What you need to do to get a replacement card

To replace your Social Security card, you submit proof of identity and citizenship to your local Social Security office or by mail. The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee. You will need an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card to prove who you are, plus a document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. The office will take your documents, photograph them, and mail your new card to the address you provide, which usually takes one to two weeks.

You do not need to visit an office in person if you have a My Social Security account online. If you are under 18 and have never had a card, or if your card was lost or stolen, you can request a replacement through the website without leaving home. If you are 18 or older and have had a card before, you can still use the online route if you have a verified account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a replacement card online through My Social Security if you are 18 or older and have a verified account, or you can visit a local Social Security office with proof of identity and address.
  • Original or certified birth certificates, passports, and state ID cards all count as proof of identity; a utility bill, lease, or bank statement shows your current address.
  • The Social Security Administration does not charge for a replacement card, and the card arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
  • If your card was stolen or you suspect identity theft, report it to the Social Security Administration and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

Replacing your card online through My Social Security

The fastest route for most people is the My Social Security website. Go to ssa.gov, click "Create My Social Security Account" if you do not have one, and follow the steps to verify your identity. The system will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and answers to questions about your credit history — this is how the Social Security Administration confirms you are who you say you are. Once your account is verified, you can request a replacement card without visiting an office.

The online system is available 24 hours a day and works on desktop and mobile browsers. After you submit your request, the Social Security Administration will mail your card to the address on file. You will receive a confirmation number by email. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

If you cannot or do not want to use the online system, you can walk into your local Social Security office with your documents. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. Bring also a document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement all work. Bring your Social Security card if you still have it, though it is not required.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can schedule one online at ssa.gov to avoid waiting. Go to the office's page, click "Schedule an Appointment," and choose a date and time. If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day — offices get busy by mid-morning. Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies; the office will not accept photocopies of a birth certificate or passport.

Documents that prove your identity

The Social Security Administration accepts a limited list of documents as proof of identity. An original or certified copy of your birth certificate is the most common choice. A U.S. passport, state-issued driver's license, or state ID card also work. A military ID, tribal ID, or foreign passport with a U.S. visa are accepted as well. School IDs, library cards, and credit cards do not count.

If your birth certificate is a photocopy and not certified, the office will not accept it. A certified copy has a raised seal or official stamp from the vital records office that issued it. You can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office — search "[your state] vital records" online to find the office's website and ordering process. Most states mail certified copies within one to two weeks and charge between $10 and $30.

Proof of your current address

You need a document showing your name and current address. A utility bill in your name — electric, gas, water, or internet — works. So do a lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or recent bank or credit card statement. The document must be dated within the last 12 months. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a letter from your landlord or the homeowner on their letterhead confirming you live there, plus a document with your name on it.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, tell the Social Security office. They can issue a card to a shelter address, a post office box, or the address of a social service agency that serves you. Bring a letter from the shelter or agency on their letterhead confirming you receive services there.

What happens if your card was stolen or lost

If your card was stolen, report it to the Social Security Administration when you request a replacement. The office will note the theft in your file. You should also contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

You can place a fraud alert by calling one of the three bureaus; they are required to notify the other two. Equifax is 1-800-525-6285, Experian is 1-888-397-3742, and TransUnion is 1-800-680-7289. A fraud alert lasts one year and is free. If you believe someone has already used your number to open accounts or commit fraud, you can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov, which creates a recovery plan and notifies creditors on your behalf.

How long it takes and what to expect

A replacement card mailed from a Social Security office or requested online usually arrives within one to two weeks. During that time, you can use your Social Security number for work, banking, and other purposes — you do not need the physical card to use your number. If you need proof that you have applied for a replacement, the office can print a letter for you on the spot.

In rare cases, the Social Security Administration may need to verify information before issuing your card, which can add one to two weeks. This happens if there is a discrepancy in your records or if the office cannot confirm your citizenship. If this occurs, the office will contact you by mail or phone to ask for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The Social Security Administration mails all replacement cards, which takes one to two weeks. There is no way to receive a card the same day or the next day. If you need proof that you have applied, the office can print a letter confirming your process.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport, state driver's license, or state ID card instead. If you do not have any of these, contact your state's vital records office to order a certified birth certificate. The office's website will tell you the cost and how long it takes to receive one by mail.

Do I need to bring my old card to get a replacement?

No. If you still have your old card, bring it so the office can destroy it, but it is not required. If your card was lost or stolen, you can request a replacement without it.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. The Social Security Administration mails all replacement cards to the address you provide. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the office. If you are moving, update your address with the Social Security Administration before you request the card so it goes to your new address.

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

Bring a document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name in their system and issue a card with your new name. You do not need a new Social Security number when your name changes.