Where to Request a Replacement Card

You can request a replacement Social Security card in three ways: in person at your local Social Security office, by mail using Form SS-5, or online through an account on ssa.gov if you meet certain requirements. The online option is the fastest route if you have a state-issued ID, a Social Security number on file, and a U.S. mailing address — you can submit your request in about 10 minutes and track its status from home.

If you go in person, bring your original or certified birth certificate, a state ID or passport, and proof of citizenship if you were not born in the U.S. Walk-in hours vary by office, but most accept requests Monday through Friday. You can find your nearest office and current hours at ssa.gov/locator.

The mail route requires Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), which you can read from ssa.gov or pick up at any Social Security office. Mail the completed form along with copies of your birth certificate and ID to the address listed on the form. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days by mail, compared to same-day service at some in-person offices.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a replacement card online, by mail, or in person, with online being the fastest option if you have a state ID and existing Social Security number on file.
  • In-person requests at a Social Security office require your original or certified birth certificate, a state ID or passport, and proof of citizenship if applicable.
  • Mail requests use Form SS-5 and take 7 to 10 business days; in-person requests may be processed the same day at some offices.
  • You do not need to provide a reason for requesting a replacement card — lost, stolen, or name-change requests all follow the same process.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The Social Security Administration requires proof of identity, citizenship, and age. For identity, bring a current state driver's license, passport, or state ID card. A work permit, military ID, or school ID will not work on its own. If your ID has expired within the last five years, the office may still accept it.

For citizenship, U.S.-born applicants need an original or certified copy of their birth certificate — a photocopy or hospital-issued birth announcement does not count. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport, naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship. For age verification, your birth certificate serves double duty here.

If you are requesting the card by mail, send copies of these documents, not originals. The Social Security Administration will not return them. Make copies on a standard copier; they do not need to be certified for mail requests, though certified copies are acceptable.

Processing Times and What to Expect

Online requests typically process within 7 to 10 business days if you submit during business hours. You will receive a confirmation number when ready and can check your request status by logging into your ssa.gov account. The card will be mailed to the address you provided.

In-person requests at a Social Security office may be processed the same day, though some offices issue cards within 1 to 2 weeks depending on how busy they are. Ask the staff member when you submit your request whether same-day service is available that day. If not, you will receive a notice in the mail with a tracking number.

Mail requests take the longest — typically 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your form, plus mail delivery time in both directions. If you need the card urgently, in-person service is your fastest option. There is no expedited mail service for Social Security cards.

Replacing a Card Due to Name Change

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you need to update your Social Security record before requesting a replacement card. Bring your original or certified birth certificate, a state ID showing your new name, and the document that authorized the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

At the Social Security office, staff will update your name in the system first, then issue a new card with the updated name on the same visit if you go in person. By mail, you submit Form SS-5 along with the name-change document; processing takes the same 7 to 10 business days. Online requests do not work for name changes — you must go in person or mail your request.

If Your Card Was Lost or Stolen

You do not need to report a lost or stolen Social Security card to the Social Security Administration before requesting a replacement. straightforward request a new card using the standard process — online, by mail, or in person. There is no separate "lost card" procedure.

However, if you believe your Social Security number has been misused, contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov to report identity theft. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to monitor for unauthorized accounts. These steps are separate from replacing your card but may be necessary if someone has used your number fraudulently.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not submit original documents by mail — send copies only. The Social Security Administration will not return originals, and you may need them for other purposes. Certified copies are not required for mail requests, so a standard photocopy is fine.

Do not assume your state ID will work as proof of identity if it is expired more than five years ago. Check the office's current ID requirements before you go, as policies can vary slightly by location. If you are unsure whether your documents meet the requirements, call your local office before visiting.

Do not request a replacement card online if you do not have a state-issued ID, because the system will not verify your identity without one. In that case, go in person or mail your request instead. Also, do not use a passport card as your only form of ID — bring a full passport or state driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?

There is no fee to request a replacement Social Security card. The service is free whether you request it online, by mail, or in person. Be cautious of websites that charge a fee for this service — they are not affiliated with the Social Security Administration.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

If you requested your card in person, you must pick it up yourself at the Social Security office. The office will not release it to another person. If you requested it by mail or online, it will be mailed to the address you provided on your request.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes 1 to 3 weeks. If you cannot obtain a birth certificate, bring other documents that prove your age and citizenship, such as a passport or naturalization certificate, and ask the Social Security office what alternatives they will accept.

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

No, you do not need your old card. In fact, if your card was lost or stolen, you will not have it to bring. Just bring the identity and citizenship documents listed above, and the office will issue a new card.

Can I request a replacement card for someone else?

No, the person whose card it is must request the replacement themselves, except for minors under 18, whose parent or legal guardian can request it on their behalf. For minors, bring the child's birth certificate, your ID, and proof that you are the parent or guardian.