You cannot get a Social Security card entirely online, but you can start the process from home
The Social Security Administration does not offer a fully online system for ordering a replacement card. However, you can request one by mail without visiting an office, and some states let you begin the request online through their motor vehicle department. The card itself will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days after the Social Security Administration receives your completed form.
If you need a card quickly — within a few days — you will need to visit a Social Security office in person. For most people, ordering by mail is simpler and works fine if you have time to wait.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a replacement card by mailing Form SS-5 directly to your local Social Security office, with no office visit required.
- Some states let you request a card through their Department of Motor Vehicles website, which then sends your request to Social Security.
- You will need to provide proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of citizenship or legal residency.
- The card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after Social Security receives your request, not from the date you mail it.
- If you need the card within days, you must visit a Social Security office in person and bring original documents.
Ordering by mail: the slowest but easiest route
To order a replacement card by mail, read or print Form SS-5 from the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov). Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, and the reason you need a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged).
Attach photocopies of two documents: one for identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and one for citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, naturalization papers, or visa). Do not send originals — photocopies are sufficient. Mail the form and copies to the Social Security office that serves your area. You can find the address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code.
The Social Security Administration will mail your new card to the address on file. The entire process takes 7 to 10 business days after they receive your envelope, not from the date you mail it. If you are moving, update your address with Social Security before you send the form, or the card may go to your old address.
Using your state's motor vehicle department website
Some states — including California, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, and Washington — let you request a Social Security card through their Department of Motor Vehicles website. This is faster than mailing because the state sends your request directly to Social Security.
To use this route, visit your state's DMV website and look for "Social Security card" or "replacement card" in the services menu. You will need to log in with your driver's license number and answer security questions. The system will ask for the same documents as the mail route — proof of identity and citizenship — but you upload images of them instead of mailing photocopies.
After you submit, your state DMV forwards your request to Social Security electronically. The card still takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. If your state is not listed above, this option is not yet available to you.
What documents you need to bring or send
Social Security requires proof of two things: who you are, and that you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident. You do not need both from the same document.
| For Identity | For Citizenship or Legal Residency |
|---|---|
| Driver's licenseState ID cardU.S. passportMilitary ID | Birth certificateU.S. passportCertificate of naturalizationVisa and I-94 (for non-citizens)Employment authorization document |
If you are mailing your request, send photocopies. If you are using your state's DMV website, upload clear images of both sides of each document. Blurry or incomplete images may delay your request.
When you need to visit an office in person
Visit a Social Security office if you need the card within a few days or if you cannot mail documents. Bring your original identity document and original proof of citizenship or legal residency. Social Security staff will review them on the spot and can issue a replacement card the same day in some cases, though you may still wait 7 to 10 days for mail delivery.
Call ahead to find your nearest office and confirm their hours. Many offices now require an appointment. You can schedule one on ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
If your card was stolen or you suspect fraud
If someone stole your card or you think it has been used fraudulently, order a replacement as soon as you can using any of the methods above. You do not need to report the theft to Social Security first — just note "stolen" as the reason on Form SS-5 or when you request through your state DMV.
If you suspect someone has used your Social Security number to open accounts or file taxes, contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. They will help you create a recovery plan. You may also want to place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it really take to get a card by mail?
The Social Security Administration processes your request in 7 to 10 business days after they receive your envelope. Add 3 to 5 days for mail delivery each way. If you mail on a Monday, expect the card in 2 to 3 weeks. If you use your state's DMV website, the timeline is the same because Social Security still mails the card to you.
Can I use a photo from my phone instead of printing documents?
If you are mailing Form SS-5, you must send photocopies on paper. If you are using your state's DMV website, you upload digital images, but they must be clear and show the entire document. Blurry photos or cropped images may be rejected.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can use other documents to prove citizenship: a U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or a state-issued ID that says "citizen" on it. If you were born outside the U.S., a visa and I-94 or employment authorization document will work. Contact your local Social Security office if you are unsure which documents you have may have access to.
Do I need to notify Social Security if I move after I request a card?
Yes. If you move before your card arrives, update your address with Social Security right away. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov. Otherwise, your new card will go to your old address and you will have to request it again.
Can someone else pick up my card from the Social Security office?
No. Social Security mails cards directly to the address on file. You cannot have them held at an office for pickup. If you are concerned about mail theft, consider a P.O. box or ask Social Security to mail it to a trusted address temporarily.