You can order a replacement card online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office
The fastest way to get a replacement Social Security card is through the Social Security Administration's online portal, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes and delivers the card to your address in 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form to your regional Social Security office or walk in with documents — both routes take longer but work if you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it in person.
You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency. The documents that work depend on which method you choose, but a driver's license, passport, or state ID card covers identity for all three routes. The whole process is free.
Key Takeaways
- The online system at ssa.gov/myaccount is the fastest route and takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you submit your request.
- You must prove your identity with a current government-issued ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
- If you cannot use the online system, you can mail Form SS-5 to your local Social Security office or visit in person with your documents.
- The card itself is free, and you do not need to pay anyone to help you order one.
Ordering online through your Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in or create an account if you do not have one. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address. 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 you are signed in, select "Replacement Social Security Card" from the menu. The system will ask why you need a replacement — common reasons are a lost or stolen card, a name change, or damage to your current card. Answer the question that applies to you. You will then enter or confirm your mailing address and choose whether you want the card sent to your home or to a different address.
Review your information one more time before you submit. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation number on the screen and receive an email confirmation. Write down or save the confirmation number — you can use it to check the status of your order at any time by logging back into your account.
Mailing a form to your Social Security office
read or print Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov/forms. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to mail you the form, though this adds time to the overall process.
Fill out the form by hand in black or blue ink. You will need to write your name, date of birth, place of birth, and current address. You will also need to check a box explaining why you need a replacement card. Do not sign the form yet — Social Security requires your signature in front of a witness or a Social Security employee.
Make copies of your identity document (both sides if it is a card) and your proof of citizenship or legal residency. Common documents for citizenship are a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need your visa, green card, or work permit. Include these copies with your form.
Mail the form and copies to your local Social Security office. You can find the address at ssa.gov/locator. Mail typically takes 5 to 7 business days to arrive, and Social Security usually processes the form within 2 to 3 weeks after they receive it. The card itself arrives 7 to 10 business days after that.
Visiting a Social Security office in person
Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator by entering your zip code. Call ahead to check their hours — many offices have limited hours or require you to make an appointment. Some offices accept walk-ins, but appointment wait times are often shorter.
Bring your original identity document (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your original proof of citizenship or legal residency. Social Security will not accept copies for in-person visits. If you have your current Social Security card, bring that too, though it is not required.
Tell the staff member you need a replacement card and explain why — lost, stolen, damaged, or name change. They will fill out Form SS-5 with you and watch you sign it. They will make copies of your documents and submit everything on the spot. You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number. The card arrives at your address in 7 to 10 business days.
What documents prove your identity and citizenship
| Document Type | Counts as Identity | Counts as Citizenship or Residency |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Passport | Yes | Yes |
| Driver's License or State ID | Yes | No |
| Birth Certificate | No | Yes (U.S. citizens only) |
| Naturalization Certificate | No | Yes |
| Green Card | No | Yes |
| Work Visa or Permit | No | Yes |
For the online system, you can upload a photo of your ID or answer security questions instead of mailing originals. For mail or in-person visits, Social Security accepts copies of your identity document but requires originals of your citizenship or residency proof.
If your name has changed
If you have changed your name since your last Social Security card — through marriage, divorce, court order, or another reason — you will need to show proof of the name change along with your identity and citizenship documents. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order counts as proof.
If you are ordering online, upload a photo of the name-change document along with your ID. If you are mailing or visiting in person, include a copy of the name-change document with your other papers. The process is otherwise the same, and the new card will show your current legal name.
Tracking your order and what to do if it does not arrive
If you ordered online, log into your Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Check process Status" to see where your card is in the process. You will need your confirmation number. The status will show whether Social Security has received your request, is processing it, or has mailed it.
If you ordered by mail or in person, use your confirmation number to call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a status update. Have your Social Security number and confirmation number ready when you call.
Social Security cards typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days of approval. If more than two weeks have passed since you received your confirmation, or if the status shows your card was mailed but you have not received it, call 1-800-772-1213 to report it. They can check whether the card was delivered and, if needed, issue a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?
There is no charge for a replacement card. Social Security does not charge fees for any of its services. If someone offers to order a card for you for a fee, that is a scam — order it yourself through ssa.gov, by mail, or in person.
Can I get a replacement card if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you have a valid work visa, green card, or other legal residency document. You will need to show that document along with your identity proof. Bring your original documents if you visit in person, or upload photos if you order online.
What if I lost my card and do not have my birth certificate?
You can order a birth certificate from your state's vital records office — search "[your state] vital records" online to find the right office and cost. In the meantime, you can use other documents that prove citizenship, such as a passport or naturalization certificate. If you have none of these, Social Security can sometimes work with you — call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your situation.
How long does it take to get a card if I order online versus by mail?
Online is fastest: 7 to 10 business days total. By mail, the form takes 5 to 7 days to reach Social Security, they process it in 2 to 3 weeks, and the card takes another 7 to 10 days — roughly 4 to 5 weeks total. In person is the same as online if your local office is open and has availability.
Can I use a temporary card while I wait for my replacement?
Social Security does not issue temporary cards. However, you can print a benefit verification letter from your online account at ssa.gov/myaccount, which some employers and banks will accept as proof of your Social Security number while you wait for the physical card to arrive.