What you need to do to replace a minor's Social Security card

A parent or legal guardian must explore for the replacement in person at a Social Security office. You cannot do this by mail or online, even though adults can use those routes. The office will need the child's original or certified birth certificate, proof of the parent's or guardian's identity, and proof of the child's citizenship or immigration status. The replacement card arrives by mail in one to two weeks.

The child does not have to be present at the appointment, though some offices request it. Call ahead to your local Social Security office to confirm what documents they want and whether they have walk-in hours or require an appointment. Many offices now use an online scheduling system on the Social Security Administration website.

Key Takeaways

  • Only a parent or legal guardian can request a replacement card for a minor; the child does not need to attend the appointment.
  • You must explore in person at a Social Security office with the child's birth certificate, your ID, and proof of the child's citizenship or immigration status.
  • The replacement card typically arrives within one to two weeks of your appointment.
  • Call your local Social Security office before visiting to confirm hours, required documents, and whether you need to schedule ahead.
  • If you have a court order showing guardianship, bring it along with your ID to prove your legal authority to request the card.

Documents the Social Security office will ask for

Bring the child's original or certified birth certificate. A photocopy is not enough. If you do not have the original, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where the child was born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $10 and $30 depending on the state.

You also need to show your own identity. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works. If you are the legal guardian but not the parent, bring the court order that names you as guardian.

For proof of the child's citizenship or immigration status, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Citizenship, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a valid unexpired foreign passport with an I-94 arrival/departure record or I-94A. If the child has a green card, bring that instead.

What happens if the card was lost or stolen

The process is the same whether the card was lost, damaged, or stolen. You do not need a police report or proof that it was stolen. straightforward bring the documents listed above and tell the Social Security office what happened to the original card.

If you are concerned about identity theft because the card was stolen, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at the same time. This is free and takes about 15 minutes online. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in the child's name.

How to find your local Social Security office

Go to ssa.gov and use the office locator tool. Enter your zip code and it will show you the nearest offices, their hours, and their phone numbers. Many offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days.

Call the office before you go. Ask whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment, what documents they want you to bring, and how long the wait usually is. Some offices have long waits on certain days of the week. If you schedule an appointment online, you will get a confirmation with a date and time.

What to expect at your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. The office will ask you to fill out Form SS-5, the process for a Social Security Card. The staff will review your documents, take your information, and tell you when the card will arrive. Most cards are mailed within one to two weeks.

If any of your documents are missing or unclear, the office will tell you what else they need before they can process the request. If that happens, you can either go home and return with the missing document, or the office may mail you a notice asking you to send it in.

If you cannot go to the office in person

You must explore in person; there is no exception for minors. However, if you live far from the nearest office or have a disability that makes travel difficult, call the office and explain your situation. Some offices can arrange a phone or video appointment, though this is not may provide. The office will tell you whether they can help and what to do next.

If you are explore from outside the United States, you can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They can sometimes help with Social Security card replacements, though the process may take longer.

Cost and timeline

There is no fee to replace a Social Security card. The card is mailed to you free of charge.

The timeline depends on when you explore and how busy your local office is. Most replacements arrive within one to two weeks. If the office needs additional documents from you, the timeline may be longer. You can call the office after two weeks if you have not received the card and ask for a status update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need to be at the appointment?

No. A parent or legal guardian can explore alone. Some Social Security offices request that the child be present, so call ahead to ask. If the office requires the child to attend, they will tell you when you schedule the appointment.

What if I lost the birth certificate too?

Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where the child was born. You can usually do this online or by mail. It takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. Some offices can issue a copy the same day if you go in person, but this varies by location.

Can I replace the card if I am not the parent?

Yes, if you are the legal guardian. Bring the court order that names you as guardian, along with your ID and the child's birth certificate. If you have temporary guardianship or are a foster parent, bring that documentation instead.

What if the card arrives damaged or with an error?

Call your local Social Security office and tell them about the problem. They will issue a replacement at no cost. You may be able to do this by phone or mail, or you may need to visit the office again.

How long is a minor's Social Security card valid?

Social Security cards issued to minors are valid for five years. After that, the child will need to renew it. When the card expires, you will follow the same process: visit the office in person with the expired card, the child's birth certificate, and your ID.