What You Need to Do to Get a Replacement Card

To get a replacement Social Security card, you fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), gather proof documents, and submit them to your local Social Security office in person. The Social Security Administration does not process these requests by mail or online. You will need to show original documents or certified copies that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. Processing usually takes one to two weeks after you submit everything in person.

You cannot order a replacement card through a website or by phone, and no third-party service can do it for you. The Social Security Administration handles all replacements directly. If someone offers to get you a card for a fee, that is a scam.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Social Security office in person with Form SS-5 and original identity documents—mail and online requests are not accepted.
  • Acceptable identity documents include a driver's license, passport, or state ID; a birth certificate alone is not enough to prove who you are.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks after you submit your documents, and you will receive your card by mail at the address you provide.
  • If your card was lost or stolen, you do not need to report it to the Social Security Administration, but you may want to monitor your credit for fraud.
  • You can find your local Social Security office and check its hours on the Social Security Administration website before you go.

Documents You Must Bring to the Social Security Office

You need two types of documents: one that proves your identity and one that proves your age and citizenship or immigration status. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of a driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or military ID. A birth certificate, Social Security card, or school ID alone will not work as proof of identity.

For age and citizenship, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, or immigration documents (such as a green card or visa). If you were born outside the United States and do not have a U.S. passport, bring your original birth certificate and your green card or other immigration paperwork. Photocopies are not accepted unless they are certified by the issuing agency.

If you cannot find your original documents, you can request certified copies from the agency that issued them—your state's vital records office for a birth certificate, your state's DMV for a driver's license, or the U.S. State Department for a passport. This step takes extra time, so plan ahead.

How to Fill Out Form SS-5

Form SS-5 is a one-page process. You can read it from the Social Security Administration website, pick one up at your local Social Security office, or request one by phone at 1-800-772-1213. Fill it out completely in black or blue ink before you go to the office.

The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, mother's maiden name, and current address. It also asks why you need a replacement card—check the box for "Lost," "Stolen," or "Damaged" depending on your situation. If your name has changed since your last card (through marriage, divorce, or court order), you will need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

Do not sign the form until you are at the Social Security office, because the staff member will watch you sign it. Signing it at home and then presenting it will delay your request.

What Happens at the Social Security Office

Arrive during the office's posted hours. You do not need an appointment for a replacement card at most offices, but some locations now use an online scheduling system. Check the Social Security Administration website for your local office's hours and whether it requires you to schedule ahead.

When you arrive, bring your completed Form SS-5 and your original documents. A staff member will review your documents, watch you sign the form, and take your information. They will tell you when to expect your card by mail. Keep the receipt they give you—it shows your process was submitted.

If your documents are missing information or are not acceptable, the staff member will tell you what else you need to bring. You will have to return with the correct documents to complete your process.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Submit

After you submit your process, the Social Security Administration typically mails your new card within one to two weeks. The card will be sent to the address you provided on the form. If you need the card urgently, there is no way to speed up the process—the Social Security Administration does not offer expedited processing for replacement cards.

If you do not receive your card within three weeks, contact your local Social Security office. Bring your receipt from when you applied. The office can check the status of your process and remail the card if it was lost in transit.

Once you receive your new card, sign the back of it in ink before you use it. Do not laminate it or write anything else on it.

If Your Name Has Changed

If you got married, divorced, or changed your name by court order since your last Social Security card was issued, you will need to bring proof of the name change along with your other documents. A certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order is required.

The Social Security Administration will issue a new card with your current legal name. If you have not yet updated your name with other agencies (your state's DMV, your employer, your bank), do that separately—the Social Security Administration does not update those records for you.

Finding Your Local Social Security Office

Use the Social Security Administration's office locator on its website to find the address, phone number, and hours of your nearest office. Search by city or zip code. The website also shows whether the office requires appointments and what documents it needs from you.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to ask questions about what documents you need, but you will still have to visit the office to submit your process. Some Social Security offices have longer wait times than others, so calling ahead to ask about typical wait times can help you plan your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement card if I lost it or it was stolen?

Yes. You do not need to report a lost or stolen Social Security card to the Social Security Administration. Just bring Form SS-5 and your identity documents to your local office. If you are concerned about fraud, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy. You can usually do this online or by mail, though it takes one to three weeks. Some states charge a fee. Once you have it, bring it to the Social Security office along with your identity document.

Do I need to bring my old Social Security card to get a replacement?

No. If your card was lost or stolen, you do not have it to bring. If you have it and it is just damaged, you can bring it, but it is not required. The Social Security Administration will issue a new card based on your documents and process.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. You must explore in person at the Social Security office. However, once the card is mailed to your address, someone else can receive it if they are at your home when it arrives.

What if my name does not match my documents?

If your legal name on your birth certificate or passport does not match the name on your driver's license or other ID, bring all the documents that show your name history. Bring a certified copy of any marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order that explains the change. The Social Security Administration will review all of them and issue a card with your current legal name.