You need proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of age — all three

The Social Security Administration requires three categories of documents before they will issue a replacement card. You must bring one document from each category, and they must be original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. The SSA will not mail you a card; you pick it up in person at your local Social Security office after your process is processed.

You do not need to bring your old card, even if you still have it. The SSA can look up your record by your name and Social Security number. If you have lost your number entirely and cannot remember it, bring any document that shows it — a tax return, W-2, bank statement, or insurance policy will do.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one original or certified document proving your identity, one proving your U.S. citizenship, and one proving your age — photocopies are not accepted.
  • A driver's license or state ID card counts as proof of identity; a U.S. passport counts as proof of both identity and citizenship at the same time.
  • A birth certificate is the most common proof of citizenship and age, but you can use other documents like a passport or naturalization certificate instead.
  • You must explore in person at a Social Security office; you cannot mail in the process or use an online form.
  • Processing takes about one to two weeks, and the SSA will contact you by mail when your card is ready to pick up.

Proof of Identity: What the SSA Will Accept

A current, valid driver's license or state-issued ID card is the easiest proof of identity. The SSA also accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or employee ID from a federal, state, or local government agency. If you do not have any of these, you can use a school ID, health insurance card, or library card — but only if it has your photo on it.

The document must not be expired, though the SSA will sometimes make exceptions for documents that expired during the COVID-19 pandemic. Call your local Social Security office before you go in if your only ID is expired and you want to confirm they will accept it.

If you have no photo ID at all, bring two documents that together prove your identity — for example, a bank statement plus a utility bill, or a lease plus a credit card. Both must show your name and current address.

Proof of Citizenship: Birth Certificates and Alternatives

An original or certified copy of your birth certificate is the standard proof of citizenship. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born — most states charge between $15 and $30 for a certified copy and can mail it to you within one to three weeks. Some states offer rush processing for an extra fee.

If you cannot get a birth certificate, the SSA will accept a U.S. passport, passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. You can also use a state-issued driver's license or ID card if it was issued after you turned 18 and your state requires proof of citizenship to issue one — but you will need to call ahead to confirm your state qualifies.

Do not bring a hospital birth record or a baptism certificate. The SSA does not accept these as proof of citizenship, even if they are notarized.

Proof of Age: Documents That Work

A certified copy of your birth certificate serves as proof of age as well as citizenship, so if you are bringing that document, you have already covered this requirement. If you are using a different citizenship document, you will need a separate proof of age.

The SSA accepts a driver's license, state ID card, passport, passport card, military ID, or employee ID from a government agency. You can also use a school ID, health insurance card, or adoption decree. The document must show your date of birth clearly.

How to Order Documents Before You Go

If you do not have a certified birth certificate, order it now — it is the slowest document to obtain. Contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. You can find the office's phone number and website through the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) or by searching "[your state] vital records office."

When you order, ask for a certified copy, not an informational copy. Specify how many copies you want — order at least two, because you may need one for other purposes later. Most offices accept payment by check, credit card, or money order. Some offer online ordering; others require you to mail in a form or call.

If you were born outside the United States, order a Consular Report of Birth Abroad from the U.S. Department of State, or a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These take longer to obtain — sometimes four to six weeks — so start the process as soon as you know you need a replacement card.

What to Bring to the Social Security Office

Bring your original documents or certified copies in a folder or envelope so they do not get damaged. Bring all three categories even if one document covers two categories — for example, bring your birth certificate and your driver's license, not just your passport. The SSA staff will review each document and make copies for your file.

Bring your Social Security number if you know it. If you do not, bring any document that shows it — a tax return, W-2, bank statement, or insurance policy. If you have none of these, the SSA can look it up using your name and date of birth, but it will take longer.

Bring a completed Form SS-5 if you want to, though the SSA office will have blank forms available. You can read it from ssa.gov before you go and fill it out at home, which will speed up the process slightly.

Timeline and What Happens Next

Processing takes about one to two weeks. The SSA will contact you by mail when your card is ready. You will receive a notice telling you when and where to pick it up — usually at the same office where you applied, though some offices mail cards directly to your home address.

You must pick up your card in person using the notice the SSA sends you. Do not throw away the notice; bring it with you. If you miss the pickup window, contact your local Social Security office to reschedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement card if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad as proof of citizenship instead. You will still need separate proof of identity and proof of age unless one document covers multiple categories.

What if my documents are in a different name than my current name?

Bring the documents that show your previous name, plus a document that proves the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. The SSA will update your record and issue a card in your current name.

Can I mail in my documents instead of going to the office?

No. You must explore in person at a Social Security office. You cannot mail in the process or send documents by post. Some offices offer appointments; call ahead to schedule one so you do not have to wait.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot order a new one in time?

Use a different citizenship document — a passport, naturalization certificate, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad. These take time to obtain as well, but you can explore for them while you wait for your birth certificate. The SSA will process your replacement card process as soon as you have any valid citizenship document.

Do I need to bring my old Social Security card?

No. The SSA can look up your record by your name and Social Security number. If you still have your old card, you can leave it at home. If you have lost your number, bring any document that shows it.