You can replace your Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office in person, or by mail if you meet certain conditions

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards at no cost. You will need to show documents that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. Most people can walk into their local Social Security office with the right paperwork and receive a replacement card within one to two weeks, though the exact timeline depends on how busy your office is and whether your documents need to be verified.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can schedule one online at ssa.gov if you prefer. If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to explore by mail, but only if you are replacing a lost or stolen card and meet specific conditions — your state must participate in the mail program, and you must have a recent state ID or passport on file with SSA already.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a current state ID or passport, and proof of your current address to your local Social Security office.
  • You can find your nearest office and check its hours at ssa.gov/locator, or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm what documents your specific office needs.
  • If you are replacing a card because it was lost or stolen, tell the SSA staff when you arrive so they can flag your record.
  • Mail-in replacement is available in some states only, and you must have already provided SSA with a state ID or passport within the last five years.
  • There is no cost to replace your card, and you do not need to bring your Social Security number — SSA will look it up using your name and birth date.

What documents you need to bring

You must show proof of three things: your identity, your age, and your citizenship or immigration status. For identity, bring a current state driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport. A passport is the strongest document because it covers both identity and citizenship at once.

For age, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. If you do not have your birth certificate, you can bring a hospital record from your birth, a religious record made before age five, or a school record from your first year of school. SSA will accept a certified copy — you can order one from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born.

For citizenship or immigration status, a U.S. passport covers this. If you do not have a passport, bring your original birth certificate (which proves citizenship if you were born in the U.S.) or your immigration documents if you are not a U.S. citizen. Bring whatever document shows your current immigration status — a green card, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or I-94 arrival/departure record.

You will also need to show proof of your current address. A recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address will work. The document should be dated within the last 12 months.

How to find your local Social Security office

Go to ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code. The site will show you the nearest office, its hours, phone number, and whether it is currently open. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days.

Call ahead at the number listed if you want to confirm that your office has the documents you plan to bring, or if you have questions about your specific situation. The phone line 1-800-772-1213 is the national SSA number and can also answer general questions about what you need.

You can schedule an appointment online at ssa.gov if your office offers appointments, which can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but appointment slots may fill up during busy times of year.

Replacing a card that was lost or stolen

Tell the SSA staff when you arrive that your card was lost or stolen. They will note this in your record and may ask you a few questions about when and where you last had it. This flag helps protect you if someone tries to use your number fraudulently.

If you believe your Social Security number has been misused, you can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov. The FTC will create an identity theft report that you can share with banks, creditors, or other organizations if fraud appears on your accounts.

You do not need to do anything special to replace the card itself — the process is the same whether it was lost, stolen, or damaged. Just bring your documents and let the office know what happened.

explore by mail if you cannot visit in person

Mail-in replacement is available only in certain states and only if you are replacing a lost or stolen card. Your state must be part of SSA's mail program — you can check whether yours is by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting ssa.gov.

To use the mail option, you must have already given SSA a state ID or passport within the last five years. If you have not done this, you will need to visit an office in person. If you do may have access to, you can read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, fill it out, and mail it with a photocopy of your state ID or passport and proof of your address. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes longer than in-person replacement — usually four to six weeks instead of one to two weeks. Your new card will be mailed to you when it is ready.

What happens after you submit your request

If you applied in person, SSA will verify your documents and issue your replacement card on the spot or within a few days. You will receive a receipt showing your process date. If SSA needs to verify any of your documents with another agency (for example, checking your birth certificate with the state vital records office), the process may take longer — up to two weeks in some cases.

You will receive your new card by mail at the address you provided. Do not assume it did not arrive — check your mail for two weeks after your process. If you do not receive it, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

Once you have your new card, keep it in a safe place. You do not need to carry it with you every day — most employers and banks only need your Social Security number, not the physical card.

Replacing a card with a name change

If you are replacing your card because your name has changed — through marriage, divorce, court order, or another reason — bring the same identity and age documents as above, plus an original or certified copy of the document that shows your name change. This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate.

The process is the same: visit your local office with your documents, or explore by mail if your state participates and you meet the other conditions. SSA will update your name in their records and issue a new card with your current name.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

If you explore in person, you usually receive your card within one to two weeks. If SSA needs to verify your documents with another agency, it may take up to two weeks. If you explore by mail, allow four to six weeks. The exact timeline depends on how busy your local office is and whether your documents need additional verification.

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of an original?

No, you need an original or certified copy. A photocopy is not acceptable. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born — most charge a small fee and can mail it to you within one to two weeks.

What if I do not have a state ID or passport?

You can bring other identity documents such as a school ID, employee ID, military ID, or tribal ID. Call your local Social Security office at the number on ssa.gov/locator to ask whether the specific document you have will work, since requirements can vary slightly by office.

Do I need to bring my old Social Security card?

No, you do not need to bring your old card. If it was lost or stolen, you do not have it anyway. If you have it and want to bring it, you can, but it is not required.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

If you applied in person, you must pick up your card yourself in most cases. If you applied by mail, your card will be mailed to the address you provided. Call your local office to ask about exceptions if you have a medical reason you cannot pick it up yourself.