What You Need to Do

To replace a Social Security card for a minor, you will need to visit your local Social Security office in person with the child and bring specific documents. The Social Security Administration does not process replacements by mail for minors under 18, so a trip to the office is required. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The process itself is straightforward: you submit the required documents, the office verifies them, and you receive a replacement card within one to two weeks. There is no cost for the replacement, and you do not need an appointment at most offices, though calling ahead can reduce your wait time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Social Security office in person with the minor; mail-in replacement is not available for children under 18.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of the child's birth certificate, a photo ID for the parent or guardian, and proof of the child's citizenship or immigration status.
  • The replacement card arrives within one to two weeks at no cost.
  • If the card was lost or stolen, you do not need to report it to Social Security first — just bring the documents and explain what happened.
  • Call ahead to your local office to confirm hours and current wait times before making the trip.

Documents to Bring to the Social Security Office

You will need an original or certified copy of the minor's birth certificate. A photocopy is not acceptable unless it is certified by the agency that issued it. If you do not have the original, you can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where the child was born.

Bring a photo ID for the parent or guardian who is accompanying the minor. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The office staff will verify your identity to confirm you have authority to request the replacement.

You will also need to show proof of the child's citizenship or immigration status. A U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card) all satisfy this requirement. If the child does not have any of these documents, a state-issued ID or school record may work — call your local office first to confirm what they will accept.

If the card was lost or stolen, bring any documentation you have about what happened, such as a police report. This is not required, but it helps the office process the request faster.

How to Find Your Local Social Security Office

Visit ssa.gov/locator and enter your ZIP code to find the nearest office. The website shows hours, phone numbers, and whether the office currently has a wait. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days.

Call the office before you go. This serves two purposes: you can confirm they have the documents you plan to bring, and you can ask about current wait times. Some offices are busier than others, and calling ahead helps you choose the best time to visit. The national Social Security phone line is 1-800-772-1213.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and explain that you are there to replace a Social Security card for a minor. You will be given a number and asked to wait. When your number is called, you will meet with an office representative who will review your documents.

The representative will ask you to complete Form SS-11, the process for a Social Security card. For a minor, the parent or guardian fills this out. The form asks for the child's name, date of birth, citizenship status, and the reason for the replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged). The office staff can help you complete it if you have questions.

Once the form is submitted and your documents are verified, you are done. The office will mail the replacement card to the address you provide. In most cases, the card arrives within one to two weeks. If you need it faster, ask the office whether expedited processing is available in your area — some offices can provide it, though it is not may provide.

If the Card Was Lost or Stolen

You do not need to report a lost or stolen Social Security card to Social Security before requesting a replacement. straightforward bring the documents listed above and tell the office representative what happened. The office will note this in the system and issue a new card.

If you are concerned about identity theft — for example, if the card was stolen along with other documents — you may want to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. This creates an official record and can help you dispute fraudulent charges if they occur. However, this is separate from the card replacement process and is not required to get a new card.

Common Reasons Replacements Are Delayed

The most common reason for delay is missing or incorrect documents. If your birth certificate is a photocopy rather than certified, or if your proof of citizenship does not match the office's requirements, they will ask you to come back with the correct documents. To avoid this, call your local office before your visit and confirm exactly what they will accept.

A second reason is incomplete information on the process form. Make sure the child's name, date of birth, and citizenship status are filled in correctly. If there is a discrepancy between documents — for example, if the birth certificate spells the name differently than the previous Social Security card — mention this to the office representative. They can help clarify which spelling is correct.

If the office cannot verify your identity as the parent or guardian, they may ask for additional documentation. This is rare, but it can happen if your ID is expired or if there is a question about custody. Bring any custody documents or court orders if you are not the biological parent.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit in Person

If the minor is unable to travel due to a medical condition or other serious circumstance, call your local Social Security office and explain the situation. In rare cases, the office may send a representative to you, though this is not may provide and may take longer. You will still need to provide all the required documents.

If you are out of state or in a remote area, you can visit any Social Security office, not just the one nearest your home. The process is the same regardless of which office you visit. Plan ahead if you are traveling, because some rural offices have limited hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?

Most replacement cards arrive within one to two weeks of your office visit. Some offices may be able to expedite the process, though this varies by location. Ask the office representative about expedited options when you submit your documents.

Do I need to bring the old Social Security card to the office?

No. If the card is lost or stolen, you do not have it to bring. If you do have it because it is damaged, you can bring it, but it is not required. The office can issue a replacement based on your documents alone.

Can I get a replacement card if the minor's name has changed?

Yes. Bring the birth certificate or court order showing the name change, along with the other required documents. The office will issue a new card with the updated name.

What if I do not have a certified copy of the birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or county where the child was born and request a certified copy. You can usually do this by mail or online, though it takes one to two weeks. Some offices offer rush processing for an additional fee. Once you have the certified copy, you can visit Social Security to request the replacement.

Is there a fee to replace a Social Security card for a minor?

No. Social Security card replacements are free for all ages. If someone charges you a fee, they are not affiliated with Social Security.