How to order a replacement Social Security card
You can order a replacement Social Security card through the Social Security Administration (SSA) in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest — you can complete the request in about 15 minutes if you have a My Social Security account. By mail or in person, the process takes longer but works the same way: you submit proof of identity and citizenship, and the SSA mails the card to you within 1 to 2 weeks.
Which method you use depends on whether you have a My Social Security account and how quickly you need the card. Online ordering requires you to verify your identity through a video call with an SSA representative, which takes a few minutes. If you do not have an account or prefer not to use video verification, you can mail in your documents or visit an office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can order online through My Social Security, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office.
- Online ordering is the fastest method and requires a My Social Security account and a video call to verify your identity.
- By mail or in person, you will need to show original documents proving your identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful status.
- The SSA mails replacement cards within 1 to 2 weeks of receiving your request, whether you order online or by mail.
- You cannot order a replacement card by phone, and there is no fee for a replacement card.
Ordering online through My Social Security
If you have a My Social Security account, you can order a replacement card without leaving home. Go to ssa.gov, sign in to your account, and look for the "Replacement Social Security Card" option. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and the reason you need a replacement. Then you will schedule a brief video call with an SSA representative, who will verify your identity by asking you questions about your background and checking your answers against SSA records.
The video call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. You will need to be in a quiet place with good lighting and a working camera and microphone. After the call, the SSA will mail your card to the address on file. If you do not have a My Social Security account, you can create one at ssa.gov before you start the replacement request — account creation takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid email address and phone number.
Ordering by mail
To order by mail, read and print Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 to request a form be mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, including your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and the reason you need a replacement. Then gather your documents and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
You will need to include original documents or certified copies that prove your identity and citizenship or lawful immigration status. Acceptable identity documents include a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For citizenship or status, you can use a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. The SSA will not return your original documents, so send copies if possible. Mail your packet to the address on Form SS-5 — it varies by state. The SSA will mail your replacement card to you within 1 to 2 weeks of receiving your request.
Ordering in person at a Social Security office
You can walk into any Social Security office and request a replacement card. Bring your original documents proving identity and citizenship or lawful status — the same documents required for mail orders. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary. Some offices have shorter waits early in the morning or on certain days of the week; you can check your local office's hours and typical wait times on ssa.gov.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the representative you need a replacement card. They will review your documents, fill out Form SS-5 with you, and submit your request on the spot. Your card will be mailed to you within 1 to 2 weeks. If you are unable to visit an office in person, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about other options, though phone representatives cannot process replacement requests directly.
Documents you need to bring or send
The SSA requires proof of both identity and citizenship or lawful immigration status. You must show at least one original document for identity and at least one for citizenship or status. If you do not have originals, certified copies work — ask your state vital records office or the agency that issued the document how to request a certified copy.
For identity, the SSA accepts a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or other government-issued photo ID. For citizenship or status, bring a birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). If you were born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate, a passport or naturalization certificate will work. The SSA will not accept expired documents for identity, but will accept expired documents for citizenship if they are still valid proof of status.
How long replacement takes
Online ordering is the fastest method. Once you complete your video call, the SSA typically mails your card within 5 to 7 business days. By mail or in person, the timeline is longer because the SSA must receive and process your documents first. After they receive your request, they mail the card within 1 to 2 weeks. In total, expect 2 to 3 weeks from the day you mail your documents or visit an office.
If you need the card urgently, online ordering is your best option because it starts the mailing process sooner. There is no expedited shipping option, and the SSA does not issue temporary cards. If you need proof of your Social Security number before the card arrives, you can print a replacement Social Security number verification letter from My Social Security or request one by mail or in person.
What to do if you have lost documents
If you do not have original documents proving your identity or citizenship, you can still order a replacement card, but the process takes longer. Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to explain your situation. The SSA can sometimes verify your information through other records, such as tax returns, bank statements, or prior applications. They may ask you to provide additional documents or information to confirm your identity and status.
If you were born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate or passport, contact the vital records office in the country where you were born to request a certified copy. This can take weeks or months depending on the country. In the meantime, you can ask the SSA whether they can process your replacement request using other documents you have on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to order a replacement Social Security card?
No. The SSA does not charge a fee for replacement cards. If someone asks you to pay to order a replacement card, they are running a scam. The only official way to order is through ssa.gov, by mail using Form SS-5, or in person at a Social Security office.
Can I order a replacement card if I have changed my name?
Yes. When you order, tell the SSA your new name and provide a document showing the legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The replacement card will show your new name. You may also need to update your name with other agencies like the DMV or IRS.
What if I do not have a My Social Security account and do not want to create one?
You can order by mail or in person instead. Both methods work without an account. Mail Form SS-5 with your documents to the address on the form, or visit your local Social Security office with your documents. Both take 1 to 2 weeks after the SSA receives your request.
Can someone else order a replacement card for me?
No. You must order the card yourself, whether online, by mail, or in person. If you are unable to visit an office or mail documents, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your situation with a representative, but they cannot submit the request on your behalf.
What if my replacement card does not arrive after two weeks?
Contact the SSA by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office. Have your Social Security number and the date you submitted your request ready. The SSA can check the status of your card and remail it if it was lost in the mail.