What you need to do to get a replacement card

You can get a replacement Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office in person, or by mailing documents to the Social Security Administration. The in-person route is faster — you can usually walk in without an appointment, though some offices take appointments only. By mail takes two to four weeks. Either way, you will need to prove your identity and citizenship or lawful immigration status, and you cannot explore online.

The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee for a replacement card. You are may have access to to three replacement cards per year and nine in your lifetime, though most people never need more than one or two.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at a Social Security office or by mail — there is no online process for a replacement card.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID, plus a document showing your current address such as a utility bill or lease.
  • In-person applications usually take 10 to 14 days; mailed applications take two to four weeks.
  • You can find your local Social Security office and check its hours at ssa.gov/locator, or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm what documents they want before you visit.
  • If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

What documents to bring to a Social Security office

You need one document that proves your identity and one that proves your citizenship or lawful immigration status. For identity, the Social Security Administration accepts an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a state-issued driver's license or ID card, or a foreign passport with a U.S. visa. A photocopy of any of these is not enough — it must be the original or a certified copy from the issuing agency.

For citizenship or immigration status, bring your original birth certificate (if you were born in the U.S.), U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card, or Employment Authorization Document. If you were born outside the U.S., a foreign birth certificate with a U.S. visa in your passport also works.

You also need proof of your current address — something issued within the last 12 months showing your name and where you live. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A credit card statement does not.

If your name has changed since your last card, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers.

explore in person at a Social Security office

Find your nearest Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. Type in your zip code and the site will show you the office address, phone number, and hours. Some offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but hours vary by location. A few offices have extended hours or Saturday hours — the locator will tell you.

You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, but call ahead first. Ask whether the office is currently accepting walk-ins or taking appointments only. Some offices have long waits during certain times of day or certain days of the week. The staff can tell you when to come to avoid a wait.

Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies. The office will fill out the process form (Form SS-5) while you are there — you do not fill it out beforehand. The staff will take your documents, verify them, and tell you when your new card will arrive. Most cards arrive within 10 to 14 days.

explore by mail

read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to mail it to you. Fill out the form completely and sign it in black or blue ink. Make photocopies of all your documents — the originals stay with you. Include the photocopies with the form, but do not send the originals.

Mail everything to the address shown on the form. The form lists different addresses depending on your state, so check the form carefully. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the Social Security Administration received your process. The processing time is usually two to four weeks from the date they receive it.

Do not send your original documents by mail. The Social Security Administration will not return them, and you may need them for other purposes. Send photocopies only.

What happens after you explore

Once you explore, the Social Security Administration will mail your new card to the address you provided on the process. The card comes in a plain envelope with no tracking number, so it may arrive without you knowing it is on the way. If you applied in person, ask the staff for an estimate of when it will arrive. If you applied by mail, you can call 1-800-772-1213 about two weeks after you mailed the form to check the status.

Your new card will have the same nine-digit number as your old card — the number does not change when you get a replacement. If you lost your card and are worried someone else might use the number, you do not need to request a new number. Social Security numbers are not reissued for lost cards.

If you need the card urgently

If you need proof of your Social Security number before your card arrives, the Social Security Administration can issue you a Social Security number verification letter. You can request this letter in person at a Social Security office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The letter shows your name, date of birth, and Social Security number, and most employers and financial institutions will accept it as proof. You can also view your Social Security number online through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov.

If you need the physical card itself for a specific important date — such as starting a job — tell the Social Security office staff when you explore. They cannot speed up the card, but they can note your situation in the system and may be able to provide a letter stating that you have applied and are waiting for the card to arrive.

If your name has changed

When you explore for a replacement card, you can also request a name change on the card at the same time. Bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The Social Security Administration will issue a new card with your new name and the same nine-digit number.

If you have changed your name and want to update your Social Security record but do not need a replacement card right now, you can still do this. Visit a Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to request a name change. You will need to provide the document showing the change, and the Social Security Administration will update your record. Your next card — whether replacement or renewal — will show the new name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement card if I was not born in the U.S.?

Yes. You need to prove your lawful immigration status with a document such as a Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Document, or foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. You also need proof of identity and current address, the same as anyone else.

What if I do not have my birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport, state-issued ID, or foreign passport with a U.S. visa to prove identity. For citizenship, if you do not have your birth certificate, a U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization will work instead. Contact your local Social Security office to confirm which documents they have on file for you.

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

In-person applications usually take 10 to 14 days. Mailed applications take two to four weeks from the date the Social Security Administration receives them. The time can vary depending on how busy your local office is.

Do I have to pay for a replacement card?

No. The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee for replacement cards. If someone offers to get you a replacement card for money, that is a scam.

Can I explore for a replacement card online?

No. You must explore in person at a Social Security office or by mail. Be cautious of websites that claim to offer online Social Security card applications — they are not legitimate.