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

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Social Security card through the Social Security Administration (SSA). The fastest route is usually in person at your nearest Social Security office, which takes about two weeks. You can also request one by mail, though that takes four to six weeks. Both methods are free, and you do not need an appointment for most in-person visits — though calling ahead to confirm your office's current policy is worth doing.

The SSA will issue you a new card with the same nine-digit number. You cannot choose a different number, and the card itself looks identical to your original. Once you receive it, your old card is no longer valid, even if you find it later.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of citizenship or legal residency to replace your card.
  • In-person replacement at a Social Security office typically takes two weeks; by-mail replacement takes four to six weeks.
  • You can find your nearest Social Security office and check its hours on ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
  • If your card was stolen, you do not need to report it to the SSA separately — just request the replacement.
  • You will receive your new card by mail; the SSA does not issue cards on the spot during your visit.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one government-issued photo ID and one document proving your citizenship or legal residency. A driver's license, state ID, or passport counts as your photo ID. For proof of citizenship, bring your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card or I-94 arrival record.

Originals are required — photocopies do not work. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation. The SSA office staff can tell you whether a translation is official enough, so ask before you go if you are uncertain.

If you do not have a photo ID, the SSA will accept two non-photo documents instead, such as a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or school records. Call your local office before you visit to confirm which documents they will accept in your situation.

Replacing your card in person at a Social Security office

Walk into your nearest Social Security office during business hours with your documents. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have different schedules. You do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait. Some offices now let you check wait times online before you go.

Tell the staff member at the front desk that you need to replace your card. They will give you a form to fill out — it is the SS-5, the official Social Security card replacement form. The form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number (if you know it), and reason for replacement. If you do not know your number, write "unknown" and the SSA will look it up using your other information.

Hand in your completed form and documents. The staff will verify your information, make copies of your documents, and send your request to the SSA processing center. You will receive your new card by mail in about two weeks. The office will give you a receipt showing your case number — keep it in case you need to check on your card's status.

Replacing your card by mail

read the SS-5 form from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request one by phone. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you do not know your number, write "unknown."

Make copies of your photo ID and citizenship or residency document. Do not send originals — send copies only. Include a cover letter with your name and phone number so the SSA can contact you if they have questions. Mail everything to the address listed on the SS-5 form; it varies by state.

The SSA will process your request and mail your new card to the address on file with them. This usually takes four to six weeks from the day they receive your envelope. If you do not receive your card after six weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 with your case number to check the status.

If your card was stolen or used fraudulently

Replacing the card itself stops anyone from using that card number to impersonate you, but it does not undo fraud that already happened. Request your replacement card as you normally would — the SSA does not require a separate theft report.

Check your credit report for unauthorized accounts or charges. You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you find fraudulent activity, place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and consider freezing your credit. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.

Keep your new Social Security card in a safe place — a home safe, safe deposit box, or locked drawer. You do not need to carry it with you daily. Most employers, banks, and government offices have your number on file already and do not need to see the physical card.

Replacing a card for a child or dependent

You can replace a child's card by visiting a Social Security office in person or by mail. Bring the child's birth certificate, your photo ID, and proof that you are the parent or legal guardian (such as a custody order if applicable). If the child is old enough to go with you, bring them along — the SSA may ask to see them, though they do not need their own ID.

The process is the same as for an adult: fill out the SS-5 form, submit your documents, and wait for the card to arrive by mail. You do not need the child present for a by-mail request — you can submit it on their behalf with the required documents.

What to do while you wait for your new card

You can work, open a bank account, and handle most everyday tasks without your physical card while you wait for the replacement. Your Social Security number does not change, so employers and financial institutions can still verify your information using your number alone.

If you need to prove your number before your card arrives, the receipt from your in-person visit or a letter from the SSA counts as proof. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and ask the SSA to mail you a verification letter, though this adds another week or two to the timeline.

Some situations — like opening certain types of accounts or explore for government benefits — may require the physical card itself. If that happens, contact the organization and ask whether they will accept a verification letter or receipt instead while your replacement is in progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement card the same day I visit the office?

No. The SSA processes all replacement requests at a central location and mails the card to you. Even with an in-person visit, you will receive your card by mail in about two weeks. There is no way to get it faster than that.

What if I do not know my Social Security number?

Write "unknown" on the SS-5 form. The SSA will look up your number using your name, date of birth, and other information from your documents. This does not delay the process — it just takes the staff a few extra minutes to verify.

Do I need to replace my card if it is just worn or faded?

Yes, if the number or your name is no longer readable, you should replace it. A worn card can cause problems when you need to verify your number. The replacement is free and takes the same amount of time as any other replacement request.

What if I moved and the SSA has my old address on file?

Update your address with the SSA before you request your replacement card. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office to update it. Your new card will then be mailed to your current address. If you forget to update it first, the card will go to your old address and you will need to contact the SSA to have a new one sent to the correct location.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. The SSA mails replacement cards directly to the address on file. You cannot have someone else collect it from the office. If you are concerned about mail theft, consider updating your address temporarily to a trusted location, or ask the SSA about having the card held for pickup — policies vary by office, so call ahead.