process, add mail time on both ends — typically three to five weeks total from the day you mail it.

If more than two weeks have passed since you visited an office, or more than three weeks since you mailed your process, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. The worker can tell you whether your card has been mailed and when it should arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment at the Social Security office?

Most offices do not require an appointment. You can walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait. However, some offices have started using appointment systems, so call ahead or check the office locator on ssa.gov to see if your local office requires one.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport or driver's license to prove your age. If you do not have any of those, bring a school record, baptism certificate, or hospital record. Social Security will accept these if you have nothing else, though they prefer a birth certificate or passport.

Can I get a replacement card if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You may be able to get a card if you have a work permit, visa, or green card. Call your local Social Security office to ask what documents they will accept for your immigration status. The rules vary depending on your visa type and work authorization.

What if my documents are in another language?

Bring the original document and a certified English translation. A certified translation is one done by a professional translator and stamped as accurate. Social Security will not accept a translation you did yourself or one done by a friend.

Can someone else pick up my card for me?

No. Social Security mails the card to the address you provide on the process. You cannot pick it up at the office or have someone else collect it. If you are moving, update your address with Social Security before you explore so the card goes to the right place.