Where to Get a Replacement Social Security Card

You can get a replacement Social Security card from your local Social Security office, by mail, or online if you meet certain conditions

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards through three main routes: in person at a local Social Security office, by mail using Form SS-5, or online through an SSA account if you have a state-issued ID and a U.S. mailing address. The online option is the fastest if you're may be able to access, but not everyone can use it—age, citizenship status, and whether you've had a name change all affect which route is open to you.

You'll need to bring or submit proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current name if it differs from your Social Security record. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by location, but a driver's license, passport, or state ID usually covers identity, and a birth certificate covers citizenship. Processing time ranges from one to three weeks by mail and can be same-day at an office, though wait times at offices vary widely by location.

Key Takeaways

The fastest route is the online process at ssa.gov if you have a state-issued ID and a U.S. address, with no office visit needed.
You can explore by mail using Form SS-5 and supporting documents, which takes one to three weeks and requires no office visit.
In-person applications at a local Social Security office can produce a card the same day in some cases, but office wait times vary by location.
You must bring or submit proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current name if it has changed.
If you cannot visit an office and do not have a state ID, mail is your only option; call 1-800-772-1213 to request Form SS-5 or read it from ssa.gov.

explore online through your SSA account

The online process at ssa.gov/myaccount is available if you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a state-issued ID (driver's license or state ID card), and have a U.S. mailing address. You create or log into your account, answer questions about your identity, and upload a photo of your ID. The SSA verifies your information and mails the card to you, usually within one to two weeks.

This route works only if your name has not changed since your last Social Security card or if you are changing it through marriage and have a marriage certificate ready to upload. If you changed your name for any other reason, you must explore in person or by mail. The online system also cannot process applications if you are under 18, not a U.S. citizen, or explore from outside the United States.

explore by mail with Form SS-5

Form SS-5, the process for a Social Security Card, is the standard paper form for replacement cards. You can read it from ssa.gov, request it by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or pick one up at your local Social Security office. Fill out the form, gather your supporting documents, and mail everything to the address listed on the form—it varies by state, so check the form itself rather than using a general SSA mailing address.

Include a copy (not the original) of your proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current name if applicable. A photocopy of a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate is acceptable. Processing takes one to three weeks from the date the SSA receives your envelope. You do not need to visit an office, which makes this option useful if you live far from one or have limited mobility.

explore in person at a Social Security office

Walk into your local Social Security office with your original documents—not copies—and you can often receive a replacement card the same day or within a few days. Bring your proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card), and proof of your current name if it has changed. The office staff will verify your documents, take your information, and issue the card on the spot in many cases.

Find your nearest office by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator. Call ahead or check the office's hours online, because some locations have reduced hours or require an appointment. Wait times vary significantly by location and time of day—some offices have waits of 30 minutes, others several hours. If you cannot take time off work or have mobility issues, mail or online may be faster overall despite the longer processing window.

What documents you need to bring or submit

The SSA requires three categories of proof: identity, citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current name. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of a driver's license, passport, state ID card, military ID, or employee ID. For citizenship, bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. If your name on your Social Security record differs from your current name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal document showing the change.

Certified copies are documents stamped by the issuing agency—a photocopy of your own documents is not certified and will not be accepted in person, though the SSA will accept photocopies by mail. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a passport or naturalization papers instead. The SSA has a full list of acceptable documents on its website; if you are unsure whether a document will work, call 1-800-772-1213 before you explore.

Processing times and what to expect

Same-day or next-day service is possible at some Social Security offices, though it depends on office workload and whether your documents are in order. By mail, expect one to three weeks from the date the SSA receives your envelope. Online applications typically process within one to two weeks. The card is mailed to the address you provide, so allow a few extra days for postal delivery once the SSA has mailed it.

If you need the card urgently—for example, to start a job or open a bank account—the in-person route is fastest, but call your local office first to ask about current wait times. If the office is overwhelmed, you may wait hours for a same-day card. In that case, online or mail might be faster overall. Once you submit your process, you can check the status by logging into your SSA account online or by calling 1-800-772-1213 with your Social Security number.

If you cannot visit an office or use the online system

If you do not have a state-issued ID, are under 18, are not a U.S. citizen, or have changed your name for reasons other than marriage, you cannot use the online system. Mail is your next option: request Form SS-5 by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or read it from ssa.gov, fill it out, and mail it with copies of your documents. This route takes longer but requires no office visit.

If you live outside the United States, you must explore in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Call 1-800-772-1213 to find the nearest location and ask what documents they accept. If you are homebound or unable to travel, ask the SSA whether a representative can visit you at home—this is rare but possible in some cases. The phone line can also connect you with a local office that may be able to help you find an alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?

There is no fee. The SSA issues replacement cards at no cost, whether you explore online, by mail, or in person. Be cautious of websites or services that charge you to explore—they are not affiliated with the SSA and are not necessary.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. The SSA mails cards to the address you provide on your process. If you applied by mail or online, the card arrives at your home. If you applied in person, you receive it at the office. You cannot have someone else collect it on your behalf.

What if my name changed and I do not have a marriage certificate?

If you changed your name through marriage but no longer have the certificate, you can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married. If you changed your name through a court order, bring a certified copy of the order. If you cannot locate the document, call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether the SSA can work with alternative proof.

Can I get a replacement card if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you are a permanent resident or have a valid work visa. Bring your permanent resident card or visa along with proof of identity and your current name. If you are in the country on a temporary visa, you may still be able to get a card—call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your status qualifies.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not remember my number?

Call 1-800-772-1213 and provide your name, date of birth, and other identifying information. The SSA can look up your number and help you explore for a replacement. You do not need to remember your number to request a new card.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.