What to bring when you replace your card
To replace your Social Security card, you need proof of your identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not issue a replacement without all three, and they must be original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.
You do not need to bring your old card, even if you still have it. If your card was lost or stolen, you do not need to report it to the SSA first; you can go straight to explore for a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, citizenship, and current address in original or certified form — photocopies are not accepted.
- A driver's license or state ID card counts as proof of both identity and address if it is current and issued by your state.
- You can explore in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online through my Social Security if you have an account.
- Processing takes about 10 business days if you explore in person, or two to four weeks by mail.
- There is no fee to replace a Social Security card.
Documents that prove your identity
The SSA accepts a current driver's license or state ID card as your primary proof of identity. If you do not have either, you can use a U.S. passport, passport card, or a certificate of naturalization or citizenship. Military ID cards and tribal ID cards also work.
Your document must not be expired. If your only form of ID is expired, you will need to renew it first before you can replace your Social Security card. Some people find this frustrating because it means two trips — one to the DMV and one to the SSA — but the SSA will not make exceptions.
Documents that prove your citizenship
A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest proof of citizenship because it counts as both identity and citizenship in one document. If you have a passport, bring it and you have already satisfied two of the three requirements.
If you do not have a passport, you can bring a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. The certificate must show your name, date of birth, place of birth, and the date it was issued. A hospital birth certificate does not work — it must be an official vital record from the state.
Other documents the SSA accepts for citizenship include a certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent, you will need the Consular Report rather than a standard birth certificate.
Documents that prove your current address
A current driver's license or state ID card serves as proof of address if the address on it matches where you live now. "Current" means not expired. If your license shows an old address, it does not count as proof of your current address, even if the ID itself is not expired.
If your driver's license does not show your current address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address on it. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. A credit card statement, insurance bill, or government check also works if it is recent and shows your current address.
If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live at that address. This is less common but the SSA will accept it.
how the process works in person, by mail, or online
The fastest way to replace your card is to go in person to your local Social Security office. You can find the office nearest you on the SSA website by entering your zip code. Bring your original documents or certified copies, fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) at the office, and submit it. You will receive your new card in about 10 business days.
You can also explore by mail. read Form SS-5 from the SSA website, fill it out, and mail it along with certified copies of your documents to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks. Do not send original documents by mail — always send certified copies, which you can obtain from the issuing agency (your state vital records office for a birth certificate, your state DMV for an ID, and so on).
If you have a my Social Security account, you can replace your card online without going to an office or mailing documents. You will need to verify your identity through the online system, which usually takes a few minutes. Your new card will arrive by mail in about 10 business days. Not everyone is able to use the online option yet — the SSA is rolling it out gradually — so check the my Social Security website to see if it is available in your state.
What happens if you cannot find your documents
If you do not have an original or certified copy of a required document, you can request a certified copy from the issuing agency. For a birth certificate, contact your state's vital records office (usually part of the health department). For a driver's license or state ID, go to your state's DMV. For a passport, contact the U.S. State Department. These agencies charge a fee for certified copies, usually between $10 and $30.
If you were born outside the U.S. and do not have a birth certificate from another country, tell the SSA staff when you explore. They can sometimes work with you to establish citizenship through other means, such as a parent's naturalization record or immigration documents. This takes longer and may require a visit to the SSA office rather than explore by mail or online.
Replacing your card if you have changed your name
If you have changed your name since your Social Security card was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason — you will need to prove both your old name and your new name. Bring your current ID showing your new name, and bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The SSA will issue a new card with your current legal name. If you have not yet updated your driver's license or other ID to reflect the name change, you can still explore for a new Social Security card, but you will need to show the SSA the document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your old ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
If you explore in person at a Social Security office, you will receive your card in about 10 business days. If you explore by mail, it takes two to four weeks. If you explore online through my Social Security, it also takes about 10 business days. Processing times can be longer during busy periods.
Can I get a temporary card while I wait for my replacement?
No. The SSA does not issue temporary Social Security cards. If you need proof that you have a Social Security number before your new card arrives, you can print a replacement notice from your my Social Security account, or you can visit a Social Security office and ask for a letter stating your number.
Do I need to replace my card if it is damaged but still readable?
You can replace a damaged card, but you are not required to. If your card is still readable and you can use it, you can wait. If it is worn, faded, or torn to the point that it is hard to read, replacing it is a good idea because some employers or banks may not accept it.
What if I lost my card and I am worried someone will use my number?
Losing your Social Security card is not the same as identity theft. Your number is used by employers, banks, and the government, but it is not secret — your employer and bank already have it. If you are concerned about fraud, monitor your credit report and your Social Security earnings record through my Social Security. You do not need to do anything special with the SSA beyond replacing your card.
Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?
If you applied by mail, the card will be mailed to the address you provided. If you applied in person or online, the card will also be mailed to you. The SSA does not hold cards for pickup at the office. If you need someone else to receive the card on your behalf, you can have it mailed to their address, but you will need to update your address on the process.