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

The Social Security Administration requires three categories of documents to issue a replacement card: one that proves who you are, one that proves you are a U.S. citizen, and one that proves your date of birth. You do not need all three in the same document — in fact, most people bring separate papers for each. The SSA will not replace your card without all three, so gathering them before you go to the office saves a trip.

You can bring originals or certified copies. The SSA will look at them but will not keep them unless they are already certified by the issuing agency. If you bring an original, bring it in person — do not mail originals to the SSA.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), and proof of age (birth certificate or passport) — the SSA will not process your request without all three.
  • A U.S. passport counts as proof of all three, so if you have one, it is the fastest single document to bring.
  • Certified copies work the same as originals, but the SSA will not keep originals unless they are already certified by the government agency that issued them.
  • You must explore in person at a Social Security office — you cannot mail in a replacement request or use an online form.
  • Bring your current Social Security card if you still have it, even if it is damaged or worn.

Proof of identity documents the SSA will accept

A driver's license or state ID card is the fastest proof of identity. It must be current or expired no more than five years ago. If your state ID or license is expired by more than five years, bring a second identity document along with it — the SSA will accept both together.

A U.S. passport or passport card works as proof of identity and also counts as proof of citizenship and age, so bringing a passport means you only need one document. A military ID (active duty or retired) also counts. If you do not have any of these, the SSA will accept a school ID, employee ID, or library card, but only if it has your photo and signature.

If none of these explore to you, bring two documents from this list: a bank statement, utility bill, lease or mortgage, insurance policy, or medical record. They must show your name and current address.

Proof of citizenship documents the SSA will accept

A U.S. birth certificate is the standard document. It must be an official copy issued by the state vital records office, not a hospital birth certificate. If you were born outside the United States, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. A U.S. passport counts as proof of citizenship as well.

If you cannot locate your birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. Each state charges a fee (usually $10 to $30) and takes one to four weeks to mail it. You can order online, by mail, or by phone through your state's vital records office — search "[your state] vital records" to find the office's website.

If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, bring your Consular Report of Birth Abroad or your Certificate of Citizenship. If you are a permanent resident, bring your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

Proof of age documents the SSA will accept

A birth certificate is the standard proof of age. A U.S. passport also counts. If you have neither, the SSA will accept a school record, medical record, or baptism record — any document issued by an official source that shows your date of birth.

If your birth certificate is lost or damaged, order a certified copy from your state's vital records office before you go to the Social Security office. Bring the certified copy, not a photocopy.

What to bring if you are explore as a minor or guardian

If you are under 18, you must explore in person with a parent or legal guardian. Bring your own identity and citizenship documents as listed above, plus the guardian's identity document (driver's license or passport). The guardian does not need to bring proof of citizenship or age.

If you are explore on behalf of someone else as a legal guardian or representative, bring a document that proves your authority — a court order, power of attorney, or guardianship papers. The SSA will ask to see it before processing the request.

What to bring if you are explore as a non-citizen

If you are not a U.S. citizen but have a valid work permit or visa, bring your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or valid passport with visa. You will also need proof of age (birth certificate or passport) and proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID).

If you are in the United States on a temporary visa and do not yet have a Social Security card, you will need to show that you have a valid reason to have one — usually a job offer letter or employment contract. Bring that document along with your visa and passport.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your current Social Security card, but bring it if you still have it — it speeds up the process. You do not need to bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers unless your name has changed and you want to update it at the same time. If you are changing your name, bring the court order or vital record that shows the legal change.

You do not need to bring pay stubs, tax returns, or letters from your employer. The SSA only needs the three categories of documents listed above.

Where to go and what happens next

Find your nearest Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. You can walk in during business hours, but many offices now require you to make an appointment online first. Check your local office's website to see whether appointments are required.

Bring all your documents in person. The SSA will review them, take your information, and issue a replacement card on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks. If you need the card urgently, ask whether your office can issue it the same day — some do, but it depends on the office's workload.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The SSA requires you to explore for a replacement card in person at a Social Security office. You cannot mail in the request or use an online form. However, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether your local office offers video appointments, which some do.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

A foreign birth certificate counts as proof of age and citizenship if it is an official document issued by the government of the country where you were born. Bring the original or a certified copy. If it is not in English, bring an official English translation along with it.

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

If the office issues it the same day, you will have it when ready. If they mail it, it usually arrives within one to two weeks. Call your local office to ask whether same-day issuance is available.

Do I need to bring my current card if it is damaged?

Bring it if you have it — it helps the SSA confirm your information. If it is lost or destroyed, that is fine. Just bring the three categories of documents (identity, citizenship, and age) and the SSA will issue a replacement.

What if I changed my name and need to update it on the new card?

Bring the court order or vital record that shows your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your identity, citizenship, and age documents. The SSA will update your name and issue a new card with the correct name.