You need proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of age

The Social Security Administration requires three things before they will issue you a replacement card: something that proves who you are, something that proves you are a U.S. citizen, and something that proves when you were born. You do not need all three documents to be the same type — you can mix and match from the lists below. You will bring originals or certified copies to your local Social Security office; they will not accept photocopies or digital images.

The process is free. You do not pay a fee to replace your card, no matter how many times you need one. If someone tells you there is a charge, they are not representing the Social Security Administration.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, your citizenship, and your date of birth — photocopies and photos on your phone will not work.
  • A driver's license or passport covers both identity and citizenship, so you may only need one additional document for age.
  • Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees must be certified copies issued by the vital records office, not copies you made yourself.
  • You can replace your card in person at your local Social Security office or by mail if you have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport.
  • The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee for replacement cards.

Documents that prove your identity

A current driver's license or passport is the strongest proof of identity and is accepted without question. If you do not have either, the Social Security Administration will accept a state ID card, a U.S. military ID, a federal employee ID, a tribal ID, or a certificate of naturalization.

If you have none of these, you can use a school ID, a work ID, a medical record, a life insurance policy, or a bank statement — but the Social Security Administration may ask follow-up questions or request additional documents. Bring the original or a certified copy.

Documents that prove your citizenship

A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest proof of citizenship. If you do not have a passport, a certificate of naturalization or a certificate of citizenship will work. These are issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and come in the mail after your naturalization or citizenship case is approved.

If you were born in the United States, your birth certificate serves as proof of citizenship. It must be an original or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born — a photocopy you made yourself will not be accepted. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State.

Documents that prove your date of birth

A birth certificate is the standard proof of age and must be an original or certified copy from the vital records office. A passport, passport card, or driver's license also proves age. If you do not have any of these, you can use a marriage certificate, divorce decree, military discharge papers (Form DD 214), a medical record, or a school record — all must be originals or certified copies.

Certified copies are issued by the government office that created the document. For a birth certificate, that is the vital records office in the state where you were born. For a marriage or divorce certificate, that is the clerk's office in the county where the event was recorded. You can usually order certified copies by mail or online from these offices, though there is typically a small fee (usually $10 to $25).

How to replace your card by mail

If you have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport, you can replace your card by mail without visiting an office. Real ID licenses have a star in the upper right corner. Fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), gather your documents, and mail them to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on the Social Security Administration website by entering your zip code.

Mail your original documents or certified copies along with the completed form. Keep copies for your records. The Social Security Administration will return your documents to you and mail your new card separately. This process typically takes two to four weeks.

How to replace your card in person

Visit your local Social Security office with your documents and a completed Form SS-5. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can schedule one online if you prefer. Bring originals or certified copies — the office staff will examine them and return them to you. You will receive your new card in the mail within one to two weeks.

To find your local office, go to the Social Security Administration website and search by zip code. The office hours are usually 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, though some offices have extended hours on certain days. Bring all your documents in a single envelope or folder so nothing gets separated.

What happens if you cannot find your birth certificate

Contact the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. You can usually order a certified copy online or by mail for a fee. If you were born in a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or Northern Mariana Islands), contact that territory's vital records office.

If you cannot obtain a birth certificate, you can use other documents to prove your age: a passport, driver's license, marriage certificate, divorce decree, military discharge papers, medical record, or school record. All must be originals or certified copies. The Social Security Administration will work with you to find an acceptable combination if your first choice is not available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or a picture of my documents on my phone?

No. The Social Security Administration requires originals or certified copies. Photocopies, photos, and digital images will not be accepted. Certified copies are issued by the government office that created the document — for example, the vital records office for a birth certificate or the county clerk for a marriage certificate.

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

By mail, two to four weeks. In person at an office, one to two weeks. The time starts after the Social Security Administration receives your documents and processes your form. You will receive your card in a separate mailing.

Do I need all three types of documents if I have a passport?

No. A passport proves identity, citizenship, and age all at once, so it is the only document you need to bring. A Real ID-compliant driver's license also covers all three, so you would only need that one document as well.

What if I do not have a driver's license or passport?

You will need to bring three separate documents: one for identity (school ID, work ID, or medical record), one for citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate), and one for age (marriage certificate, military discharge papers, or medical record). All must be originals or certified copies.

Is there a fee to replace my Social Security card?

No. The Social Security Administration does not charge for replacement cards. You may pay a small fee to obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate or other documents from the government office that issued them, but the card itself is free.