Bring proof of citizenship, identity, and age to the Social Security office

The Social Security Administration requires three categories of documents: one showing you are a U.S. citizen, one showing who you are, and one showing when you were born. You do not need all documents in every category — one from each is enough. Bring originals or certified copies; the office will not accept photocopies or notarized copies unless the original is unavailable.

You can bring documents in person to your local Social Security office, or you can mail them. If you mail documents, send certified copies only — originals sent by mail may be lost. The office will return mailed documents to you within two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), one proving identity (driver's license or state ID), and one proving your date of birth (birth certificate or passport work for both).
  • Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted unless you cannot obtain the original.
  • If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship in addition to proof of identity.
  • The office will return any documents you mail within two weeks, so keep track of what you send.
  • If you cannot find an original document, call your local Social Security office before you go — staff can tell you what alternatives they will accept.

Proof of citizenship documents

A U.S. birth certificate is the most common choice. It must show your name, date of birth, and place of birth, and it must be certified by the state vital records office — a hospital-issued copy will not work. You can order a certified copy from the state where you were born; most states charge $15 to $30 and mail it within one to two weeks.

If you do not have a birth certificate, bring a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship instead. A passport must be valid or expired no more than five years ago. If you were born outside the United States and became a citizen through naturalization, your Certificate of Naturalization serves as proof of both citizenship and identity.

Consular Report of Birth Abroad and American Indian tribal documents also count as proof of citizenship, though they are less common. Ask your local Social Security office if you have a document type not listed here.

Proof of identity documents

A state-issued driver's license or ID card is the standard choice. It must be current or expired no more than one year ago. If you do not have a driver's license, bring a state ID, U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID instead.

If none of these are available, the Social Security office will accept a school ID, employee ID, or medical record — but call ahead first, because the office may ask you to bring a second identity document as well. Documents must show your name and a recent photograph.

Proof of age documents

Your birth certificate covers both citizenship and age, so if you bring a certified birth certificate, you do not need a separate age document. A U.S. passport or passport card also shows your date of birth and counts toward both requirements.

If you are bringing a driver's license or state ID as your identity document, you can use the same document as proof of age — it shows your date of birth on the back. You do not need to bring a separate document for this category.

What to do if you cannot find original documents

Call your local Social Security office before you visit. Staff can tell you what documents they will accept in place of originals and whether a notarized copy will work in your situation. Some offices will accept a notarized copy of a birth certificate if you can explain why you do not have the certified version.

If you lost your birth certificate and cannot order a replacement quickly, bring your passport and a second form of ID instead. If you do not have a passport, ask the Social Security office whether a school record, medical record, or baptism certificate will work — acceptance varies by office.

How to order certified copies before you go

Order a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Most states have an online ordering system on their health department website. Search "[your state] vital records" to find the right office.

Certified copies usually arrive within one to three weeks and cost $15 to $30. If you need it faster, some states offer rush processing for an extra fee. Keep the receipt or tracking number in case the copy does not arrive.

If you were born outside the United States, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you were born to request a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. This process takes longer — usually four to six weeks — so start early if you need it.

What happens at the Social Security office

Bring your documents to the office in person, or mail them with a completed Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card). You can read Form SS-5 from the Social Security Administration website or pick one up at the office. If you mail your documents, include a cover letter with your name and phone number so the office can contact you if they need more information.

The office will review your documents on the spot if you visit in person. If everything is in order, you will receive your replacement card within one to two weeks. If the office needs more information, staff will call you or send a letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photocopy instead of an original?

No, the Social Security office requires originals or certified copies. Photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted unless you cannot obtain the original. If you cannot find an original, call your local office first — they may accept a notarized copy or an alternative document.

Do I need to bring all three types of documents?

No. You need one document proving citizenship, one proving identity, and one proving age. A birth certificate covers citizenship and age, so you only need to bring a birth certificate and an ID. A passport covers all three, so a passport alone is enough.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship as proof of citizenship. You will also need a state-issued ID or passport as proof of identity. A foreign birth certificate does not count as proof of U.S. citizenship.

How long does it take to get a replacement card after I submit my documents?

If you visit the office in person and your documents are complete, you will receive your card within one to two weeks. If you mail your documents, add one to two weeks for mail delivery on each end. The office will contact you if they need more information.

Can I explore for a replacement card online?

No. You must visit a Social Security office in person or mail your documents and Form SS-5. You cannot submit documents through the Social Security website or by email. Find your local office on the Social Security Administration website.