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

The fastest way depends on where you live and whether you have a my Social Security account. If you are in one of the states that offers online replacement, you can request a card through your account without leaving home — it usually arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If your state does not offer online service yet, you can mail your documents to your local Social Security office or walk in with them. In-person visits typically take longer because of office wait times, but your documents are processed the same day.

You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency. The documents Social Security accepts are specific — a driver's license or passport works for identity, and a birth certificate or passport works for citizenship. If you do not have these, you can bring other documents from their approved list, but the process takes longer because staff have to verify them.

Key Takeaways

  • Online replacement through my Social Security is the fastest option in most states, taking 7 to 10 business days if you already have an account.
  • You will need to show proof of identity (such as a driver's license) and proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a birth certificate).
  • If you do not have standard documents, Social Security has an approved list of alternatives, but processing takes longer.
  • Mailing your documents to your local office or visiting in person both work, but in-person visits mean waiting in line on the day you go.
  • You cannot request a replacement card by phone — you must use one of these three methods.

Getting a replacement card online through my Social Security

Start by checking whether your state offers online replacement. Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Replace Your Social Security Card" option under the "my Social Security" section. If your state is listed, you can create an account or sign in to an existing one. You will need an email address, a phone number, and answers to security questions based on your credit history.

Once you are signed in, the online form asks for your name, date of birth, and the reason you need a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged). You upload images of your identity document and your citizenship or residency document — take clear photos of both sides if the document has them. Social Security reviews these within a few business days. If everything matches their records, they mail your card to the address on file. If something does not match, they contact you by email or phone to ask for clarification or additional documents.

This method works only if you have never had a Social Security card before or if your name has not changed since you got your last one. If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot use the online method — you must mail documents or visit an office in person.

Mailing your documents to Social Security

Find your local Social Security office on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Call the office or check their website to confirm their mailing address — some offices have a separate address for mail-in requests. Gather your identity document and your citizenship or residency document, make copies of both sides, and include a completed Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card). You can read this form from ssa.gov or pick one up at the office.

Mail everything in an envelope marked "Attention: Social Security Card Replacement" to the address the office provides. Include a note with your phone number so they can reach you if they have questions. Processing by mail usually takes 2 to 4 weeks from the day the office receives your envelope, though this varies by office workload. You will not get a receipt or tracking number, so keep a copy of everything you send.

If you are mailing from outside the United States, use the international mailing address listed on ssa.gov for your region. International mail takes longer — allow 4 to 8 weeks for delivery and processing combined.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

Bring your original identity document and your original citizenship or residency document. Do not bring copies — Social Security staff need to see the originals to verify them. Arrive during office hours, which are usually 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Many offices are busier in the morning and on Mondays and Tuesdays, so going mid-week in the afternoon can mean a shorter wait.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online appointment system. Check your local office's website before you go — if appointments are required, you can reserve a time slot online. When you arrive, take a number or check in at the desk. A staff member will review your documents, confirm your information, and give you a receipt showing your process was received. Your card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What documents Social Security accepts for identity

A current driver's license or state ID card is the easiest proof of identity. A U.S. passport or passport card also works. If you do not have either, Social Security has a longer list: a military ID, an employee ID from a federal, state, or local government agency, a school ID, a health insurance card, or a bank statement with your name and address. Some of these require additional verification, which adds time to processing.

The document must be current or expired no more than 5 years ago. If your only identity document is older than that, bring it anyway along with a second document from the approved list — staff can use both together to verify who you are.

What documents Social Security accepts for citizenship or residency

A U.S. birth certificate is the standard proof of citizenship. A U.S. passport or passport card also proves citizenship. If you were born outside the United States, bring a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship — these are issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when you become a citizen.

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card or your I-551 Permanent Resident Card. If you have a work visa or another immigration status, bring your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or your employment authorization document (EAD). If you do not have any of these documents yet, Social Security can accept a combination of other documents — for example, a school record plus a hospital record showing your name and date of birth. This route takes longer because staff have to review multiple documents.

If you do not have standard documents

Social Security keeps a full list of acceptable documents on ssa.gov under "Identity Documents" and "Citizenship Documents." If you do not have the standard ones, look at this list and gather what you do have. You can bring up to three documents to prove identity and up to three to prove citizenship or residency.

Examples of alternative documents include a school record, a hospital record, a lease or mortgage statement, a utility bill, a bank statement, a tax return, or a court order. These documents must show your name and, for identity, your date of birth or a photo. When you bring alternatives, processing takes longer — allow an extra week if you are mailing or visiting in person, because staff have to review and verify each document.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Online replacement takes 7 to 10 business days. Mailing documents takes 2 to 4 weeks from the day the office receives them. In-person visits result in your card being mailed within 7 to 10 business days. International mail adds 4 to 8 weeks. If you bring documents that need extra verification, add 1 to 2 weeks to any of these timelines.

Can I get a replacement card the same day?

No. Social Security does not issue cards on the spot. Even when you visit in person, your card is mailed to you after the office processes your process. The fastest you can receive it is 7 to 10 business days after you submit your documents.

What if my name changed since I got my last card?

You cannot use online replacement if your name has changed. You must mail your documents or visit an office in person. Bring your original identity document, your citizenship or residency document, and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Social Security will issue a new card with your current legal name.

Do I need to bring the old card if it was lost or stolen?

No, you cannot bring it because you do not have it. Just tell Social Security whether it was lost or stolen when you fill out the form. If your card was stolen, you may also want to check your credit report and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, but Social Security does not require this to issue a replacement.

Can someone else pick up my card or request it for me?

No. You must request the replacement yourself using your own identity and documents. If you are unable to visit an office or mail documents, you can have someone help you prepare the paperwork, but you cannot authorize them to submit it on your behalf.