Where to Request a Replacement Card

You request a replacement Social Security card through the Social Security Administration (SSA), either in person at your local Social Security office or by mail. The SSA does not issue cards through third-party websites, apps, or services that charge a fee — the card itself is free. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If you go in person, bring your original documents (explained below), and you will usually walk out with a replacement card the same day or within one to two weeks. By mail, the process takes longer — typically two to four weeks from the time the SSA receives your completed form, plus mailing time both ways.

Some states now offer replacement cards through their Department of Motor Vehicles as part of a partnership with the SSA. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available where you live. If it is, you may be able to get a card while renewing your driver's license or ID.

Key Takeaways

  • You must request a replacement card directly from the Social Security Administration in person, by mail, or through your state's DMV if that partnership exists in your state.
  • You will need to bring or mail an original document proving your identity (such as a driver's license or passport) and your citizenship or legal residency status.
  • In-person requests usually result in a card within one to two weeks; mail requests take two to four weeks plus mailing time.
  • The Social Security card is free — any website or service charging you money to obtain one is not affiliated with the SSA.

Documents You Need to Bring or Mail

The SSA requires one document proving your identity and one proving your citizenship or legal residency. An original document is required — a photocopy is not enough, though the SSA will return it to you.

For identity, the SSA accepts a current driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or employee ID from a federal, state, or local government agency. If you do not have any of these, you can use a school ID, health insurance card, or other documents the SSA lists on its website.

For citizenship or legal residency, bring your U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card (green card), or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If you were born in the United States, a certified birth certificate also works. If you were born outside the U.S., you will need one of the documents listed above.

If you are explore by mail, make copies of both documents (front and back if applicable) and send them with your completed form. Do not send originals through the mail — send copies and keep the originals.

Completing the process Form

The form you need is Form SS-5, titled "process for a Social Security Card." You can read it from ssa.gov, pick one up at your local Social Security office, or request one by phone at 1-800-772-1213.

The form asks for your name, date of birth, place of birth, Social Security number (if you know it), citizenship status, and whether you have ever had a Social Security card before. If you are explore because your card was lost or stolen, you will check the box for "Replacement card — same number." If your name has changed since you last had a card, you will need to explain why (marriage, court order, or other reason).

You do not need to sign the form before you go to the office — a Social Security representative will ask you to sign it in front of them. If you are mailing the form, sign it before you send it.

explore in Person at a Social Security Office

Call ahead or check ssa.gov to find your local office and its hours. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to schedule an appointment. During busy times, wait times can be long, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning often means a shorter wait.

Bring your completed Form SS-5, your original identity document, and your original citizenship or residency document. A Social Security representative will review your documents, ask you to sign the form, take your photograph (if needed), and tell you when your card will arrive. Most cards arrive within one to two weeks.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must go with you and bring their own identity document. If you are explore on behalf of someone else who is unable to go in person, you will need a power of attorney or guardianship document.

explore by Mail

Complete Form SS-5 and sign it. Make photocopies of the front and back of your identity document and your citizenship or residency document. Do not send originals. Put the form and copies in an envelope and mail them to the address listed on the form — it varies by state.

Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number (if you know it) so the SSA can match your process to your record. Mail everything to the address on the form, not to a general SSA address.

The SSA will process your process and mail your new card to the address you provided on the form. This usually takes two to four weeks from the time they receive it, plus mailing time. If you do not receive your card within six weeks of mailing, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

What Happens If Your Name Has Changed

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since you last had a Social Security card, you will need to show proof of the name change. Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your identity and citizenship documents.

The SSA will issue a new card with your current legal name and the same Social Security number. The old card becomes invalid once you receive the new one.

Replacing a Card That Was Lost or Stolen

If your card was lost or stolen, you still follow the same process — you do not need to report it to the SSA first. However, if you believe your Social Security number has been misused (for example, if you see accounts you did not open), you should report that to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

Getting a replacement card does not change your Social Security number, so the number itself remains the same even if the card was compromised. The new card is straightforward a replacement with the same number printed on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

In person at a Social Security office, you usually receive your card within one to two weeks. By mail, the process takes two to four weeks from the time the SSA receives your process, plus mailing time in both directions. Exact timing depends on how busy your local office is and mail delivery speed in your area.

Can I use a temporary card while I wait for my replacement?

The SSA does not issue temporary cards. However, you can use your Social Security number for most purposes (employment, banking, benefits) without the physical card. If you need proof of your number, you can print a statement from your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, or the SSA can provide a letter stating your number.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use other documents to prove citizenship or residency, such as a Permanent Resident Card, Certificate of Naturalization, or Employment Authorization Document. If you do not have any of these, contact your local Social Security office to ask what other documents they will accept in your situation.

Do I have to go to the Social Security office in person?

No. You can mail your process if you prefer. However, mailing takes longer (two to four weeks plus mail delivery), and you must send photocopies of your documents rather than originals. Going in person is faster if you need the card quickly.

What if my Social Security office is far away or hard to reach?

You can explore by mail from anywhere in the country. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to ask if a different office location is closer to you, or to ask about scheduling an appointment at your local office if walk-ins are not available.