What You Need to Do to Get a Replacement Card

To replace your Social Security card, you need to visit your local Social Security office in person with proof of identity and citizenship. The Social Security Administration does not issue cards by mail or online. You will fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) at the office, and the staff will verify your documents before processing your request.

The process takes about 10 to 14 business days from the date you submit your process. You can check the status of your replacement card by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting your local office again. Some offices allow you to request expedited processing if you have an urgent need, though this is not standard.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at a Social Security office with original or certified copies of proof of identity and proof of citizenship.
  • Form SS-5 is the only process form the Social Security Administration accepts for card replacement.
  • Processing typically takes 10 to 14 business days, and you cannot track your card online or by mail.
  • You can replace your card for free; any website or service charging a fee is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration.
  • If your card was lost or stolen, report it to the Social Security Administration when you explore, but you do not need to file a police report first.

Documents You Must Bring to the Social Security Office

You need one document proving your identity and one document proving your citizenship or lawful immigration status. For identity, the Social Security Administration accepts a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or employee ID card. The document must be current or expired no more than five years ago.

For citizenship or immigration status, bring your original birth certificate, passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. If your birth certificate is not certified (stamped by the vital records office), the Social Security Administration will not accept it. If you were born outside the United States, you will also need to show your green card, visa, or other immigration document.

Bring originals or certified copies. The Social Security Administration will not accept photocopies, faxes, or notarized copies unless the document is a birth certificate from a vital records office. If you do not have the required documents, ask the office staff which documents they can accept in your situation.

How to Find Your Local Social Security Office

Visit ssa.gov/locator to enter your zip code and find the office nearest you. The website shows office hours, phone numbers, and whether the office requires an appointment. Many offices now operate by appointment only, especially after 2020.

Call the office directly before you go. Ask whether you need an appointment, what documents to bring, and whether the office has any current delays. Some offices have longer wait times than others, and calling ahead can save you a trip.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you may be able to request a replacement through a representative or guardian, but this requires additional paperwork and proof of authority. Contact your local office to ask whether this option is available in your situation.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

The Social Security Administration will mail your new card to the address you provide on Form SS-5. You do not choose expedited or standard shipping; all cards are mailed the same way. The card will arrive in a plain envelope with no tracking number.

If your card does not arrive within 14 business days, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your Social Security number ready. The representative can tell you whether your card has been mailed and provide an estimated delivery date.

If your card arrives damaged or you never receive it, return to the Social Security office with your receipt from your original process. You can request a replacement without filling out Form SS-5 again, though you may need to show your identity document again.

Replacing a Card That Was Lost or Stolen

Report a lost or stolen card to the Social Security Administration when you explore for a replacement. You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to do so if you believe your number has been misused. The Social Security Administration will note the loss or theft in your record.

If you think someone has used your number fraudulently, contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov to report identity theft. The FTC will create a recovery plan and send you a letter you can use with banks, creditors, and credit bureaus. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

Replacing your card does not change your Social Security number. Your number stays the same for life, and a new card is straightforward a replacement document.

Replacing a Card for a Child or Dependent

You can replace a child's card by visiting the Social Security office with the child's birth certificate, proof of the child's identity (such as a school ID or passport), and your own identity document. You do not need to bring the child with you, though some offices may request it.

If the child's name has changed due to adoption, marriage, or court order, bring the legal document showing the name change along with the other required documents. The Social Security Administration will issue a new card with the updated name.

Avoiding Scams and Fraudulent Services

The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee to replace your card. Any website or service offering to replace your card for a fee is not affiliated with the government. Do not pay money to anyone claiming they can speed up the process or may provide a replacement.

The official Social Security Administration website is ssa.gov. If you see a website with a similar name or a site claiming to be an official partner, it is not legitimate. Go directly to ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to find accurate information.

Be cautious of emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. The agency does not contact people by email or text to ask for personal information. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click any links or provide any information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace a Social Security card?

Replacement is free. The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee for card replacement, and neither do any legitimate government offices. If anyone asks you to pay, they are running a scam.

Can I replace my card by mail or online?

No. You must visit a Social Security office in person. The Social Security Administration does not process card replacements by mail, email, or through any online portal. You will need to bring original documents to verify your identity and citizenship.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

Contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy. You can usually order one by mail or online using your name, date of birth, and parents' names. Some states allow you to pick up a copy in person. The Social Security Administration can also accept other citizenship documents, such as a passport or naturalization certificate, if you cannot obtain a birth certificate.

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Processing takes 10 to 14 business days from the date you submit your process at the office. The card is mailed to your address with no tracking number. If you need your card sooner, ask the office staff whether expedited processing is available in your situation, though this is not may provide.

Do I need to report a lost card to the police?

You do not need a police report to replace your card. However, if you believe your number has been used fraudulently, you should report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. You can also file a police report if you wish, and some credit bureaus may request one when you place a fraud alert.