You can replace your Social Security card at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online if you meet certain conditions
The fastest way to replace your card depends on where you live and whether you have an identity document ready. Most people can walk into a Social Security office with proof of identity and citizenship, and leave with a replacement card in hand — though you will receive the actual card by mail within 1 to 2 weeks. If you cannot visit an office, you can mail in your documents, which takes 2 to 4 weeks. A few states now offer online replacement through a partnership with Social Security, which is the quickest option if your state participates.
You do not need an appointment at most Social Security offices, but calling ahead to confirm hours and current wait times can save you a trip. Bring originals or certified copies of your documents — photocopies are not accepted. If you have lost your card, bring a police report or other proof of the loss.
Key Takeaways
- Visit your local Social Security office in person with proof of identity and U.S. citizenship to replace your card fastest; you will get a receipt on the spot and the card arrives by mail in 1 to 2 weeks.
- Mail your documents to your regional Social Security office if you cannot visit in person; include a completed Form SS-5 and copies of your identity and citizenship documents.
- Check whether your state offers online replacement through Social Security's partnership program, which is available in a growing number of states and is the quickest method.
- Bring originals or certified copies of documents only — photocopies will not be accepted, and you will need to leave with your documents or have them certified by a notary.
- If your card was lost or stolen, bring a police report or other documentation of the loss to speed up the process.
Visiting a Social Security office in person
This is the most common way to replace a card. Find your local office by going to ssa.gov/locator, entering your zip code, and calling the office to confirm it handles card replacements (most do). You do not need an appointment, but calling ahead to ask about current wait times is worth the effort — some offices have waits of 30 minutes to an hour, while others are faster.
Bring your original or certified copy of a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). You will also need proof of U.S. citizenship: an original or certified birth certificate, passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. If your card was lost or stolen, bring a police report or a signed statement describing the loss. Bring your Social Security number if you know it, though the office can look it up if you do not.
The office will give you a receipt showing you applied, and your new card will arrive by mail within 1 to 2 weeks. You can use the receipt as proof of your Social Security number while you wait. Bring all documents in person — you cannot mail them to an office and have staff handle the replacement for you.
Mailing your documents to Social Security
If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your replacement request. read or request Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov/forms. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with copies of your identity and citizenship documents to your regional Social Security office. You can find the correct mailing address for your region on the form itself or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Make copies of your documents — do not mail originals. Include a photocopy of your government-issued photo ID and a photocopy of your citizenship document. If your card was lost or stolen, include a copy of the police report or a signed statement explaining the loss. Do not send cash or checks; there is no fee to replace a card.
Processing by mail takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date Social Security receives your envelope. Keep a copy of everything you send. If you do not hear back within 4 weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.
Replacing your card online in participating states
A growing number of states now allow you to request a replacement card online through a partnership between your state's motor vehicle department and Social Security. This is the fastest method where available — you can complete the request in minutes, and your card arrives by mail within 1 to 2 weeks.
To use online replacement, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid state-issued driver's license or ID card from a participating state, and have a U.S. mailing address. You will need to verify your identity using information from your driver's license. States currently offering this service include Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia, though this list continues to grow.
Visit ssa.gov/onlineservices to see whether your state participates and to start your request. You will be directed to your state's motor vehicle website to complete the process.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| In person at Social Security office | Original or certified government photo ID; original or certified proof of U.S. citizenship | 1 to 2 weeks (receipt given same day) |
| By mail | Completed Form SS-5; copies of photo ID and citizenship document | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Online (participating states only) | Valid state driver's license or ID card from participating state | 1 to 2 weeks |
If your card was lost or stolen
You can still replace it using any of the three methods above, but you should also file a police report if the card was stolen. Bring the police report (or a copy) to your Social Security office, or include a copy with your mailed process. If you do not have a police report, you can sign a statement at the office explaining that your card was lost or stolen.
Social Security does not charge a fee for replacement cards, even if you have had several replacements in the past. However, there is a limit: you can receive no more than three replacement cards in a calendar year, or 10 in your lifetime, unless Social Security determines there is a good reason for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a Social Security card?
There is no fee. Social Security does not charge for replacement cards at any age. If someone tells you there is a charge, they are not representing Social Security.
Can I get a replacement card the same day I explore?
No. When you explore in person at a Social Security office, you receive a receipt that same day, but the actual card arrives by mail within 1 to 2 weeks. You can use the receipt as proof of your Social Security number in the meantime.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use other documents as proof of citizenship: a certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, or certain religious records. Call your local Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213 to ask which documents they will accept in your situation.
Do I need to bring my old card to replace it?
No. If your old card is lost or stolen, you do not need it. If you still have it, you can bring it, but it is not required. Social Security can look up your information by your name and date of birth.
How do I know if my state offers online replacement?
Visit ssa.gov/onlineservices and enter your state. The site will tell you whether your state participates and direct you to the right place to start your request if it does.