You can replace a lost Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office in person, by mail, or through an online request if you have a state ID or driver's license

The fastest way to replace a lost Social Security card is to go to your nearest Social Security office with proof of identity and citizenship. You can find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. If you cannot visit in person, you can request a replacement by mail or online, though these routes take longer — typically two to four weeks instead of one to two weeks for an in-person visit.

You do not need to pay a fee to replace your card. Social Security does not charge for replacements, and you should never pay anyone to help you get one. Be cautious of websites or services that claim to speed up the process for a fee — they cannot.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at a Social Security office is the fastest option and usually takes one to two weeks to receive your new card.
  • You need one form of government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers).
  • Online replacement is available if you have a state-issued driver's license or ID and a my Social Security account, and takes about two to four weeks.
  • Mail-in replacement requires Form SS-5, copies of your documents, and takes two to four weeks; you can read the form from ssa.gov.
  • If your card was stolen as part of identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov in addition to replacing the card.

What documents you need to bring

You must bring one form of government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship. Your photo ID can be a driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or passport card. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents from a list that includes a school ID, employee ID, or medical record — ask your local Social Security office which combinations they accept.

For proof of citizenship, bring your original birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. If you do not have the original document, you can bring a certified copy. A photocopy is not enough. If you were born outside the United States and do not have a naturalization certificate, bring your passport and a green card or employment authorization document.

Bring any documents in their original form or as certified copies. Social Security staff will look at them but will not keep them unless you cannot produce them any other way.

Replacing your card in person at a Social Security office

Walk into your local Social Security office with your ID and citizenship documents. You do not need an appointment for a replacement card — you can show up during business hours and take a number. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. Check ssa.gov/locator to confirm hours before you go.

Tell the staff member at the window that you need to replace a lost card. They will ask you to fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) while you wait. The form takes about five minutes. Hand it back with your documents, and the staff member will verify your information and take your photo for the new card.

You will receive a receipt showing your process was processed. Your new card will arrive by mail in one to two weeks. If you need the card urgently for employment, ask the staff member whether they can issue a temporary document or letter stating your Social Security number while you wait for the card.

Replacing your card by mail

read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov/forms or call 1-800-772-1213 to request it by mail. Fill out the form completely and sign it. Make copies of your ID and citizenship documents — the copies must be certified by the issuing agency or a notary public. Do not send originals.

Mail the completed form and copies to your local Social Security office. Find the mailing address for your area at ssa.gov/locator. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and phone number so they can contact you if there are questions. Mail takes two to four weeks, and you should receive your new card within that timeframe.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If you do not receive your card within four weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

Replacing your card online through my Social Security

If you have a state-issued driver's license or ID and a my Social Security account, you can request a replacement online. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in. Click "Replacement Social Security Card" and follow the prompts. You will need to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo of your ID.

Online replacement takes two to four weeks. You will receive an email confirmation when your request is processed, and your card will arrive by mail. This option is not available in all states — check ssa.gov to see if your state participates before you start.

If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one at ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity.

What to do if your card was stolen or used fraudulently

If someone stole your card or used your Social Security number without permission, report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. The FTC will create a report and recovery plan for you. This step is separate from replacing your card — you need to do both.

You should also place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You only need to contact one bureau, and they will notify the other two.

Consider placing a credit freeze on your report as well. A freeze prevents anyone from opening new accounts or taking out loans using your Social Security number. You can place a freeze for free at any of the three credit bureaus' websites.

Replacing your card if you are not a U.S. citizen

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you can replace your card using the same process as a U.S. citizen. Bring your green card as proof of immigration status along with your photo ID and any other required documents.

If you are in the United States on a work visa or other temporary status and have a Social Security number, you can also replace your card. Bring your passport, visa, and any employment authorization documents. The process is the same, but Social Security will verify your immigration status before issuing a new card.

If you do not have a Social Security number and need one, that is a different process — you would need to visit a Social Security office to explore for a number, not replace one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

In-person replacement takes one to two weeks. Mail and online replacement both take two to four weeks. The timeframe depends on how busy your local Social Security office is and mail delivery times in your area.

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

Social Security does not issue temporary cards, but if you need proof of your number for employment, ask the staff member at the office for a letter stating your Social Security number. Some employers will accept this letter while you wait for the physical card.

What if I lost my card outside the United States?

You can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and ask about replacement services. Some embassies can process replacements, but it depends on the location. You can also wait until you return to the United States and replace it at your local Social Security office.

Do I need to notify anyone else that my card is lost?

You do not need to notify Social Security separately — replacing the card is the notification. If your card was stolen or you suspect fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and place a fraud alert on your credit report.

What if I cannot find my birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. They can issue a certified copy of your birth certificate for a fee, usually between $10 and $30. You can find contact information for your state's vital records office at cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.