You can request a new Social Security card by mail, online, or in person at your local Social Security office

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards for free when yours is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn. You do not need to visit an office — you can request one online through ssa.gov/myaccount if you have a My Social Security account, or by mail using Form SS-5. In-person requests at your local Social Security office are also available if you prefer to hand over documents directly.

The method you choose affects how long you wait. Online requests typically take 7 to 10 business days. Mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks depending on postal delays. In-person requests are fastest if your local office is not backlogged, sometimes producing a card within days. All three routes are free — never pay anyone to request a card on your behalf.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a replacement card online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail using Form SS-5, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • Online requests take 7 to 10 business days; mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks; in-person requests are fastest but depend on office wait times.
  • You will need proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers).
  • If your card was stolen, you can report it to the SSA at the same time you request a replacement, and the old number will not be reused.
  • You can check the status of a mail or online request on ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Requesting online through My Social Security

The fastest route for most people is the online request through your My Social Security account. You will need to create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount if you do not already have one. The account requires your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a U.S. mobile phone number or a credit report question.

Once you are logged in, select "Replace your Social Security card" from the menu. You will answer questions about why you need a replacement (lost, stolen, damaged, or name change) and confirm your mailing address. The SSA will mail the card to the address on file. You do not upload documents online — the SSA already has your information on record from your original process.

Online requests are limited to people age 18 and older who have a Social Security number already issued. If you are requesting a card for a child or a first-time card, you must use the mail or in-person route.

Requesting by mail using Form SS-5

read or request Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov. You can print it, fill it out by hand, and mail it with copies of your documents. Do not send originals — make photocopies of your proof of identity and proof of citizenship or legal residency.

Mail the completed form and copies to the address listed on the form itself, which varies by state. The SSA provides a state-by-state mailing address list on ssa.gov/forms/ss-5. Include a note with your phone number so the SSA can contact you if documents are unclear or missing. The card will be mailed to the address you list on the form.

Mail requests take longer than online requests because of postal delays and processing time. Budget 2 to 4 weeks from the date you mail the form. If you are in a hurry, in-person is faster.

Requesting in person at a Social Security office

Find your local Social Security office on ssa.gov/locator. You can walk in during business hours or schedule an appointment online to avoid a wait. Bring your original proof of identity and original proof of citizenship or legal residency — the SSA will examine them and return them to you. You do not need to make copies.

Bring the completed Form SS-5 if you have it, though the office staff can provide a blank form and help you fill it out on the spot. The office will take your information, verify your documents, and mail the card to your address. Processing time is usually faster than mail requests because the office enters your information directly into the system.

Wait times at Social Security offices vary widely by location and time of day. Calling ahead or scheduling an appointment online reduces your wait. Some offices have longer backlogs than others, so if your local office has a long wait, the online route may actually be faster.

Documents you will need

You must provide one form of proof of identity and one form of proof of citizenship or legal residency. The SSA accepts a limited list of documents for each category.

For proof of identity, bring a current U.S. driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or passport card. If you do not have any of these, the SSA accepts a school ID, employee ID, or military ID. The document must have your photo and signature.

For proof of citizenship or legal residency, bring your original birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Permanent Resident Card (green card). If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport or naturalization certificate, bring your green card or an I-94 arrival/departure record.

If you are requesting a replacement because your name changed (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SSA will issue a card with your new legal name.

What happens if your card was stolen

Report the theft to the SSA when you request the replacement. You can mention it on the Form SS-5, note it in the online request, or tell the office staff in person. The SSA does not reuse Social Security numbers, so your old number will not be issued to anyone else.

Stolen cards are a risk because someone could use your number to open accounts or file taxes in your name. Beyond reporting it to the SSA, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freezing your credit. You can do this for free at annualcreditreport.com or by contacting each bureau directly.

Checking the status of your request

If you requested your card online or by mail, you can check its status on ssa.gov. Log into your My Social Security account and select "Check your replacement card status," or visit ssa.gov/myaccount/replacement-card-status. You will need your Social Security number and date of birth.

You can also call the Social Security customer service line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your Social Security number ready. The status tool tells you whether your card is in production, in the mail, or delivered.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Online requests take 7 to 10 business days. Mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks depending on postal service. In-person requests vary by office — some offices mail the card within a few days, while others with longer backlogs may take 1 to 2 weeks. Check your local office's current processing time on ssa.gov/locator.

Can I use a temporary card while I wait for my replacement?

The SSA does not issue temporary cards. However, you can print a replacement card notice from your My Social Security account if you requested online, which some employers and banks accept as proof while you wait for the physical card. Call ahead to confirm your employer or bank will accept it.

Do I need to notify anyone that my card was lost or stolen?

You do not have to notify anyone beyond the SSA, but if your card was stolen, consider alerting your employer's human resources department and your bank. You may also want to place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus to monitor for unauthorized accounts opened in your name.

What if I never received my card in the mail?

Check the status on ssa.gov first — the card may still be in transit. If the status shows "delivered" but you did not receive it, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. The SSA can issue a replacement or investigate whether the card was lost in the mail.

Can someone else request a card on my behalf?

For adults, no — you must request the card yourself online, by mail, or in person. For children under 18, a parent or legal guardian can request the card by mail or in person with the child's birth certificate and proof of the parent's identity. Online requests are not available for minors.