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 method is usually in-person, which takes about 10 to 14 business days. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current address — the exact documents depend on which route you choose.
If you have never had a Social Security card, the process is similar but requires an additional step: you must first prove you have a valid reason to have a number. Seniors who lost their card or need a replacement can use any of the three methods below.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a replacement card in person at your local Social Security office, by mail using Form SS-5, or online at ssa.gov if you have a My Social Security account and meet age and identity requirements.
- In-person requests usually take 10 to 14 business days; mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks depending on distance and processing time.
- You must bring original documents or certified copies that prove your identity, citizenship or legal residency, and current address — photocopies alone are not accepted.
- If you do not have the required documents, the Social Security office can tell you which alternatives they will accept in your specific situation.
- There is no charge for a replacement card, and you can request up to three cards per year and up to ten in your lifetime.
Getting a replacement card in person at a Social Security office
Walking into your local Social Security office is the fastest way to get a replacement card. Bring your completed Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), though you can also fill it out at the office. You will need to show original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
The documents you need are: one form of government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), one document proving U.S. citizenship or legal residency (such as a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or visa), and one document showing your current name and address (such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 12 months). If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead to check your local office's policy is wise. Processing usually takes 10 to 14 business days. The office will mail your card to the address you provide, so you do not leave with it that day.
Requesting a card by mail
You can mail Form SS-5 and copies of your documents to your local Social Security office. You must send certified copies or originals — photocopies will be returned. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number (if you have one), date of birth, and phone number so the office can contact you if there are questions.
Mail your packet to the Social Security office that serves your area. You can find the address on the Social Security Administration website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Processing by mail takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on how far your office is and how busy they are. Your new card will be mailed to the address you list on the form.
Keep copies of everything you send. If your documents do not arrive or are lost in the mail, you will have proof of what you submitted.
Requesting a card online through My Social Security
If you are between 18 and 79 years old and have a driver's license or state ID card from one of the participating states, you may be able to request a replacement card online through your My Social Security account at ssa.gov. Not all states participate in this program yet, and not all situations may have access to — for example, if your name has changed, you may need to explore in person or by mail instead.
To use this method, you must already have a My Social Security account set up with username and password. If you do not have one, you can create it on the Social Security website. The online request process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Your card will be mailed to the address on file with your state's motor vehicle department, and processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
Check the Social Security website to see if your state participates and whether your situation qualifies for online ordering. If you are unsure, calling 1-800-772-1213 can clarify whether you can use this route.
What documents you need and what counts as proof
The Social Security Administration accepts original documents or certified copies only — not photocopies, faxes, or notarized copies. A certified copy is one issued by the government agency that created the document, such as a certified birth certificate from the vital records office.
For identity, you need one government-issued photo ID. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, the office can accept other documents such as a school ID, employee ID, or medical record, but you will need to bring more of them and explain why you do not have photo ID.
For citizenship or legal residency, bring a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, permanent resident card (green card), or employment authorization document. If you were born outside the United States, a passport or naturalization certificate is the strongest proof.
For your current address, bring a document dated within the last 12 months showing your name and where you live. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and insurance documents all work. A government check or benefits statement also counts.
What to do if you do not have the required documents
If you do not have the exact documents listed above, do not assume you cannot get a card. The Social Security office has rules for accepting alternative documents, and staff can tell you what they will accept in your situation. Call 1-800-772-1213 to describe what documents you do have, and they can advise you on whether you can proceed.
Common alternatives include accepting a school or employee ID if you have no government photo ID, or accepting a hospital record or insurance document if you have no birth certificate. The office may ask you to bring more documents to make up for missing ones, or they may ask you to explain in writing why you cannot obtain a particular document.
If you were born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers, the office can refer you to the State Department or the country where you were born for help obtaining proof of citizenship. This process takes longer, but staff can guide you through it.
How long it takes and what happens next
| Method | Processing Time | When You Get Your Card |
|---|---|---|
| In person at Social Security office | 10 to 14 business days | Mailed to address you provide |
| By mail | 2 to 4 weeks | Mailed to address on form |
| Online (if you may have access to) | 7 to 10 business days | Mailed to address on file with state DMV |
After you submit your request, the Social Security office will process it and mail your new card. You do not pick it up in person. The card is mailed in a regular envelope, not a tracked package, so it may take a few extra days to arrive after the processing time ends.
If your card does not arrive within the timeframe given, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. The office can tell you whether your card has been mailed and provide a tracking update if available.
Limits on how many cards you can get
You can request up to three replacement cards in one year and up to ten replacement cards in your lifetime. These limits exist to prevent fraud. If you have reached your limit, you must wait until the next calendar year to request another card, or you can speak with a Social Security representative about your situation.
There is no charge for a replacement card. If someone offers to get you a Social Security card for a fee, that is a scam. The only legitimate way to get a card is through the Social Security Administration directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement card if my name has changed?
Yes, but you must bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can request the replacement in person, by mail, or online if you may have access to. If you changed your name through a court order, bring a certified copy of the order.
What if I lost my Social Security card and do not remember my number?
You can still get a replacement. Bring your documents to the Social Security office, and staff will look up your number using your name, date of birth, and other information. You do not need to know your number to explore.
How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?
There is no charge. The Social Security Administration does not charge for replacement cards. If you see a website or service charging a fee to get you a card, it is a scam.
Can someone else pick up my card for me?
No. You must pick up your card in person if you request it in person, or it will be mailed to the address you provide. If you cannot go to the office yourself, you can request it by mail or online instead.
What if I need my card urgently?
The fastest method is requesting it in person at your local Social Security office, which takes 10 to 14 business days. There is no way to speed up processing. If you need proof that you have applied, the office can give you a receipt showing your process was submitted.