Order online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office

You can order a replacement Social Security card through three routes: the Social Security Administration's online portal (my Social Security account), by mail using Form SS-5, or by visiting a Social Security office in person. The online method is fastest — you can request a replacement card and receive it within 1 to 2 weeks if you meet the requirements. Mail and in-person requests typically take 2 to 4 weeks.

You do not need to prove a reason to order a replacement card. You can order one if your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or if you straightforward want a new one. However, you can only order three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime, with limited exceptions for name changes or corrections.

Before you start, gather your documents. You will need proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are ordering by mail, you must send original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through my Social Security account is the fastest route and takes 1 to 2 weeks if you have a driver's license or state ID.
  • You must have proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of current address before you order, whether online, by mail, or in person.
  • If you order by mail, send original documents or certified copies only — photocopies will be rejected and your request will be delayed.
  • You can order up to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime, unless you are correcting an error on your record.

Ordering online through my Social Security account

Create or log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Click "Replacement Social Security Card" and follow the prompts. You will need to verify your identity using your driver's license or state ID number, and you must provide your current mailing address. The system will ask you to confirm that your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, or that you want a replacement for another reason.

Online ordering is only open to people age 18 and older who have a valid driver's license or state ID from a participating state. Not all states participate in the online system — check the Social Security Administration website to see if your state is included. If your state does not participate, you will need to order by mail or in person.

Once you submit your request online, you will receive a confirmation number. Your replacement card will be mailed to the address you provided. You do not need to visit an office or submit additional documents if you order online and your identity verification is successful.

Ordering by mail using Form SS-5

read Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov or request a copy by calling 1-800-772-1213. Complete the form in black or blue ink, sign it, and gather your documents: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers; an original or certified copy of your driver's license, passport, or state ID; and an original or certified copy of a document showing your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

Mail the completed form and documents to the Social Security office that serves your area. Find the correct mailing address on the Form SS-5 itself or on ssa.gov. Do not send original documents unless you can afford to lose them — certified copies are safer. The Social Security Administration will return documents you mail, but delays happen. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks after the office receives your request.

Keep a copy of Form SS-5 and a list of the documents you sent. If your request is delayed or lost, you will have proof of what you submitted.

Ordering in person at a Social Security office

Find your local Social Security office on ssa.gov using the office locator tool. Call ahead to confirm hours and to ask whether you need an appointment — many offices now require one. Bring your original documents or certified copies: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of current address. You will complete Form SS-5 at the office, and staff will review your documents on the spot.

In-person ordering usually takes 2 to 4 weeks for your card to arrive by mail. Some offices can issue a replacement card on the same day if you are correcting an error on your Social Security record, but this is rare for standard replacement requests. Ask the staff member whether your situation qualifies for same-day service.

Bring all original documents or certified copies. The office will not accept photocopies. If you do not have a certified copy of your birth certificate, you can order one from your state's vital records office before your appointment, or ask the Social Security office staff for guidance on what documents they will accept.

What documents count as proof of citizenship

The Social Security Administration accepts a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. The birth certificate must be an original or certified copy issued by the state vital records office — a hospital birth certificate or a photocopy will not be accepted. If you were born outside the United States, a U.S. passport or naturalization certificate is required.

If you do not have any of these documents, you will need to order a certified copy of your birth certificate from your state's vital records office before you can order a replacement Social Security card. This adds 1 to 3 weeks to the process. Contact your state's vital records office directly — each state has different fees and processing times.

What documents count as proof of identity

Acceptable proof of identity includes a driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. The document must be current or expired no more than five years ago. A photocopy is not accepted — you must show the original.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, a U.S. passport or military ID will work. If you have none of these, the Social Security Administration will accept other documents such as a school ID, employee ID, or medical record, but you will need to bring two of them. Call your local Social Security office to ask which documents they will accept in your specific situation.

What documents count as proof of current address

Proof of current address must be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government document with your name and address. A photocopy is acceptable for proof of address, unlike citizenship and identity documents.

If you do not have a document dated within 60 days, ask the Social Security office whether they will accept an older document or a letter from a landlord, employer, or government agency confirming your address. Rules vary slightly by office, so calling ahead can save you a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive a replacement card?

Online ordering takes 1 to 2 weeks. Mail and in-person requests take 2 to 4 weeks. Delays can occur if documents are missing, illegible, or if the office is processing a high volume of requests. You can call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status of your request using your confirmation number.

Can I order a replacement card if I have a name change?

Yes, but you will need to provide proof of the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. This counts as a correction to your record rather than a standard replacement, so it does not count against your three-per-year limit. Bring the name change document along with your other proof documents.

What if I do not have a current address to provide?

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can use a shelter address, a friend's or family member's address, or a mailing address where you can receive mail. Bring a document showing that address dated within 60 days, or ask the Social Security office whether they will accept a letter from a shelter or social service agency confirming your situation.

Can someone else order a replacement card for me?

A representative can order a card on your behalf if you give them written permission and they bring proof of your identity and theirs. They must also bring your proof of citizenship and proof of current address. This is useful if you are unable to visit an office or complete an online request yourself.

What if my documents are in a language other than English?

Foreign documents must be accompanied by an English translation certified by a translator. The Social Security Administration will not accept a translation you do a yourself. Contact your local Social Security office to ask for a list of certified translators in your area, or search online for "certified translator" plus your city name.