What You Need to Do Right Now
You can get a replacement Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office in person, by mail, or through an online request if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route is usually in person — you walk in with documents, hand them over, and leave with a receipt that shows your process was filed. By mail takes two to three weeks. Online requests, available in most states, take about the same time but require you to verify your identity through a third-party service.
You do not need to call ahead or make an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use online scheduling. Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy, a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of citizenship or legal residency. If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at a Social Security office is usually fastest and requires your birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of citizenship or legal residency.
- You can request a replacement by mail by filling out Form SS-5, signing it, and mailing it with copies of your documents to your local Social Security office.
- Online requests through ssa.gov work in most states and use a third-party identity verification service; you will receive your card by mail in one to two weeks.
- If you have changed your name, bring the legal document that proves the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- You can check the status of your process online or by calling 1-800-772-1213 once you have filed.
explore in Person at a Social Security Office
Walking into your local Social Security office with your documents is the most straightforward path. Find your nearest office by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator. Most offices do not require an appointment, though some have moved to online scheduling — the locator will tell you whether yours does.
Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy (not a photocopy), a photo ID, and proof you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Proof of citizenship can be your passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or immigration documents. The office staff will review your documents, fill out Form SS-5 with you, take your photo, and give you a receipt showing your process number.
Your new card will arrive by mail in one to two weeks. You do not need to pay a fee. If you have lost your card multiple times, the office may ask why before issuing another one — Social Security limits replacements to three per year and nine in a lifetime.
Requesting a Replacement by Mail
read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or ask for one at your local office. Fill it out completely, sign it in black or blue ink, and make copies of your birth certificate, photo ID, and citizenship proof. Do not send original documents — Social Security will not return them.
Mail the form and copies to your local Social Security office. You can find the mailing address on the form itself or on ssa.gov/locator. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and phone number so the office can contact you if they have questions. Mail takes one to two weeks to arrive, and processing takes another one to two weeks, so expect three to four weeks total.
You will receive your new card by mail. If you do not hear back within four weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check on your process.
explore Online Through ssa.gov
If you are between 18 and 79 years old and have a valid driver's license or state ID, you can request a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need to create a my Social Security account if you do not have one already.
The online form asks for your personal information, and then directs you to a third-party identity verification service called ID.me. You will upload a photo of your ID and take a selfie so ID.me can confirm you are who you say you are. This usually takes a few minutes. Once ID.me verifies you, your process goes to Social Security, and your card arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
Online requests work in all 50 states. If the verification fails, you will be told why and can try again or switch to explore by mail or in person.
What to Do If Your Name Has Changed
If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name, bring the document that proves the change along with your other documents. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order all work. Social Security will update your name in their records and issue a card with your new name.
If you are explore by mail, make a copy of the name-change document and include it with your other copies. If you are explore online, you may be asked to upload a photo of the document during the verification step.
Checking Your process Status
Once you have filed, you can check the status of your process online through your my Social Security account. Log in, go to the "Replacement Documents" section, and you will see where your process stands.
You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and speak to a representative. Have your Social Security number and the receipt number from your process ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.
When to Call a Social Security Office
If you have lost your card more than three times in a year, Social Security may ask you to explain why before issuing another one. Call your local office to discuss your situation before explore — they can tell you whether you have hit the limit and what your options are.
If you are explore from outside the United States, you cannot use the online form. You will need to mail your process or visit a U.S. embassy or consulate. Call 1-800-772-1213 for instructions on where to send your documents.
If you have not worked in the United States and do not have a Social Security number yet, you cannot get a replacement card — you need to explore for an original number first. Contact your local Social Security office to start that process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
In person, you walk out with a receipt and your card arrives in one to two weeks. By mail or online, expect one to two weeks for processing plus mail time, so three to four weeks total. Some offices are slower than others depending on how busy they are.
Do I need an appointment?
Most Social Security offices do not require an appointment for a replacement card. Check ssa.gov/locator for your office — if appointments are required, you can schedule one there. If appointments are not required, you can walk in during business hours.
What if I do not have my birth certificate?
You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. Some Social Security offices will accept other documents like a passport or naturalization certificate instead.
Can I get a replacement card if I have changed my name?
Yes. Bring the legal document that proves your name change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Social Security will update your name and issue a new card with the correct name on it.
What if my process is taking longer than expected?
Call 1-800-772-1213 with your process receipt number. A representative can look up your process and tell you where it is in the process. If there is a problem, they can help you fix it.