You can request a replacement card online through my Social Security, the official Social Security Administration portal

The Social Security Administration lets you request a replacement card without visiting an office, as long as you meet a few conditions. You need a my Social Security account, a valid state ID or passport, and a U.S. mailing address. The card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one for free on the my Social Security website.

Not everyone can use the online route. You cannot request a replacement online if you are not a U.S. citizen, if you have never had a Social Security card before, if you are under 18, or if your name has changed and you cannot prove the change with a court order or marriage certificate. In those cases, you will need to visit a local Social Security office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order a replacement card online through my Social Security if you have a valid state ID or passport and a U.S. mailing address.
  • Creating a my Social Security account requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address, plus verification through your bank or credit file.
  • The replacement card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days at no cost.
  • If your name has changed, you will need to visit a Social Security office in person and bring a court order or marriage certificate.
  • You can check the status of your card request through your my Social Security account after you submit it.

Setting up a my Social Security account

Before you can order a replacement card online, you need a my Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your financial history or by connecting to your bank account through a find link.

The verification step usually takes a few minutes. If you connect through your bank, the Social Security Administration confirms your identity by checking information you already have on file with your financial institution. If you answer security questions instead, the system pulls from credit bureaus and asks about loans, addresses, or accounts you may have had. Once verified, your account is active and you can log in right away.

Ordering your replacement card through the online form

After you log into my Social Security, look for the "Replacement Social Security Card" option in the main menu. The form asks why you need a replacement — choose "Lost card," "Stolen card," or "Damaged card." You will confirm your current address and choose whether you want the card mailed there or to a different address.

You will also upload a photo of your state ID, driver's license, or passport. The image needs to be clear enough to read the document number and expiration date. The Social Security Administration accepts JPG, PNG, and PDF files. After you submit the form, you will see a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot.

What happens after you submit your request

The Social Security Administration processes online requests in the order they arrive. Your card is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can check the status of your request by logging back into my Social Security and looking at your account dashboard — it will show whether your card has been mailed and, in some cases, an estimated delivery date.

If you do not receive your card within two weeks, or if you see an error in the status, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Have your confirmation number ready. The office can tell you whether the card is in transit or if there was a problem with your request.

When you cannot order online and need to visit an office

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you must visit a Social Security office in person. Bring your Social Security card (if you have it), a state ID or passport, and the document that proves your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will issue a new card on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 days.

You also need to visit an office if you are under 18, if you have never had a Social Security card, or if you are not a U.S. citizen. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. You can call ahead to ask about wait times, though walk-ins are accepted. Bring the same documents listed above, plus proof of your address if it is different from what is on your ID.

Protecting yourself while ordering online

Only use the official my Social Security website at ssa.gov. Do not click links in emails or texts claiming to be from the Social Security Administration — scammers often send fake messages that look official. If you are unsure whether a message is real, go directly to ssa.gov in your browser instead of clicking any link.

When you create your account, use a strong password with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not share your password or confirmation number with anyone. The Social Security Administration will never ask for your password by phone or email.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card if I order online?

The card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. This timeline starts after the Social Security Administration receives and processes your request, not from the day you submit it. You can check the status in your my Social Security account.

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

You cannot order a replacement online without a valid state ID, driver's license, or passport. You will need to visit a Social Security office in person and bring the ID you have, along with other proof of identity such as a birth certificate or utility bill.

Can I order a replacement card if I changed my name?

No, name changes require a visit to a Social Security office. Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your ID and current Social Security card. The office will issue a new card with your updated name.

What if my card arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation number. If the card has a printing error, the office will send you a corrected one. If it arrived damaged, you can request another replacement.

Do I have to pay for a replacement card ordered online?

No, replacement cards are free. The Social Security Administration does not charge for the card itself or for mailing it to you.