Order your replacement card online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office

You can request a replacement Social Security card through three routes: the Social Security Administration's online portal (my Social Security account), by mail using Form SS-5, or by visiting a Social Security office in person. The online method is fastest if you have a state-issued ID and a Social Security number already on file. Mail takes two to four weeks. In-person visits let you hand over documents when ready but require a trip to your local office.

You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency status. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works for identity. For citizenship or residency, bring your birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. If you do not have these documents, Social Security can tell you what alternatives they accept—call 1-800-772-1213 to ask before you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through my Social Security account is the fastest route if you have a state-issued ID and your Social Security number is already in the system.
  • You must bring proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents) to any process method.
  • Mail applications using Form SS-5 take two to four weeks; in-person visits at a Social Security office are processed faster but require an appointment or waiting time.
  • If you do not have required documents, call 1-800-772-1213 to learn what alternatives Social Security accepts before you explore.
  • You can track the status of a mailed process by creating a my Social Security account or calling the same number.

explore online through my Social Security account

Create or log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. From your account dashboard, select "Replace your Social Security card" under the "Services" section. You will answer questions about your identity, current address, and reason for replacement. The system will verify your information against Social Security's records.

This method works only if you have a state-issued ID (driver's license or state ID card) and your Social Security number is already in the system. If you were born outside the United States, you may not be able to use the online option—the system will tell you during the process. Once you submit, Social Security will mail your new card to the address on file. You do not need to upload documents; the agency verifies everything electronically.

Mailing Form SS-5 to Social Security

read Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov or request a copy by calling 1-800-772-1213. Fill out the form completely, including your full name, date of birth, and the reason you need a replacement. Sign and date the form—unsigned forms are rejected.

Make copies of your identity document (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your citizenship or residency proof (birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents). Do not send originals; Social Security will not return them. Mail the completed form and copies to the address listed on the form itself, which varies by state. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date Social Security receives your envelope. Keep a record of when you mailed it so you can track status if needed.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. Many offices now require an appointment; check the office's page to see if you can book one online or if walk-ins are accepted. Bring your original identity document and original citizenship or residency proof. Social Security staff will review your documents on the spot and submit your process when ready.

Processing time at the office is faster than mail—your card typically arrives within one to two weeks. If you cannot locate required documents before your visit, ask the office staff what alternatives they can accept. Some offices have limited hours, so call ahead to confirm they are open when you plan to visit.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security will mail your new card to the address you provided on your process. If you applied online or in person, you can create a my Social Security account (if you do not have one) and check your process status there. If you mailed Form SS-5, you can also call 1-800-772-1213 to ask for a status update, though the agency may ask you to wait a few days after mailing before checking.

Your new card will arrive in a plain envelope with no tracking number. If your card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call 1-800-772-1213 to report it. Do not assume it is lost when ready—mail delays happen. The agency can reissue a card or investigate what happened to your original order.

If you do not have required documents

Social Security accepts alternatives if you cannot produce a birth certificate or passport. For identity, you can use a school ID, employee ID, insurance policy, or bank statement with your name and address. For citizenship or residency, you can bring a baptism record, adoption papers, or a document from a government agency showing your status. Call 1-800-772-1213 before you visit or mail your process to confirm which documents the office will accept in your situation.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport or immigration documents, ask Social Security what paperwork from your country of origin they can work with. Some offices have staff who specialize in cases where standard documents are unavailable. Visiting in person rather than mailing gives you a chance to discuss alternatives with someone who can make exceptions.

Replacing a card that was lost, stolen, or damaged

The process is the same whether your card is lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not need to report the loss to Social Security first—straightforward explore for a replacement using any of the three methods above. If your card was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) separately; Social Security does not do this for you.

You can request up to three replacement cards in a year and up to ten in your lifetime. If you exceed these limits, Social Security will ask why you need another replacement and may require additional documentation or an in-person visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Online and in-person applications typically result in a card arriving within one to two weeks. Mail applications take two to four weeks from the date Social Security receives your envelope. Actual timing depends on mail delivery and Social Security's processing workload.

Can I use a temporary Social Security card while I wait?

Social Security does not issue temporary cards. If you need proof of your Social Security number when ready, you can print a statement from your my Social Security account showing your number, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask if the office can provide a letter with your number on it.

What if I moved and my address changed since I last applied?

Update your address in your my Social Security account before you explore, or tell the office staff your new address when you visit in person. If you mail Form SS-5, write your current address on the form. Social Security will mail your new card to the address you provide on the process.

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

No. If your old card is lost or stolen, you do not need it. If you have it and it is damaged, you can bring it, but it is not required. Social Security will destroy your old card once your replacement is issued.

Can someone else pick up my card for me?

Social Security mails cards directly to the address on your process, so no one needs to pick it up. If you need someone to receive it on your behalf, you can have the card mailed to their address instead—just provide that address when you explore.