You can order a replacement card online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office
The fastest way to get a replacement Social Security card is through the Social Security Administration's online ordering system, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes and delivers the card to your address in 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot order online, you can mail an process or walk into a Social Security office with the required documents and wait for an appointment. All three routes are free.
You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency status. The documents that work vary slightly by method, but a driver's license or passport covers identity for all of them. The whole process is straightforward once you know which documents the Social Security Administration accepts.
Key Takeaways
- Online ordering through ssa.gov/myaccount is the fastest method and takes 7 to 10 business days, with no documents mailed in advance.
- You will need to prove your identity with a driver's license, passport, or state ID card, and prove citizenship or legal residency with a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers.
- If you cannot order online, you can mail Form SS-5 with copies of your documents to your local Social Security office, which takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- Walking into a Social Security office in person requires an appointment, which you can schedule online or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
- You cannot order a replacement card for someone else unless you have legal authority, such as power of attorney or guardianship.
Ordering online through your Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in or create an account. You will need an email address and a way to verify your identity—either a driver's license, state ID card, or passport number, plus answers to questions about your credit history. The Social Security Administration uses this information to confirm you are who you say you are without requiring you to mail documents.
Once you are logged in, select "Replacement Social Security Card" from the menu. Answer the questions about why you need a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), confirm your current address, and choose whether you want the card mailed to that address or to a different one. The system will show you an estimated delivery date before you submit. You will receive a confirmation email, and the card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
Online ordering is not available if you have changed your name and do not have a recent court order or marriage certificate on file with the Social Security Administration, or if you were not born in the United States and do not have a passport or visa in the system. In those cases, you will need to mail an process or visit an office in person.
Mailing an process with documents
read or request Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov. Fill it out completely, including your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and the reason you need a replacement. You do not need to sign it before mailing—the Social Security Administration will ask you to sign it when they receive it, or they will mail it back unsigned for you to sign and return.
Make copies of documents that prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency. For identity, the Social Security Administration accepts a driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or passport card. For citizenship or residency, they accept a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Do not mail original documents—always send copies.
Mail the completed form and copies to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code, or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the correct mailing address. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the day the Social Security Administration receives your process. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records.
explore in person at a Social Security office
Schedule an appointment online at ssa.gov/appt or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You can also walk into an office without an appointment, but wait times are typically longer. When you call, tell the representative you need a replacement card so they can schedule you with the right department.
Bring your original identity document (driver's license, state ID, passport, or passport card) and your original citizenship or residency document (birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or green card). The Social Security Administration will not accept copies at the office—they need to see the originals to verify them. You will also need to fill out Form SS-5 at the office or bring a completed copy with you.
The office will take your documents, verify your information, and give you a receipt. Your card will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. If your address has changed, tell the representative before you leave so they can update it in the system.
What documents prove identity and citizenship
| Document Type | Accepted for Identity | Accepted for Citizenship/Residency |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. driver's license or state ID card | Yes | No |
| U.S. passport or passport card | Yes | Yes |
| U.S. birth certificate | No | Yes |
| Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship | No | Yes |
| Permanent Resident Card (green card) | No | Yes |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | No | Yes |
You need one document from the identity column and one from the citizenship/residency column. A U.S. passport or passport card counts for both, so if you have either one, you only need to bring that single document. Birth certificates must show the state seal and your full name; hospital-issued birth certificates are not accepted. Naturalization and citizenship certificates must be original documents or certified copies from the court.
If you have changed your name
If you have changed your name since your current Social Security card was issued, you will need to show proof of the name change. The Social Security Administration accepts a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. You can order online only if you have already filed a name change with the Social Security Administration and it is in their system; otherwise, you must mail an process or visit an office in person.
When you mail an process or visit an office, include a copy of your name change document along with your identity and citizenship documents. The Social Security Administration will issue a new card with your current legal name. If you have changed your name multiple times, bring documents for each change in order.
Tracking your replacement card
If you ordered online, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. You can check the status of your card on ssa.gov/myaccount by logging in and selecting "Check process Status." The status will show whether your card is being processed, has been mailed, or has been delivered.
If you mailed an process or visited an office, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about the status. Have your Social Security number and the date you submitted your process ready. The representative can tell you whether the card has been mailed and provide an estimated delivery date.
Social Security cards are mailed in a plain white envelope with no return address. If your card does not arrive within the estimated timeframe, contact the Social Security Administration to report it. They can issue a replacement or investigate whether it was lost in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a replacement card for someone else?
No, unless you have legal authority such as power of attorney, guardianship, or conservatorship. Parents can order for minor children. If you have legal authority, you will need to provide proof of it along with the child's or dependent's documents when you explore.
How much does a replacement card cost?
Replacement cards are free. The Social Security Administration does not charge for them. Be cautious of websites that claim to charge a fee for ordering—those are not official Social Security channels.
What if my card was stolen or used fraudulently?
Order a replacement card through any of the three methods above. If you suspect fraud, you can also contact the Social Security Administration's fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 to report it. They will note it in your file, but ordering a replacement card is the main step to protect yourself.
Can I get a card with a different number?
No. A replacement card will have the same number as your original card. The Social Security Administration only issues a new number in rare cases of identity theft or fraud, and you would need to contact them directly to request that.
How long does it take to get a replacement card if I am in a hurry?
Online ordering is the fastest method at 7 to 10 business days. In-person appointments at a Social Security office are the next fastest, also 7 to 10 business days for delivery. Mailing takes 2 to 3 weeks. There is no expedited option, but you can use your Social Security number for most purposes while you wait for the physical card to arrive.