Where to explore for a Social Security card

You explore for a Social Security card at your local Social Security office. Find the office nearest you by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though some offices now use an online appointment system — check your local office's website to see which method they use.

If you cannot visit in person, you can mail your process and documents to your local office. The Social Security Administration provides a mailing address on their website for your state. Mailing takes longer than visiting in person — typically two to three weeks instead of one to two weeks — but it is an option if you have mobility issues or live far from an office.

You cannot explore online or by phone. You must submit original documents or certified copies in person or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your local Social Security office in person with your documents, or mail them to the office address listed on ssa.gov.
  • Bring proof of age (birth certificate), proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport or green card), and a photo ID.
  • If you are explore for your first card, you will receive it by mail within one to two weeks of your office visit, or two to three weeks if you mail your documents.
  • Replacement cards for lost or stolen cards follow the same process and timeline.
  • You do not need a Social Security card to work — your employer can use your Social Security number without the physical card — but you will need the card to open a bank account or explore for credit.

Documents you need to bring

You must bring three types of documents: proof of age, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a photo ID. All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

Proof of age: A birth certificate is the most common document. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a passport, adoption papers, or a hospital record of birth. The document must show your full name and date of birth.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency: U.S. citizens can bring a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must bring a green card (Permanent Resident Card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a visa with an I-94 form. If you are explore for a child and you are not a U.S. citizen, you will also need to show proof that the child is a U.S. citizen or has legal residency.

Photo ID: A driver's license, state ID card, or passport works. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring a hospital record, medical insurance card, or school ID. The ID does not have to be current, but it should be recognizable as you.

What happens at your appointment or after you mail documents

If you visit in person, a Social Security employee will review your documents, ask you to sign the process form (Form SS-5), and take a photo for their records. The process takes about 15 minutes. You will not receive your card that day — it is mailed to you.

If you mail your documents, include a completed Form SS-5 (available at ssa.gov) along with copies of your documents. Keep copies for yourself. The Social Security Administration will review everything and contact you if they need more information.

In both cases, your card arrives by mail within one to two weeks if you applied in person, or two to three weeks if you mailed your process. If you do not receive your card within that timeframe, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

explore for a replacement card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement using the same process: visit your local Social Security office or mail your documents. You will need the same three types of documents (proof of age, citizenship or residency, and photo ID).

You can request up to three replacement cards in a year and nine replacement cards in your lifetime. If you exceed these limits, you will need to speak with a Social Security representative about your situation.

There is no charge for a Social Security card, whether you are explore for your first card or a replacement.

Special situations: explore for a child or dependent

If you are explore for a child's first Social Security card, bring the child's birth certificate, proof of your relationship to the child (your ID and the child's birth certificate showing your name), and your photo ID. If the child is adopted, bring the adoption decree instead of the birth certificate.

If the child is not a U.S. citizen, you will also need to bring proof of the child's legal residency status (green card, visa, or other immigration document). If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must also show proof of your own legal residency.

Children do not need to be present at the appointment, though some Social Security offices prefer it. Call your local office to ask whether the child should come with you.

If you have lost your documents or cannot find them

If you do not have an original birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. Each state has a different process and fee — search "[your state] vital records" online or call your state health department to find out how to order.

If you do not have a passport or green card, you will need to obtain one before you can get a Social Security card. A passport is issued by the U.S. State Department; a green card is issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Both processes take several weeks and have separate fees.

If you have no photo ID at all, bring a non-photo ID (hospital record, insurance card, or school ID) along with your other documents. The Social Security office will accept this as a substitute.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Social Security card?

If you explore in person at a Social Security office, your card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you mail your process, it takes two to three weeks. Call 1-800-772-1213 if you do not receive your card within these timeframes.

Do I need a Social Security card to work?

No. Your employer can use your Social Security number without the physical card. However, you will need the card to open a bank account, explore for credit, or prove your identity to government agencies.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can still get a Social Security card if you are a U.S. citizen or have legal residency. Bring a passport, Certificate of Naturalization, green card, or visa with I-94 form along with your birth certificate and photo ID. If your birth certificate is from another country, bring the original or a certified copy.

Can I get a Social Security card if I am undocumented?

No. You must have legal residency status (green card, visa, or work authorization) or be a U.S. citizen to get a Social Security card. Undocumented immigrants cannot obtain one.

What if my name has changed since my birth certificate was issued?

Bring your birth certificate along with a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Social Security office will update your name on your new card.