Go to your local Social Security office or order online through ssa.gov

You can replace your Social Security card in two ways: visit a Social Security office in person, or order a replacement online at ssa.gov if you have a state-issued ID and a my Social Security account. The online route takes about 5 to 10 business days. In-person replacement at your local office usually takes the same time, though you walk out with a receipt that proves you applied.

Which route works depends on what ID you have and whether you want to avoid a trip. If you have a current driver's license or state ID card, the online option is faster and requires no waiting room time. If your ID is expired or you don't have one, you must go in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order a replacement card online through ssa.gov if you have a state-issued ID and a my Social Security account, and it arrives in 5 to 10 business days.
  • Visit your local Social Security office in person if your ID is expired, you don't have a state ID, or you need the card faster than mail delivery.
  • Find your nearest office by searching the office locator at ssa.gov or calling 1-800-772-1213.
  • Bring your state ID, proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), and proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • There is no fee to replace a Social Security card, and you do not need an appointment at most offices, though some now use online scheduling.

Ordering online through ssa.gov

The online replacement process works only if you meet three conditions: you have a current state-issued ID (driver's license or ID card, not expired), you have a my Social Security account already set up, and you are requesting a replacement card with the same name on your current card. If your name has changed, you must go in person.

Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, select "Replacement Social Security Card," and follow the prompts. You will confirm your identity, choose standard mail delivery (5 to 10 business days), and submit. You do not pay anything. A few days later, you will receive an email confirmation with a tracking number. The card arrives at the address on file with Social Security.

If you don't have a my Social Security account yet, create one at ssa.gov before you start. You will need your email address, a password, and answers to security questions based on your credit history. The account creation takes about 10 minutes.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

Walk into your local Social Security office during business hours—most are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours vary by location. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some now require you to schedule one online or by phone first. Check your local office's page on ssa.gov to see whether appointments are required.

Bring your state-issued ID, proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address. Proof of citizenship means an original or certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies usually are not accepted.

Tell the staff member at the window that you need a replacement card. They will fill out form SS-5 with you, take your documents, and give you a receipt showing you applied. The card typically arrives in 5 to 10 business days at the address you provided. If you need it faster, ask whether expedited delivery is available in your area—some offices can arrange it, though it is uncommon.

Finding your nearest Social Security office

Use the office locator tool on ssa.gov: go to the homepage, click "Find a Social Security Office," and enter your city or zip code. The tool shows the address, phone number, hours, and whether appointments are required. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the nearest office location.

If you live in a rural area or a small town, the nearest office may be 30 minutes or more away. In that case, the online replacement option saves you a trip if you are may be able to access. If you are not may be able to access for online replacement, call ahead to confirm the office is open and ask whether they have the documents you plan to bring.

What documents you need

Social Security requires three categories of documents for in-person replacement: your identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address. You must bring originals or certified copies—the office will not accept photocopies or photos of documents on your phone.

For identity: a current state-issued driver's license or ID card. If your ID is expired, bring it anyway plus one additional document from this list: passport, military ID, employee ID, school ID, or insurance card. For citizenship: an original or certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. For current address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 12 months. If you recently moved and don't have a document yet, ask the office whether a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation email counts.

Replacing a card with a name change

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other legal process, you must go to a Social Security office in person. You cannot order online. Bring your state ID, proof of citizenship, proof of current address, and proof of your legal name change. Proof of name change means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers—again, originals or certified copies.

The staff will fill out form SS-5 with your new name, verify your documents, and give you a receipt. The card with your new name arrives in 5 to 10 business days. If you also need to update your name with other agencies—your employer, bank, insurance company, or state DMV—do that separately; Social Security does not notify them automatically.

If you lost your card or it was stolen

Replacing a lost or stolen card follows the same process as replacing a damaged one: order online if you are may be able to access, or visit an office in person. There is no separate "lost card" procedure. However, if your card was stolen along with other documents, or if you suspect identity theft, contact the Social Security fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 to report it. They can flag your account and help you monitor for misuse.

You do not need to cancel your old card or report it missing before requesting a replacement. Social Security automatically deactivates the old number once the new card is issued. If you are concerned about fraud, the fraud hotline can advise you on next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Standard mail delivery takes 5 to 10 business days whether you order online or explore in person. Some Social Security offices can arrange expedited delivery, but it is not widely available. Call your local office to ask whether they offer it.

Do I need an appointment to visit a Social Security office?

Most offices do not require appointments, but some now use online scheduling or require you to call ahead. Check your local office's page on ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm before you go.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You need one form of proof of citizenship to replace your card. If you don't have a birth certificate or passport, you can use a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship if you were born outside the U.S. If you have none of these, contact your local office—they can advise you on how to obtain one before you explore.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. Social Security mails the card to the address on file in your account. You cannot have it mailed to someone else's address or pick it up at an office. If you are moving, update your address with Social Security before you request the replacement, or wait until after the card arrives to move.

Is there a cost to replace a Social Security card?

No. Replacement cards are free. If someone charges you a fee to replace your card, they are running a scam. Go directly to ssa.gov or your local office.