You need proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your current address

The Social Security Administration requires three categories of documents to replace your card: one that proves you are a U.S. citizen, one that proves who you are, and one that shows where you live now. You do not need all documents in every category — you pick one from each group. The documents must be originals or certified copies; photocopies alone will not work.

You can bring these documents in person to your local Social Security office, or you can mail them. If you mail them, include a completed Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) along with copies of your documents and a copy of your ID. The SSA will return your originals to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Proof of citizenship means a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers — one document from this group is required.
  • Proof of identity means a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID — one document from this group is required.
  • Proof of address means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address — one document from this group is required.
  • You must bring originals or certified copies; the SSA will not accept photocopies or digital images.
  • If you cannot find originals, you can request certified copies from the issuing agency before you go to Social Security.

Proof of citizenship: which documents work

A U.S. birth certificate is the most common proof of citizenship. It must be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born, not a hospital copy. If you were born outside the United States, a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship will work instead.

If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or a Certificate of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350) counts as proof of citizenship. If you have already lost your original citizenship document, you will need to request a certified copy from the issuing agency first — your state's vital records office for a birth certificate, or the U.S. Department of State for a passport or consular document.

Proof of identity: which documents work

A current driver's license or state ID card is the easiest proof of identity to bring. A U.S. passport, military ID, or tribal ID also work. The document must not be expired, though the SSA may accept an expired document if it is only slightly out of date and you have a good reason for not renewing it — ask your local office first.

If you do not have any of these, the SSA has a longer list that includes school IDs, work IDs, medical records, and insurance policies. However, these require more paperwork and take longer to process. If you are replacing your card because you lost your ID too, bring whatever identity document you have and ask the SSA what else they need.

Proof of address: which documents work

A current utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your name and address on it works as proof of address. A bank statement, credit card statement, or insurance policy with your current address also counts. The document must be recent — generally from the last 12 months — and must show both your name and your full address.

If you have just moved and do not have a document in your new address yet, bring a lease or purchase agreement for your new place. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a letter from that person on their letterhead stating that you live there, plus a copy of their utility bill or lease showing the address. The SSA will accept this combination.

What to do if you cannot find your original documents

Request certified copies before you go to Social Security. For a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born — you can find the office online by searching "[your state] vital records" or by calling the state health department. Most states charge $10 to $30 for a certified copy and can mail it to you in one to three weeks.

For a passport, go to your nearest passport acceptance facility or passport agency. For a driver's license or state ID, go to your state's DMV. For utility bills or bank statements, contact the company directly and ask for a certified statement showing your name and address. Many companies can email or mail this to you at no cost.

If you need your card urgently and cannot wait for certified copies to arrive, ask your local Social Security office whether they will accept a temporary document or a letter from the issuing agency confirming that you have requested a certified copy. Some offices will hold your process while you gather documents.

In-person versus mailing your documents

Going in person to your local Social Security office is faster. You can bring your documents, fill out Form SS-5 on the spot, and receive a receipt showing your process was received. Your new card usually arrives in one to two weeks. You can find your local office and check its hours on the SSA website.

Mailing your documents takes longer because the SSA must receive them, process them, and mail your card back to you. This typically takes three to four weeks total. However, mailing works if you cannot get to an office during business hours or if you live far from the nearest one. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number so the SSA can match your documents to your account.

What happens if documents are damaged or in a foreign language

If your birth certificate or other document is damaged, faded, or hard to read, bring it anyway. The SSA employee will look at it and tell you whether it is acceptable. If it is not, they will tell you to request a new certified copy from the issuing agency.

If your document is in a foreign language, bring it along with an English translation. The translation does not have to be certified, but it should be complete and accurate. If you are unsure whether your translation is good enough, contact your local Social Security office before you go in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone instead of bringing the original document?

No. The SSA requires original documents or certified copies. Photos, scans, and photocopies are not accepted. If you cannot bring originals, request certified copies from the issuing agency before your appointment.

Do I need all three types of documents or just one?

You need one document from each of the three categories: citizenship, identity, and address. You do not need multiple documents from any single category.

What if my address on my driver's license does not match my current address?

Your driver's license counts as proof of identity even if the address is old. You still need a separate document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Can someone else bring my documents to Social Security for me?

Yes, but they must bring a signed letter from you authorizing them to do so, along with a copy of your ID. The SSA will not process your process without this authorization.

How long does it take to get a replacement card if I mail my documents?

Mailing typically takes three to four weeks from the time the SSA receives your documents. Processing time varies by location and current volume. You can check the status of your process online using your Social Security number and date of birth.