What to bring to the Social Security office
To get a replacement Social Security card, you need proof of your identity and proof of citizenship. You do not need to prove why you need a new card — lost, stolen, or worn out all work the same way. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.
For identity, Social Security accepts a current driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have one of those, you can bring a combination of documents like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or employee ID. The office will tell you on the phone which documents work for your situation.
For citizenship, bring your original birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. If your birth certificate is not certified (it does not have an official seal or raised stamp), you will need to order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born before you go to Social Security.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers).
- Photocopies and uncertified documents are not accepted, so order a certified birth certificate ahead of time if you do not have one.
- You can explore in person at your local Social Security office, by mail if you have a state ID or passport, or through an online account if you are age 18 or older.
- Processing takes about 10 to 14 business days if you explore in person, or two to four weeks if you explore by mail.
- You do not need to explain why you need a replacement card — lost, stolen, or damaged cards are all handled the same way.
how the process works in person at a Social Security office
Walk into your local Social Security office with your documents and fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) at the desk. You do not need to fill it out ahead of time. The staff will help you complete it and take your documents. Bring the originals — they will look at them but return them to you.
Bring a pen and be ready to wait. Most offices do not take appointments for replacement cards, so you arrive and take a number. Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Call your local office before you go to ask about the busiest hours, or go early in the morning on a weekday.
You will get a receipt showing your process was received. Your new card will arrive by mail in about 10 to 14 business days. If it does not arrive within that time, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.
explore by mail if you have a state ID or passport
If you have a current state ID or passport, you can mail in your process instead of going to an office. Print or request Form SS-5, fill it out completely, and mail it with certified copies of your identity document and citizenship proof to your local Social Security office. You can find the mailing address on the Social Security website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Do not mail original documents. Make certified copies at your county clerk's office or vital records office — they cost a few dollars each. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and phone number so the office can contact you if there are questions.
Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. You will not get a receipt, so keep a copy of the form you sent. If your card does not arrive within four weeks, call Social Security to check on it.
Using your online Social Security account if you are 18 or older
If you are 18 or older and have a my Social Security account, you can request a replacement card online. Log in at ssa.gov, go to "Replacement Social Security Card," and follow the steps. You will need to verify your identity using information from your credit report or other records.
You still cannot upload documents online — the system will tell you which documents to mail in after you submit your request. Mail certified copies of your identity and citizenship proof to the address the system gives you. Your card will arrive by mail in about two to three weeks after Social Security receives your documents.
This route works well if you want to start the process from home, but you still end up mailing documents, so it is not faster than going to the office in person.
Getting a certified copy of your birth certificate
If you do not have a certified birth certificate, order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Each state has a different office — some are part of the health department, some are separate. Search online for "[your state] vital records birth certificate" to find the right office and the cost.
You can usually order by mail, phone, or online. Expect to pay $10 to $30 per copy and wait one to two weeks for delivery. Order two or three copies at once — you may need extras for other documents later, and ordering in bulk is usually cheaper per copy.
If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or naturalization papers instead of a birth certificate. If you were born in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico, the rules are the same but the office is in that territory.
What happens if you cannot find your documents
If you do not have a birth certificate and cannot order one, Social Security can accept other documents that prove citizenship: a passport, naturalization certificate, or adoption papers. If you have none of those, call your local Social Security office to ask what else they will accept — the rules vary slightly by location.
If you do not have an ID, bring a combination of documents like a school ID, employee ID, library card, insurance card, or credit card. Social Security will decide if the combination is enough. Calling ahead saves a trip if your documents are unusual.
If you lost your documents in a disaster or do not have access to them, tell the Social Security office. They have processes for people in that situation and may be able to move forward with fewer documents or different proof.
How long the card takes and what to do if it does not arrive
A replacement card ordered in person takes 10 to 14 business days. One ordered by mail takes two to four weeks. One ordered online takes about two to three weeks after Social Security receives your mailed documents. These are typical timelines, but processing can be slower during busy periods.
If your card does not arrive within the expected time, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with your Social Security number and the date you applied. They can tell you whether it is still being processed, whether it was mailed, or whether there was a problem. If it was mailed and lost, they can send a replacement.
You do not need to wait for the physical card to use your Social Security number. Once your process is processed, your number is active. If you need proof of your number before the card arrives, you can print a statement from your my Social Security account or call Social Security to request a letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement card the same day I explore?
No. Social Security does not issue cards on the spot. The fastest route is explore in person at an office, which takes 10 to 14 business days. If you need proof of your Social Security number right away, ask the office for a letter or print a statement from your online account.
Do I need to bring my old card if I lost it?
No. You do not need the old card. Social Security can look up your number in their system using your name, date of birth, and other information. If your card was stolen, you do not need to report it separately — just explore for a replacement.
What if my name has changed since my last card?
Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Social Security will update your name and issue a new card with the correct name. The process is the same as a replacement card.
Can someone else pick up my card for me?
No. Social Security mails cards directly to the address on your process. You cannot pick it up at the office or have someone else collect it. If you are moving, update your address with Social Security before you explore, or update it right after so the card goes to the right place.
Is there a fee for a replacement card?
No. Social Security does not charge for replacement cards. If someone offers to get you a card for a fee, that is a scam. The only costs are for certified copies of your documents, which you order from your state or county.