The fastest way to order a replacement card

You can order a replacement Social Security card online through the official Social Security Administration website, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is the quickest if you are may be able to access — you can request a card and have it mailed to you without leaving home. If you cannot use the online system, mail and in-person requests both work, but mail takes longer.

To use the online system, you need to create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov if you do not already have one. The account requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address. Once you are logged in, you can request a replacement card directly. The Social Security Administration will mail your new card to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days.

If you prefer not to use the online system or are not may be able to access for it, you can mail Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) to your regional Social Security office, or walk into a local office with the form and required documents. Mail requests typically take 2 to 3 weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through ssa.gov is fastest if you have a my Social Security account, and your card arrives in about 7 to 10 business days.
  • You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or lawful immigration status with documents like a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate.
  • If you are ordering a card for the first time or have a name change, you will need additional documents such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
  • Mailing Form SS-5 takes 2 to 3 weeks, and visiting a local office in person is an option if you want to hand-deliver your documents.
  • There is no charge for a replacement Social Security card, and you do not need to bring original documents to a local office — copies are accepted.

What documents you need to bring or send

The Social Security Administration requires proof of identity and proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status. Acceptable identity documents include a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents such as a school ID, employee ID, or bank statement with your name and address.

For proof of citizenship, bring your original birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. If you were born outside the United States and are a lawful permanent resident, bring your green card or an I-797 approval notice. If you are in the country on a visa, bring your passport and visa, or your I-94 arrival/departure record.

If you are ordering a replacement because your name has changed — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you will also need to bring the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Copies are acceptable; you do not need to bring originals to an office, though originals are helpful if you are mailing documents.

Ordering online through my Social Security

Go to ssa.gov and select "Create my Social Security account" if you do not have one. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo of your driver's license or passport.

Once your account is set up and verified, log in and look for the "Replacement Social Security Card" option. Answer the questions about why you need a replacement — for example, because your card was lost, stolen, or damaged. The system will confirm the address where your new card will be mailed. You can track the status of your request in your account.

Not everyone can use the online system. You are ineligible if you are under 18, have not yet been issued a Social Security number, have had more than three cards issued in the past year, or have had more than ten cards issued in your lifetime. If any of these explore to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing your request with Form SS-5

read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or pick one up at your local Social Security office. Fill in your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and the reason you need a replacement card. Make a copy of your identity document and proof of citizenship, and mail them along with the form to the address listed on the form itself — this address varies by region.

Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and email address so the Social Security Administration can contact you if they have questions. Mail everything together in one envelope. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your request, so allow extra time for postal delivery.

Keep a record of what you mailed and when. If you do not receive your card within 4 weeks, contact your local Social Security office to check the status. You can find the office address and phone number on ssa.gov by entering your zip code.

explore in person at a Social Security office

Find your local Social Security office on ssa.gov by entering your zip code or city. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to make an appointment. You can book an appointment online, by phone, or by visiting the office in person. Call the office directly if the website does not show appointment availability.

Bring your completed Form SS-5, your identity document, and your proof of citizenship or immigration status. Bring originals if possible, but copies are acceptable. If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change. You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself.

The office will review your documents, make copies if needed, and submit your request. You will receive a receipt showing the date your process was submitted. Your new card will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Some offices can issue a temporary card on the spot if you need proof of your Social Security number right away.

What happens after you submit your request

The Social Security Administration will mail your replacement card to the address you provided. If you ordered online, you can check the status in your my Social Security account. If you mailed Form SS-5 or applied in person, you can call your local office or check the status online by logging into your account.

If your card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your local Social Security office. Bring your receipt if you have one. The office can look up your request and tell you whether it is still being processed or if there is a problem.

Once your new card arrives, destroy your old card by cutting it in half and throwing it away. Do not throw it in the trash whole, as it contains your Social Security number. If your old card was lost or stolen, you do not need to do anything else — the Social Security Administration does not cancel old cards, but a new card is what you will use going forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?

There is no charge for a replacement Social Security card. The Social Security Administration does not charge fees for cards issued to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. If someone offers to get you a card for a fee, that is a scam.

Can I get a replacement card if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can bring other proof of citizenship such as a passport, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. If you were born outside the U.S. and do not have these documents, bring your green card or I-797 approval notice and speak with the Social Security office about other options.

What if my name is different on my documents?

Bring all documents that show your current legal name and the name changes that led to it. For example, if you were married and then divorced, bring your marriage certificate and divorce decree. The Social Security Administration will use your current legal name on your new card.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. The Social Security Administration mails cards directly to the address on file, and you must be the one to receive it. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the office. If you are moving, update your address before you request the card, or wait until after you move to request it so it goes to your new address.

What do I do if my replacement card is lost or stolen before it arrives?

Contact your local Social Security office right away and tell them the card was lost or stolen. They can stop the original request and issue a new one. If the card has already been mailed, the office can try to intercept it. Act quickly — the sooner you report it, the better your chances of stopping it.