How to get a replacement Social Security card
You can get a replacement Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office in person, by mail, or through an online request if you meet certain requirements. The fastest way is usually in person — you walk in with documents, and the office processes your request the same day. By mail takes about two weeks. Online requests are available to people age 18 and older who have a driver's license or state ID card and a U.S. mailing address.
You do not need to pay a fee. Social Security does not charge for replacement cards, and you should never pay anyone to help you get one. If a website or person asks for money, it is not legitimate.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a replacement card in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online if you have a valid driver's license or state ID.
- In-person requests are processed the same day; mail requests take about two weeks; online requests take about one to two weeks.
- You will need to bring proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your current address — the exact documents depend on which method you choose.
- Social Security replacement cards are always free; never pay anyone to help you get one.
- You can check the status of a mail or online request on the Social Security website using your account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
What documents you need to bring
The documents you need depend on how you request your card. For any method, you will need to prove your citizenship, prove your identity, and prove your current address.
Proof of citizenship can be your birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or adoption decree. Proof of identity can be your driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID, or employee ID. Proof of your current address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it. If you do not have a current address (for example, if you are unhoused), tell the Social Security office — they have other ways to verify your situation.
If you are explore in person and do not have all three types of documents, bring what you have and ask the office what else they can accept. Rules vary slightly by office, and staff can often work with you if you are missing one piece.
explore in person at a Social Security office
Call 1-800-772-1213 to find the office nearest you and ask about wait times. Many offices now let you schedule an appointment online at ssa.gov, which is faster than walking in without one. Bring your documents and a completed Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), though the office will have copies if you do not fill one out ahead of time.
The office will take your documents, verify your information, and give you a receipt. Your new card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. You can use the receipt as proof of your Social Security number while you wait.
explore by mail
Fill out Form SS-5 and mail it along with copies of your documents to your local Social Security office. Do not send original documents — send copies. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and current phone number so the office can contact you if they have questions.
Mail your packet to the address listed on the Social Security website for your state. Processing takes about two weeks from the day the office receives your packet. You can check the status by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov if you have one set up.
explore online
If you are 18 or older, have a valid driver's license or state ID card, and have a U.S. mailing address, you can request a replacement card online at ssa.gov. You will need to create or log into your my Social Security account. The site will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo of your ID.
Once your request is approved, your new card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. You will receive an email or text message (if you set that up) when your card is on the way. This method is convenient if you have the required documents, but not all states offer it yet — the Social Security website will tell you if it is available where you live.
What to do if you need your card urgently
If you need proof of your Social Security number before your new card arrives, the in-person method is fastest. The office gives you a receipt the same day that shows your number and can be used for most purposes — opening a bank account, starting a job, or enrolling in benefits. Some employers and banks will accept the receipt instead of the card itself.
If you are explore by mail or online and need your number sooner, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask if the office can provide a receipt or letter with your number. They may be able to mail or email one to you while your card is being processed.
Replacing a card that was lost, stolen, or damaged
The process is the same whether your card is lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not need to report it to Social Security first — just request a replacement using one of the three methods above. If your card was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling 1-888-397-3742. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.
You can request a replacement card as many times as you need. There is no limit on how many cards Social Security will issue to you, and each one is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
In person: same day (you get a receipt when ready). By mail: about two weeks from when the office receives your packet. Online: about one to two weeks from approval. Actual times vary by office and how busy they are.
Can I get a replacement card if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. You can use a passport, naturalization papers, adoption decree, or other proof of citizenship instead. If you have none of those, call your local Social Security office and explain your situation — they can sometimes work with other documents or help you figure out how to get proof of citizenship.
What if my name has changed since I got my original card?
You will need to bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Social Security office will update your name in their system and issue a new card with the correct name at no cost.
Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?
If you applied in person, you can authorize someone else to pick up your card by signing a form at the office. If you applied by mail or online, the card will be mailed to your address — you cannot have it sent elsewhere or picked up by someone else.
Do I need to do anything with my old card once I get the replacement?
You should destroy your old card by cutting it up or shredding it so no one else can use it. You do not need to send it to Social Security or report it.