Get a replacement card by mail or in person at your local Social Security office

You can replace a lost Social Security card without paying a fee. The Social Security Administration (SSA) handles replacements through the mail or at a field office near you. The mail route takes about two weeks; in-person replacement at an SSA office is faster but requires an appointment. You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency status.

Both routes are free. You do not need to create an account online or use a third-party service. The SSA will mail your new card to the address on file, or you can pick it up in person if you visit an office.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a replacement card by mail using Form SS-5, or visit your local Social Security office in person with proof of identity and citizenship.
  • The mail route takes about two weeks and costs nothing; in-person service is faster but requires an appointment you can book online or by phone.
  • You must bring original documents or certified copies — a driver's license or passport for identity, and a birth certificate or passport for citizenship proof.
  • If you have changed your name, you will need to bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.
  • You can track your replacement card's status online through your personal my Social Security account once you have created one.

What documents you need to bring

The SSA requires proof of identity and proof of citizenship or legal residency. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. A school ID, work ID, or credit card will not work on its own.

For citizenship or legal residency, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Permanent Resident Card (green card). If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport or naturalization certificate, bring your green card and a state ID or driver's license together.

If you have changed your name since your card was issued, bring the original or certified copy of the document that shows the legal change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The SSA will not accept a photocopy unless it is certified by the issuing agency.

Requesting a replacement by mail

read Form SS-5 from the SSA website (ssa.gov) or pick one up at your local Social Security office. Fill in your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. In the box marked "Reason for this request," select "Replacement of lost card." Sign and date the form.

Make copies of your identity document and citizenship document. Mail the completed form and copies to the address listed on the form — this varies by state, so check the form itself for your mailing address. Do not send original documents; the SSA will not return them.

Your replacement card will arrive by mail in about two weeks. You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to track the status of your request once it has been processed, though tracking may take a few days to appear in the system.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

Go to ssa.gov/locator to find the office nearest you. Click on the office location and select "Schedule an appointment." You can book a time slot online, or call the office directly if you prefer to schedule by phone. The phone number appears on the office's page.

Bring your original identity document and original citizenship document. You do not need to bring copies; the SSA staff will review the originals at your appointment. If you have changed your name, bring the original legal document showing the change.

At your appointment, tell the staff member you are replacing a lost card. They will verify your documents, take your information, and issue you a replacement card on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks, depending on the office's procedures. Ask before you leave whether your card will be printed there or mailed.

If you do not have a birth certificate or passport

If you cannot locate your birth certificate or passport, you can use other documents to prove citizenship. A Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Permanent Resident Card (green card) will work. If you have none of these, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified copy of your birth certificate.

For U.S. births, visit the National Center for Health Statistics website (cdc.gov/nchs/w2w) to find the vital records office for your state. Each state charges a fee (usually $10 to $30) and takes one to four weeks to mail a certified copy. Some states allow you to order online; others require a form mailed or faxed in.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport, bring your green card and a state ID or driver's license to the Social Security office. The SSA may contact your country's embassy to verify your identity, which can add time to your request.

Replacing a card if you are under 18

A parent or legal guardian must request the replacement on your behalf. They will need to bring proof of their own identity and relationship to you — a birth certificate showing both names, adoption papers, or a court order establishing guardianship. The minor does not need to be present at the office visit.

If requesting by mail, the parent or guardian signs Form SS-5 and includes a copy of the document proving their relationship to the minor. The SSA will mail the replacement card to the address on file.

What to do while you wait for your replacement

You do not need your physical card to work or open a bank account. Your Social Security number is what matters. If your employer or bank asks for your card, you can provide your Social Security number verbally or in writing, or show them a document that displays it — a tax return, W-2, or bank statement.

If you need proof that you have a Social Security number before your card arrives, you can print a Social Security Number Verification Letter from your my Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov, sign in or create an account, and select "View your Social Security Statement." Under "Proof of Social Security Number," click "Print" to read the letter. This letter is accepted by most employers and banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace a lost Social Security card?

There is no fee. The SSA replaces lost cards at no cost. If a website or service charges you money to replace your card, it is not affiliated with the SSA.

Can I replace my card online?

You cannot complete a full replacement online, but you can schedule an in-person appointment at an SSA office through ssa.gov. You can also read Form SS-5 from the website and mail it in with copies of your documents.

What if I lost my card and do not know my Social Security number?

Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and tell them you lost your card and do not know your number. They will ask you questions to verify your identity and can provide your number over the phone or mail it to you.

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

By mail, expect about two weeks from the time the SSA receives your form. In person at an office, you may receive your card the same day or within one to two weeks, depending on the office. Call your local office to ask their typical timeline.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

If you requested the card by mail, it will be mailed to your address. If you requested it in person and the office is mailing it, it goes to your address on file. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the office unless you have given them power of attorney or they are your legal guardian.