Where to start: in person, by mail, or online

You can request a replacement Social Security card through three routes: visiting a Social Security office in person, mailing documents to your state's processing center, or using the online portal if you have a my Social Security account. The online route is fastest if you're may be able to access — you can request a card without leaving home and receive it by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The in-person route takes about the same time but lets you ask questions on the spot. Mailing documents is slowest, typically taking 2 to 4 weeks, but works if you can't visit an office or don't have internet access.

Which route you can use depends on your age and citizenship status. U.S. citizens age 18 and older can use the online portal. Anyone can visit an office or mail documents, but you'll need to prove your identity and citizenship either way.

Key Takeaways

  • The online portal at ssa.gov is the fastest option if you're a U.S. citizen age 18 or older with a my Social Security account, and your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You must prove your identity with a driver's license, passport, or state ID, and prove citizenship with a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers.
  • Visit your local Social Security office without an appointment, or find the mailing address for your state on ssa.gov if you prefer to send documents by mail.
  • If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Social Security cards are always free; never pay a fee or use a third-party service to request one.

What documents you need to bring or send

You must prove two things: who you are and that you're a U.S. citizen or authorized immigrant. For identity, bring one document from this list: a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. A school ID, library card, or credit card will not work on its own.

For citizenship or immigration status, bring one of these: a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card (green card), or Employment Authorization Document. If you were born outside the U.S., your birth certificate must be from the vital records office in the country or state where you were born — a photocopy of a birth certificate is not acceptable.

If your name has changed since your last card was issued, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. Bring the original or a certified copy — a photocopy usually won't work.

explore online through my Social Security

Go to ssa.gov and click "Create my Social Security account" if you don't have one. You'll need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a credit report or answers to security questions based on your financial history. Once your account is set up, sign in and look for the "Replacement Social Security Card" option under "Benefits and Services."

The online form asks for your current name, date of birth, and the reason you need a replacement. You'll confirm your identity a second time before you submit. Social Security will mail your new card to the address on file — you don't need to upload documents. The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

You can only use the online portal if you're a U.S. citizen age 18 or older. If you're under 18, a non-citizen, or you've changed your name and don't have a document showing the change, you'll need to visit an office or mail your documents instead.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Walk in during business hours — you don't need an appointment. Bring your identity document and citizenship document, plus any name-change paperwork if it applies to you. The staff will review your documents, take your process, and tell you when your card will arrive.

Processing time is usually 1 to 2 weeks from the day you explore. If you're in a hurry, ask the staff whether your office offers expedited service — some do, though it depends on your location and reason for replacement. Bring all original documents; don't send copies ahead of time.

Mailing your documents to Social Security

Find your state's mailing address on ssa.gov under "Mailing Your process." Make a copy of your identity document and citizenship document — the originals should stay with you. Include a note with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Put everything in an envelope and send it by regular mail or certified mail (certified mail gives you proof of delivery).

Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks after Social Security receives your envelope. If you use certified mail, you'll know when it arrived. If you use regular mail and don't hear back after 4 weeks, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Keep a copy of what you sent in case you need to follow up.

What happens if your documents don't meet the requirements

If your birth certificate is a photocopy, a certified copy from the vital records office, or a document that's more than 10 years old, Social Security may ask for a new one. If your identity document is expired, it may still work — call 1-800-772-1213 before you visit an office to confirm. If you've changed your name and don't have a marriage certificate or court order, you'll need to get one from the courthouse or vital records office before you can explore.

If Social Security rejects your documents, they'll tell you what's missing and give you a chance to send the right ones. This adds time to your request, so double-check everything before you submit.

Replacing a card that was lost, stolen, or damaged

The process is the same whether your card was lost, stolen, or damaged — you bring the same documents and fill out the same form. If your card was stolen and you're worried about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling 1-888-397-3742. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

You can request up to three replacement cards in a year and nine in a lifetime. If you've already used up your replacements, Social Security will tell you and explain what to do next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement card the same day I explore?

No. Social Security does not issue cards on the spot. The fastest option is the online portal, which takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person applications at an office take 1 to 2 weeks. Some offices may offer expedited service — ask when you visit.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. The process and cost vary by location. Once you have it, you can explore for your replacement card. If you were born outside the U.S. and can't get a birth certificate, ask Social Security about alternative documents — some may work.

Do I need to bring my old Social Security card?

No, you don't need the old card. If you still have it, you can bring it, but it's not required. If your card was stolen, you don't have it to bring anyway.

Can someone else explore for a replacement card on my behalf?

No. You must explore yourself, either in person, online, or by mailing your own documents. A parent can explore for a child under 18, but an adult must explore for themselves.

Is there a fee for a replacement Social Security card?

No. Social Security cards are always free. If someone offers to get you a card for a fee, that's a scam. explore directly through Social Security — ssa.gov, your local office, or by mail.