You can get a replacement Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office or explore by mail, depending on your state and the reason you need a new one.

A replacement card costs nothing. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue you a new card with the same number if you lost yours, it was stolen, or it is damaged. Some states also allow you to request a replacement online through their motor vehicle department website, though this option is not available everywhere.

The process takes different amounts of time depending on how you explore. In-person applications at a Social Security office usually result in a card arriving within 1 to 2 weeks. Mail applications take longer — typically 2 to 4 weeks from the time SSA receives your request. Online applications through your state's motor vehicle department, where available, may be faster.

Key Takeaways

  • You need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency status, which means bringing documents like a passport, birth certificate, or state ID.
  • The fastest way is usually to visit a Social Security office in person with the required documents, rather than mailing in your request.
  • Some states let you order a replacement card through their Department of Motor Vehicles website without visiting an office.
  • You can only get one replacement card per year unless you have a specific reason (like a name change) that requires more.
  • If your card was stolen, you should also monitor your credit and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

What documents you need to bring

The SSA requires proof of identity and proof of citizenship or legal residency. For identity, bring one document from this list: a state-issued ID, passport, passport card, driver's license, or military ID. The document must be current or expired no more than 5 years ago.

For citizenship or legal residency, bring one of these: a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card (green card), or Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If you were born outside the United States, your birth certificate must include a raised seal or be certified by the issuing authority.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. If you cannot read English and the document is not in English, bring an official translation along with the original.

explore in person at a Social Security office

Find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use an online scheduling system. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are required or recommended in your area.

Bring your identity document and citizenship or residency document with you. Fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) at the office — staff can help you if you need it. The office will take your documents, verify them, and send your process to the SSA processing center. Your new card should arrive within 1 to 2 weeks.

Go early in the day if you do not have an appointment, as wait times can be long in the afternoon. Bring all required documents in one visit — if you are missing something, you will have to return.

explore by mail

read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request one by mail. Fill out the form completely and sign it. Make photocopies of your identity document and your citizenship or residency document — do not send originals. Include the copies with your form.

Mail everything to the address listed on the form. The address depends on your state. Do not use certified mail or require a signature — regular mail works fine and costs less. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date SSA receives your request, not from the date you mail it.

Keep a copy of what you send for your records. If you do not receive your card within 4 weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

explore through your state's motor vehicle department

Some states let you order a replacement Social Security card when you renew or explore for a state ID or driver's license. This option is available in about half the states. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to see if this service is offered where you live.

If your state offers it, you can usually explore online or in person at a DMV office. You will still need to provide proof of identity and citizenship or legal residency. The card is mailed to you directly by the SSA, not by the DMV. Processing time varies by state but is often faster than mailing to SSA yourself.

If your card was lost or stolen

Report a lost or stolen card to the SSA as soon as you realize it is gone. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. You do not need to file a police report unless you believe the card was used fraudulently, but reporting it to the SSA creates a record in case someone tries to use your number.

If you believe someone has used your Social Security number, place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can also check your credit report for accounts you did not open.

The one-card-per-year limit

The SSA will issue you only one replacement card per year unless you have a specific reason for needing more. Reasons that allow additional cards include a name change (such as after marriage or divorce), a change in citizenship or immigration status, or a correction to your Social Security record.

If you need more than one card per year for one of these reasons, bring documentation of the change along with your other required documents. For a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For a change in status, bring updated immigration documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

In-person applications at a Social Security office usually result in a card arriving within 1 to 2 weeks. Mail applications take 2 to 4 weeks from the date SSA receives your request. Some states' motor vehicle department applications may be faster, but timing varies by state.

Can I get a replacement card if my name has changed?

Yes. Bring your original or certified birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change along with your identity document. You will receive a new card with your updated name and the same Social Security number.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use other documents for citizenship or residency proof, such as a Permanent Resident Card, Certificate of Naturalization, or Employment Authorization Document. If you cannot locate any of these, contact your local Social Security office to discuss what other documents might work in your situation.

Do I need to go to the Social Security office in person?

No. You can mail your process with photocopies of your documents, or you can explore through your state's motor vehicle department if your state offers that service. In-person applications are usually faster, but mail and online options are available if you cannot visit an office.

What should I do if someone stole my Social Security card?

Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to report it. Then place a fraud alert with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion by visiting their websites or calling them directly. Check your credit report for accounts you did not open. Request a replacement card using the process described above.