How to get a copy of your Social Security card

You can get a replacement Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office in person, or by mailing a request to the Social Security Administration. The in-person route usually takes one to two weeks; the mail route takes three to five weeks. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address — the exact documents accepted vary slightly by state.

You do not need to pay a fee. Social Security cards are free. If someone offers to get you a card for money, that is a scam.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your local Social Security office in person to get a replacement card in one to two weeks, or mail your request to receive one in three to five weeks.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID, a birth certificate or passport, and a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address.
  • You can find your local office and check its hours at ssa.gov/locator, or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm what documents they accept in your state.
  • If you have changed your name, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Social Security cards are always free; never pay anyone to get one for you.

What documents to bring to the Social Security office

You need three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address. A government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport — covers identity. For citizenship, bring your original birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. For your current address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have an original birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born. That process takes one to three weeks on its own, so plan ahead. Some Social Security offices accept a certified copy instead of the original; call ahead to ask.

If you have changed your name since your last card, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Social Security will update your name in their system at the same time they issue your new card.

Going in person versus mailing your request

Going to your local Social Security office is faster. You can walk in during business hours, hand over your documents, and usually leave with a receipt that day. Your new card arrives by mail in one to two weeks. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have different hours. You can check yours at ssa.gov/locator.

Mailing your request takes longer but saves a trip. You fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), gather your documents, make copies of them, and mail everything to your regional Social Security office. The address is on the form. Your card arrives in three to five weeks. This route works well if you live far from an office or have a schedule that does not fit office hours.

You can read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or pick one up at your local office. Do not mail original documents — mail copies only. Keep the originals for yourself.

What to do if you have lost your card or it is damaged

A lost or damaged card is replaced the same way as any other — bring your documents to your local office or mail Form SS-5 with copies of your proof documents. You do not need to report the loss to Social Security first, though you may want to monitor your credit if you are concerned about identity theft.

If your card was stolen along with other personal information, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling any one of them. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can also freeze your credit for free at any of the three bureaus' websites.

If you have changed your name

Social Security will update your name when you bring in your replacement card request. Bring the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or court order. Social Security will update both your card and their records.

If you have changed your name but do not need a new card yet, you can still update your name with Social Security. Fill out Form SS-5, check the box that says you are requesting a name change only, and bring it with your name-change document to your local office or mail it in. This keeps your Social Security record current even if your card is still valid.

Replacing a card if you are not a U.S. citizen

If you are a lawful permanent resident or have a work visa, you can get a Social Security card. Bring your passport, visa, or green card as proof of immigration status, along with your birth certificate or passport for citizenship proof and a document showing your current address.

If you are not yet a permanent resident or do not have work authorization, you cannot get a Social Security card. Social Security issues cards only to U.S. citizens and people with valid work authorization. If your status changes in the future, you can return to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

One to two weeks if you go in person to your local Social Security office. Three to five weeks if you mail your request. The exact timing depends on how busy your local office is and mail delivery times in your area.

Can I get a card the same day I explore?

No. Social Security does not issue cards on the spot. You receive a receipt when you explore, and your card arrives by mail later. Going in person is faster than mailing, but you still wait for the card to be printed and delivered.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born. That takes one to three weeks. Some Social Security offices accept other documents like a passport or naturalization papers instead. Call your local office to ask what they will accept before you order a birth certificate.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Social Security office?

Most offices take walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call your local office at the number on ssa.gov/locator to ask. If appointments are required, you can schedule one online or by phone.

What if I lost my documents too?

Start by ordering a new birth certificate from your state's vital records office. For your ID, go to your state's DMV or ID office. For your address proof, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a recent statement. Once you have those, you can explore for your Social Security card.