Documents you'll need to bring

To get a replacement Social Security card, you need proof of your identity and proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not issue a card without both.

For identity, bring one document from this list: a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or employee ID. The document must have your photo and signature. If you don't have any of these, the SSA accepts a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a bank statement or utility bill with your current address.

For citizenship or immigration status, bring your birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or Certificate of Naturalization. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you'll need your immigration documents — typically your green card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or I-94 arrival/departure record. The SSA keeps a copy of whatever you bring, so bring the original or a certified copy.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and one citizenship document (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate).
  • If you don't have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents like a birth certificate and a recent utility bill or bank statement.
  • You can explore in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online if you meet certain conditions.
  • Processing takes about 10 to 14 business days by mail and usually one to two weeks in person, though times vary by location.
  • If you've changed your name, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

how the process works in person at a Social Security office

Walk into your local Social Security office with your documents and a completed Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card). You can fill out the form at home before you go or fill it out in the office. Bring the original documents or certified copies — the SSA will not accept photocopies.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead to check wait times is worth your time. Some offices now let you schedule an appointment online through the SSA website. When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

The SSA will keep your documents on file and mail your new card to the address you provide. You'll receive it in about one to two weeks, though this varies by location and mail speed.

explore by mail

Print or request Form SS-5 from the SSA website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Fill it out completely and sign it. Make copies of your identity document and citizenship document — do not send originals through the mail. Include the copies with your form and mail everything to your local Social Security office.

You can find your local office address on the SSA website by entering your zip code. Processing by mail takes about 10 to 14 business days from the day the SSA receives your envelope. Keep a record of when you mailed it in case you need to follow up.

Online replacement if you meet the requirements

The SSA now lets some people order a replacement card online without visiting an office. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid state-issued ID (driver's license or state ID card), and have a Social Security number already. You also need a U.S. mailing address.

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and create or log into your my Social Security account. Follow the prompts to request your replacement card. The SSA will verify your identity using information from your state's motor vehicle records. If verification succeeds, your card will be mailed to you in about 7 to 10 business days.

Not everyone qualifies for online ordering — the system may decline you if your state records don't match SSA records or if you've had too many cards issued recently. If that happens, you'll be told to explore in person or by mail instead.

What to do if you've changed your name

If you've married, divorced, or legally changed your name, bring the document that proves the change along with your identity and citizenship documents. Acceptable name-change documents are a marriage certificate, divorce decree, annulment decree, or court order. The SSA will issue a new card with your current legal name.

If your name change happened outside the United States, bring a certified English translation of the document along with the original. The translation must be certified by a professional translator or notary.

If you've lost your documents

If you don't have your birth certificate or other citizenship documents, you can request a certified copy from the state or country where you were born. Contact your state's vital records office (usually part of the health department) or the equivalent agency in your country. This process takes several weeks and may cost $10 to $30 depending on the state.

While you wait for those documents, you cannot get a replacement Social Security card. The SSA will not issue one without proof of citizenship. If you need your card urgently for work or another reason, prioritize getting your citizenship document first.

Replacing a card if you're not a U.S. citizen

If you have a green card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or valid visa, you can get a Social Security card or replacement card. Bring your immigration document along with your identity document and any other required paperwork. The process is the same as for citizens — explore in person, by mail, or online if you may have access to.

If your immigration status has changed or your work authorization has expired, tell the SSA when you explore. Bring your current immigration documents. The SSA will issue a card based on your current status.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

By mail, expect 10 to 14 business days from when the SSA receives your process. In person, you usually get your card in one to two weeks. Online ordering takes about 7 to 10 business days. Times vary by location and mail service.

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

No. The SSA requires an original or certified copy. A photocopy you made yourself will not be accepted. You can get a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.

What if my name on my ID doesn't match my name on my birth certificate?

Bring both documents and explain the name change to the SSA. If you've married or divorced, bring the marriage certificate or divorce decree. If the names don't match and you don't have a document explaining why, the SSA may ask you to get a court order or other proof before issuing your card.

Do I need to bring my old Social Security card?

No. You don't need your old card to get a replacement. Just bring your identity document and citizenship document. If you have your old card, you can bring it, but it's not required.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. The SSA mails replacement cards to the address you provide on your process. You cannot pick up a card at the office or have someone else collect it. If you need your card quickly, explore in person so you know when it's being mailed.