Where to start: the Social Security Administration office or online

You can replace your Social Security card in two ways: by mail through the Social Security Administration (SSA), or in person at a local SSA office. The online option is not yet available for replacements, though the SSA has announced plans to add it. Most people use the mail route because it requires no appointment and takes about two weeks.

To replace by mail, you fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), gather the documents listed below, and send them to your nearest SSA office. The address is on the form itself. You do not need to include payment — replacement cards are free.

If you need the card urgently or prefer to handle it in person, you can walk into any SSA office with your documents and Form SS-5. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Call ahead using the SSA's main line (1-800-772-1213) to confirm the office is open and what documents they want to see.

Key Takeaways

  • You need Form SS-5, proof of citizenship, and a photo ID to replace your card by mail or in person.
  • Proof of citizenship can be a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers — originals or certified copies only.
  • The mail route takes about two weeks and costs nothing; in-person replacement may be faster depending on your local office's wait time.
  • If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
  • The SSA will not replace a card that is straightforward worn or faded — it must be lost, stolen, or damaged enough to be unreadable.

Documents you need to bring or send

The SSA requires proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of age. You must provide originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. A certified copy is one stamped and signed by the issuing agency, not a photocopy you made yourself.

For citizenship, bring one of these: a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you were born outside the United States, a foreign birth certificate is not enough on its own — you need a passport or naturalization document.

For identity, bring a photo ID issued by a state or federal government. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. A school ID, library card, or work badge does not. If you have no photo ID, the SSA will accept a combination of non-photo documents such as a bank statement, utility bill, lease, or insurance policy — call the office to ask which combination they will take.

For age, bring the same document you used for citizenship if it shows your date of birth. If it does not, bring a birth certificate, baptism record, or school record. Most people satisfy all three requirements with a single document: a passport or birth certificate.

If your name has changed

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name, bring proof of the change along with your other documents. The SSA needs an original or certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

The SSA will issue a card in your new legal name. If you have not yet updated your name with the state (for a driver's license or birth certificate), you can still replace your Social Security card — the SSA does not require you to have done that first. However, you will need to update your name with other agencies separately.

Mailing your documents safely

If you are replacing by mail, do not send original documents. Send certified copies instead. You can request certified copies from the agency that issued the document — the vital records office for a birth certificate, the state DMV for a driver's license, the passport agency for a passport.

Mail your Form SS-5 and copies to the address printed on the form. Use a method that provides tracking, such as certified mail or a carrier that offers tracking numbers. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

The SSA will return your documents to you, so include a return address. If you are concerned about sending originals even though you should not, call the local SSA office first and ask whether they will accept documents in person instead — you can then hand them over directly and watch them make copies.

What happens after you submit

By mail, processing takes about two weeks from the day the SSA receives your documents. In person, you may receive your card the same day or within a week, depending on the office's workload. The SSA will mail your new card to the address you provide on Form SS-5.

If the SSA needs more information, they will contact you by phone or mail. If you provided a phone number on the form, they may call. Check your mail regularly in case they write instead.

If your documents are missing or unclear, the SSA will return them and ask you to resubmit. This adds time, so make sure copies are legible and all required fields on Form SS-5 are filled in before you send.

Replacing a card that was lost or stolen

If your card was stolen, you do not need to report it to the SSA separately — just explore for a replacement using the steps above. However, you may want to monitor your credit and earnings record for fraud.

You can check your earnings record (the record of wages reported under your Social Security number) for free at ssa.gov. Create an account, sign in, and view your record to see whether anyone has reported earnings under your number. If you see earnings you did not make, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Replacing a card that is damaged or unreadable

The SSA will replace a card that is torn, water-damaged, faded, or otherwise unreadable. However, they will not replace a card that is straightforward worn or has minor creases. The card must be damaged enough that the number or your name is hard to read.

If you are unsure whether your card qualifies, bring it to a local SSA office and ask. If it does not meet the threshold for replacement, the office will tell you. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and describe the damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

By mail, expect about two weeks from the day the SSA receives your documents. In person, you may get your card the same day or within a week. Processing time varies by office and how busy they are.

Can I use a temporary card while I wait?

No. The SSA does not issue temporary cards. You will need to wait for your replacement to arrive. If you need proof of your Social Security number before the card arrives, you can print a statement from your online account at ssa.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a letter.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, naturalization certificate, or other document that proves citizenship and age. If you have none of these, contact your local SSA office — they can tell you what alternative documents they will accept.

Do I need to go in person or can I mail everything?

You can mail everything. The in-person option is faster only if your local office has short wait times. Call ahead to ask how long the wait typically is before deciding whether to go in person or mail your documents.

What if the SSA loses my documents?

The SSA is responsible for returning your documents. If they do not arrive within a few weeks after your card is issued, contact the office where you sent them and ask them to search for your documents or provide a receipt showing they received them.