The Documents the Social Security Administration Requires

You need three types of documents to request a replacement Social Security card: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your current legal name. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not process your request without all three, so gathering them before you visit is the fastest approach.

You do not need to bring originals to every appointment—the SSA will make copies. However, you must bring documents you can hand over temporarily while staff verify them. If a document is damaged, expired, or looks altered, the SSA may reject it and ask you to bring something else instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of your current legal name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order if your name changed).
  • The SSA accepts certified copies of birth certificates and other vital records, not just originals, so you can order these in advance by mail.
  • If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, you can use a passport, military ID, or employee ID card as proof of identity instead.
  • You can submit your request by mail with certified copies of documents, though in-person visits at a local SSA office usually process faster.
  • If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that proves the change—the SSA will not accept a name change without it.

Proof of Citizenship: Birth Certificate, Passport, or Naturalization Papers

The SSA accepts a certified birth certificate as the primary proof of citizenship. This must be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born, not a photocopy you made yourself. You can order a certified birth certificate by mail or in person from your state's vital records office—search "[your state] vital records" online to find the office and fee, which typically ranges from $10 to $30.

If you were born outside the United States, a U.S. passport or passport card serves as proof of citizenship. A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship also works if you became a citizen through naturalization or if citizenship was granted to you. Military discharge papers (Form DD-214) count as proof of citizenship if you served in the U.S. armed forces.

Do not bring a Social Security card itself as proof of citizenship—the SSA will not accept it, even if it is your original card. A driver's license or state ID card alone is not enough either, because those documents do not prove you are a U.S. citizen.

Proof of Identity: Driver's License, Passport, or State ID

The SSA requires a current, valid photo ID to confirm you are who you say you are. A driver's license or state ID card is the most common choice. The ID must not be expired, though the SSA may accept an ID that expired within the last year if you have a good reason (such as a pandemic-related closure of the DMV).

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, bring one of these instead: a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, employee ID card from a current or recent employer, school ID, or tribal ID. The document must include your photograph and signature (or a mark in place of a signature if you cannot sign your name).

Documents without a photo—such as a credit card, bank statement, or utility bill—do not count as proof of identity on their own. The SSA needs to see your face and verify it matches you in person.

Proof of Your Current Legal Name

If your name has not changed since you were born, you do not need a separate document for this—your birth certificate covers it. However, if you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you must bring the document that proves the change.

For a name change due to marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For a name change due to divorce, bring your divorce decree or final divorce judgment. If you changed your name through a court order (for any reason), bring a certified copy of the court order or decree that shows the new name.

These documents must be certified copies issued by the court or vital records office, not photocopies. If you lost your marriage certificate or divorce papers, you can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the marriage or divorce was recorded.

How to Submit Your Request: In Person or by Mail

You can request a replacement card in person at your local Social Security office or by mail. In-person visits are usually faster—you can often receive a temporary card on the spot and your permanent card within two weeks. To find your nearest office, visit ssa.gov and use the office locator, or call 1-800-772-1213.

If you submit by mail, send certified copies of your documents (not originals) to your local SSA office. Include a completed Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), which you can read from ssa.gov or pick up at any SSA office. Mail takes longer—typically four to six weeks—because the SSA must verify your documents before mailing your card.

Do not mail original documents unless you are certain you can replace them. The SSA will return copies to you, but originals may be delayed or lost in transit. If you must mail originals, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery.

Documents You Cannot Use and Common Mistakes

The SSA will reject certain documents, even if they seem official. Do not bring a Social Security card (even your original), a school transcript, a library card, a credit card, or a bank statement as proof of identity. These do not meet the SSA's standards because they lack a photo, a signature, or both.

A photocopy of a birth certificate will not work—it must be certified. The same applies to marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and court orders. If you bring a photocopy, the SSA will ask you to come back with a certified copy, which delays your request by weeks.

If your documents show signs of tampering, alteration, or damage, the SSA may refuse them. Do not write on documents, tape them, or use correction fluid. If a document is torn, stained, or faded, order a fresh certified copy instead of bringing the damaged one.

What Happens After You Submit Your Documents

Once the SSA receives your documents, staff will verify that they are genuine and that the information matches. This verification step typically takes one to two weeks. If the SSA finds a problem—such as a mismatch between your name on different documents or a document that does not meet their standards—they will contact you by mail or phone to ask for clarification or a replacement document.

If you applied in person, you may receive a temporary card when ready while your permanent card is being printed. The temporary card is valid for work and other purposes while you wait for the permanent one. If you applied by mail, you will receive only the permanent card once verification is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of a certified copy?

No. The SSA requires a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born. A photocopy you made yourself will not be accepted. You can order a certified copy by mail or in person from your state's vital records office for a small fee.

What if my name on my birth certificate does not match my current legal name?

Bring both your birth certificate and the document that proves your name change—such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SSA will use both documents to confirm your identity and update your record with your current legal name.

Can I use an expired driver's license as proof of identity?

An expired driver's license is usually not accepted. However, the SSA may make an exception if your license expired within the last year and you have a valid reason, such as a pandemic-related closure. Call your local SSA office to ask before you visit.

Do I need to bring originals of all my documents, or can I bring copies?

You can bring certified copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other vital records. However, you must bring the original of your photo ID (such as your driver's license or passport) so the SSA can verify it in person. The SSA will return your original ID to you after your appointment.

How long does it take to receive a replacement card after I submit my documents?

If you explore in person, you may receive a temporary card when ready and your permanent card within two weeks. If you explore by mail, the process typically takes four to six weeks. The SSA will contact you if they need additional information or clarification about your documents.