What to bring when you replace your card
You need two things to replace a Social Security card: proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of identity. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not issue a replacement card without both. You do not need to bring your old card, though it helps if you have it.
The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state because some states have agreements with the SSA to verify citizenship records directly. However, the core list is the same everywhere. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work, and the SSA will not return your documents, so bring copies you can leave behind if you have them.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring one document proving citizenship or legal residency and one document proving your identity — the SSA will not process your request without both.
- A U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate counts as proof of citizenship; a green card or employment authorization document counts as proof of residency.
- A driver's license, state ID card, or passport counts as proof of identity; school IDs and credit cards do not.
- Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, because the SSA will not return them.
- You can replace your card in person at a local Social Security office, by mail in some states, or through an online request if you have a my Social Security account and meet age requirements.
Proof of citizenship or legal residency
Citizenship documents are the strongest proof. A U.S. passport counts as both citizenship and identity proof in one document. A birth certificate issued by a state vital records office also proves citizenship — hospital-issued birth certificates do not count. A certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proves citizenship and is often the fastest document to verify.
If you are not a citizen but have legal residency, bring a green card (Permanent Resident Card) or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS. A visa alone does not count. If you are in the U.S. on a temporary visa and need a card, bring your visa and your passport together.
If your citizenship document is from outside the U.S., it must be accompanied by a Certificate of Naturalization or proof of legal residency. The SSA will not accept foreign birth certificates alone.
Proof of identity
A driver's license or state ID card is the most common identity document the SSA accepts. A U.S. passport works as well. A passport card (the wallet-sized version) also counts. If you do not have any of these, a military ID, employee ID from a federal, state, or local government agency, or a tribal ID will work.
School IDs, credit cards, library cards, and work IDs from private employers do not count as identity proof. The SSA requires a document issued by a government agency with your photograph and signature, or at minimum your photograph and date of birth. If you have none of these documents, you will need to bring additional documents — ask the SSA office what alternatives they accept in your situation.
What happens if you do not have originals
If your citizenship document is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement from the issuing agency before you go to the SSA. A replacement birth certificate comes from the state vital records office where you were born, not from the SSA. A replacement naturalization certificate comes from USCIS. These replacements take time — often two to four weeks — so plan ahead.
If you cannot get an original, bring a certified copy. A certified copy has an official seal or stamp from the issuing agency and is notarized. Photocopies and notarized photocopies do not count. If you truly cannot obtain either an original or a certified copy, call your local Social Security office to ask what documents they will accept instead — some offices have procedures for people in this situation, though the process takes longer.
Documents you do not need
You do not need to bring your old Social Security card, though having it speeds up the process slightly because the SSA can look up your record faster. You do not need a Social Security number verification letter or any document from your employer. You do not need proof of address — the SSA does not require it for card replacement.
You do not need to bring marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or adoption papers unless your name has changed and you want the new card to reflect that change. If your name has changed, bring the court document or vital record that shows the legal change.
How to submit your documents
In person is the most straightforward route. Bring your original documents to your local Social Security office. You can find the office nearest you on the SSA website by entering your zip code. Bring the documents listed above, and the SSA will make copies for their file. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your new card arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
By mail is an option in some states. You mail your documents to the SSA office serving your area, along with a completed Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card). Call ahead or check the SSA website to confirm your state accepts mail requests. Mail processing takes longer — usually three to four weeks — because the SSA must verify your documents before mailing your card.
Online replacement is available if you are between 18 and 79, have a my Social Security account, and can verify your identity through the SSA's online system. You do not mail documents for online requests — the SSA verifies your information electronically. Not all states offer this option yet, so check the SSA website to see if it is available where you live.
Common mistakes to avoid
Bringing photocopies instead of originals is the most common reason applications are delayed or rejected. The SSA will not accept them, and you will have to return with originals. Bringing documents that are expired or damaged also causes delays — if your driver's license expired five years ago, it still counts as identity proof, but if it is torn or water-damaged, the SSA may ask for a second document.
Forgetting to bring both citizenship proof and identity proof is another frequent mistake. Many people bring one or the other and have to reschedule. If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — or the SSA will issue the card under your old name. If you are replacing a card because your old one was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report, though having one can speed up the process if there are fraud concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport?
Yes. A passport card is a valid identity document for Social Security card replacement. It has your photograph, signature, and date of birth, which is all the SSA requires. Bring it along with your citizenship proof.
What if my birth certificate is from another country?
A foreign birth certificate alone does not prove U.S. citizenship. You must bring a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship from USCIS, or a U.S. passport. If you have a green card, that proves legal residency instead.
Do I need to bring proof of address?
No. The SSA does not require proof of address for card replacement. You will provide your current address on the process form, but you do not need to bring a utility bill, lease, or other address document.
What if my name changed and I do not have the court document?
Contact the court that issued the name change order and request a certified copy. If you were married and changed your name, a certified copy of your marriage certificate works instead. Call your local Social Security office to ask what documents they will accept in your specific situation.
Can someone else bring my documents for me?
No. You must appear in person at the Social Security office with your documents. The SSA requires you to sign the process form in front of an SSA representative. If you cannot travel, call your local office to ask about exceptions or alternative procedures.