Go to your local Social Security office or explore by mail

You can replace your Social Security card at a Social Security office in your area, or you can request a replacement by mail. The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs both routes, and which one works best depends on how quickly you need the card and whether you can visit an office in person.

The in-person route is faster — you can often walk in, complete the process, and receive your card within one to two weeks. The mail route takes longer, usually three to four weeks, but works if you cannot reach an office or prefer to stay home. Both are free.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your nearest Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213 to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of citizenship or legal residency, such as a birth certificate or naturalization papers.
  • If you cannot visit an office, you can mail Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) along with copies of your documents to your regional SSA office.
  • Your replacement card will have the same nine-digit number as your original — the SSA does not issue new numbers during replacement.
  • If your card was lost or stolen, you do not need to report it to the SSA, but you may want to monitor your credit for fraud.

Finding your nearest Social Security office

The fastest way to locate an office is to use the SSA's office locator tool at ssa.gov/locator. Enter your city and state, and the tool will show you nearby offices, their addresses, phone numbers, and current hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have extended hours or limited schedules.

Call the office directly at the number listed, or call the main SSA line at 1-800-772-1213. Ask whether you need an appointment or whether you can walk in. Many offices now require appointments, especially after the pandemic, so confirming ahead saves a wasted trip. If you call the main line, you can also ask whether your local office is currently accepting replacement applications or if there are delays.

What documents you need to bring in person

Bring one government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or U.S. passport. The SSA will not accept a school ID, work badge, or library card, even if it has your photo.

You also need proof of citizenship or legal residency. An original or certified birth certificate works for U.S. citizens. If you were born outside the United States, bring your naturalization certificate, green card, or visa. The SSA will not accept a photocopy of these documents — they must be originals or certified copies. If you do not have a certified copy, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.

Bring your Social Security number if you remember it, or any document that shows it — a tax return, W-2, or bank statement. If you do not have it, tell the SSA representative, and they can look it up using your name and date of birth.

explore by mail if you cannot visit an office

read or request Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov. You can print it, fill it out by hand, and mail it along with copies of your documents. Do not send originals — the SSA will not return them. Make photocopies of your photo ID and your proof of citizenship or residency.

Sign and date the form. Mail everything to your regional SSA office. You can find the correct mailing address on the form itself or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Include a note with your phone number so the SSA can contact you if they need more information. Mail takes longer than in-person service, so expect three to four weeks.

If you are uncomfortable mailing original documents or copies, some Social Security offices will accept applications in person from someone acting on your behalf — a family member, attorney, or caregiver. Call ahead to confirm this is an option at your local office.

What happens after you submit your process

The SSA will review your documents and contact you if anything is missing or unclear. If everything is in order, they will print your card and mail it to the address you provided. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for it to arrive.

Your replacement card will have the same nine-digit number printed on it. The SSA does not issue a new number during replacement unless there is evidence of fraud or identity theft. The card itself looks the same as any other Social Security card issued in recent years.

If your card was lost or stolen

You do not need to report a lost or stolen Social Security card to the SSA itself. However, if you believe someone may have stolen your identity or used your number fraudulently, you can place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

You can also check your credit report for unauthorized accounts or charges. Each of the three bureaus offers one free credit report per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you find fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov.

Replacing a card for a child or dependent

If you are replacing a card for a child under 18, you must go in person to a Social Security office. Bring the child's original or certified birth certificate, proof of the child's citizenship or residency, and your own photo ID. You will also need to show proof that you are the parent or legal guardian — a birth certificate showing your name, adoption papers, or a court order.

Children 18 and older can explore for their own replacement card using the same process as an adult. If a child cannot visit an office due to a disability or medical condition, call the SSA to ask about exceptions or alternative arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

In-person applications usually result in a card arriving within one to two weeks. Mail applications take three to four weeks. Some offices may have delays during busy periods, so call ahead to ask about current wait times at your local office.

Do I need to replace my card if my name changed?

Yes. If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you should get a replacement card with your new name. Bring the same documents as for a lost card, plus the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Can I replace my card online?

No. The SSA does not offer online replacement for Social Security cards. You must visit an office in person or mail in your process. Some states offer online replacement through their motor vehicle department, but this is not available everywhere — call your local SSA office to ask if your state participates.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or proof of citizenship?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and order a certified copy. This can take several weeks. If you cannot obtain a birth certificate, ask the SSA what other documents they will accept — in some cases, a combination of documents like a passport, school records, or medical records may work.

Is there a fee to replace my Social Security card?

No. Replacement Social Security cards are free. If someone offers to replace your card for a fee, they are not affiliated with the SSA. The only official way to replace a card is through the Social Security Administration directly.