You can get a duplicate Social Security card by mail, in person, or online depending on where you live
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue you a replacement card at no cost if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not need to visit an office in person — most people can request one by mail or through an online account. The process takes about two weeks by mail, or sometimes faster if you go to a local Social Security office.
You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency status. The documents you bring depend on which method you choose, but a driver's license or passport usually works for identity, and a birth certificate or passport covers citizenship. The SSA will not issue a card without these proofs.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a duplicate card online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you have a verified account, and it arrives by mail in about two weeks.
- By mail, you fill out Form SS-5, include copies of your identity document and proof of citizenship, and mail the packet to your local SSA office.
- In person at a Social Security office, you bring original documents and usually walk out with a receipt the same day; the card arrives within two weeks.
- You need one document for identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and one for citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers).
- If your card was stolen, you may want to check your Social Security earnings record and monitor your credit, though a stolen card alone does not automatically mean fraud occurred.
Requesting a duplicate card online through your SSA account
If you have a verified my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount, you can request a replacement card without leaving home. Log in, go to the "Replacement Social Security Card" section, and follow the prompts. The SSA will mail the card to the address on file, and it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
You must be a U.S. citizen or have a valid work visa to use the online method. If you are not a citizen, you will need to use the mail or in-person route instead. The online method works only if your identity has already been verified through the SSA's system, which happens when you first create your account.
Mailing in Form SS-5 to your local Social Security office
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, and the reason you need a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged). Do not sign the form until you are ready to mail it — the SSA requires an original signature.
Make copies of one identity document and one citizenship document. Identity documents include a driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or military ID. Citizenship documents include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. Mail the completed form and copies to your local Social Security office. You can find the address at ssa.gov/locator.
Processing takes about two weeks from the date the SSA receives your packet. Do not mail original documents — always send copies. Keep a copy of the form for your records.
Going to a Social Security office in person
Walk into your local Social Security office with your completed Form SS-5, one original identity document, and one original citizenship document. Bring the originals, not copies — the SSA staff will examine them and return them to you. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now ask you to schedule one online first.
The staff will verify your documents, take your signature, and give you a receipt on the spot. The receipt shows your Social Security number and confirms you have applied. Your new card will be mailed to your address within 7 to 14 days. If you need the card urgently, ask the staff whether your office can expedite it; some offices can, depending on your situation.
What documents you need and what they must show
| Document Type | Acceptable Documents | What the SSA Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, tribal ID | Your name, date of birth, and photo (if the document has one) |
| Citizenship | U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship | Your name and proof you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident |
Documents must be current or only recently expired. A driver's license that expired five years ago will not work. If your identity document is expired, bring a second form of ID — for example, a passport and an expired driver's license together. The SSA wants to see at least one document that is current or nearly current.
If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship instead. If you were born outside the United States and do not have a naturalization certificate, bring your passport and any immigration documents showing your legal status.
What happens if you lost your card to theft or fraud
Getting a replacement card is the first step, but if your card was stolen, consider checking your Social Security earnings record for signs of misuse. Visit ssa.gov/myaccount and look at your "Earnings Record" to see if anyone has reported wages under your number. If you see earnings you did not make, contact the SSA's fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
You should also monitor your credit report for accounts opened in your name without your permission. Request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) at annualcreditreport.com. A stolen Social Security card does not automatically mean someone has committed fraud, but checking these records gives you early warning if they have.
Timeline and what to expect after you explore
By mail or in person, your new card arrives within 7 to 14 days. Online requests through my Social Security typically arrive within 7 to 10 days. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received your card, contact your local Social Security office to check the status. Have your receipt or process confirmation number ready.
The SSA will mail your card to the address on file in their system. If you have moved recently and updated your address with the SSA, the card goes to your new address. If you have not updated your address, the card goes to the old one. Before you explore, log into my Social Security or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your address is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement card the same day I explore?
No. The SSA does not issue cards on the spot. When you explore in person, you receive a receipt that day, but the actual card is mailed to you and arrives within 7 to 14 days. Some offices may be able to expedite delivery in rare circumstances — ask the staff when you visit.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can use a U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship instead. If you were born outside the U.S. and do not have a naturalization certificate, bring your passport and any immigration documents showing your legal status in the United States.
Do I need an appointment to visit a Social Security office?
It depends on your local office. Many offices now require you to schedule an appointment online through ssa.gov/locator, while others still accept walk-ins. Check your local office's page to see what it requires. If appointments are full, you can explore by mail or online instead.
What if my name has changed since I got my original card?
You still need the same identity and citizenship documents. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, bring the document that shows your current legal name (such as a marriage certificate or court order) along with your identity and citizenship documents. The SSA will issue a card with your current legal name.
Can someone else pick up my card for me?
No. The SSA mails cards directly to the address on file. You cannot have someone else collect it from an office. If you are unable to receive mail at your current address, update your address with the SSA before you explore, or use a different address where you can receive mail.