Where to request a replacement or first-time card

You request a new Social Security card through the Social Security Administration (SSA), either in person at a local Social Security office, by mail, or online if you meet certain conditions. The SSA does not issue cards through phone calls, email, or third-party websites — only through these three official channels.

The online option, called iSSN, is available to U.S. citizens age 18 and older who have a state-issued ID or driver's license, a Social Security number already on file, and a valid email address. You can start the request at ssa.gov/myaccount and track its status there. If you do not meet these requirements, you will need to visit an office in person or mail your documents to the SSA.

In-person visits do not require an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use a scheduling system — check your local office's website first. By mail, you send your documents to the address listed on the SSA website for your state, and processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date the SSA receives your envelope.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a card online through ssa.gov/myaccount if you are 18 or older with a state ID and existing Social Security number, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
  • By mail, you send original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, age, and citizenship to your state's SSA address, and the card arrives in two to four weeks.
  • The SSA never calls, emails, or texts you to request a card — only scammers do this, so hang up or delete any unsolicited contact claiming to be the SSA.
  • A replacement card costs nothing; the SSA does not charge a fee for any card, whether it is your first, a replacement, or a corrected version.
  • You need an original Social Security card for certain tasks like opening a bank account or getting a passport, so request one as soon as you know you need it.

Documents you need to bring or mail

The SSA requires proof of three things: your identity, your age, and your citizenship or immigration status. What counts as proof depends on whether you are explore in person or by mail, and whether you are a U.S. citizen.

For identity, the SSA accepts a current driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, you can use a work ID, school ID, or health insurance card, though the SSA may ask for a second document. For age, a birth certificate (original or certified copy) is standard, but a passport or military discharge papers also work. For citizenship, a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate proves you are a citizen. If you are not a citizen, you need your immigration documents — your green card, visa, or employment authorization document (EAD).

If you are explore by mail, the SSA requires certified or original copies of these documents, not photocopies. You can get a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. The SSA will return your documents to you after processing, so mail originals only if you have certified copies to keep for yourself.

What to do if you lost your card or it was stolen

A lost or stolen card is treated the same as a replacement request — you follow the same process and provide the same documents. There is no separate form or faster track for lost cards.

If your card was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at the same time you request a new card. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can also check your credit report for unauthorized accounts at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official site for free annual reports.

The SSA does not monitor credit or identity theft — that is handled by the credit bureaus and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If you suspect someone is using your number, you can report it to the FTC at identitytheft.gov, which creates a recovery plan and notifies companies on your behalf.

How to correct a card with wrong information

If your card has the wrong name, date of birth, or other information, you request a corrected card through the same process as a replacement. You will need to bring or mail documents that prove the correct information — for example, a birth certificate if your birth date is wrong, or a marriage certificate if your name changed.

The SSA updates your record first, then issues a new card with the corrected details. This usually takes the same amount of time as a replacement card: a few days to a week if you explore in person, or two to four weeks by mail.

Processing time and what happens next

If you explore in person, you typically receive your card in the mail within one to two weeks. If you explore online through iSSN, the SSA sends it within one to two weeks as well, and you can track the status in your my Social Security account. If you explore by mail, allow two to four weeks from when the SSA receives your envelope, plus time for mail delivery to and from your address.

The SSA mails cards to the address you provide on your process. Make sure the address is correct before you submit. If you move before the card arrives, you can update your address in your my Social Security account (if you have one) or call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to update it by phone.

You do not need to do anything else after you submit your request. The SSA will not contact you unless there is a problem with your process — for example, if a document is missing or illegible. If the SSA needs more information, they will mail you a notice explaining what is needed.

Protecting yourself from Social Security card scams

Scammers often call, text, or email people claiming to be the SSA and asking for personal information or payment. The real SSA does not contact people this way to request a card. If someone calls claiming to be from the SSA and asking for your number, birth date, or payment, hang up — this is a scam.

The SSA also does not charge a fee for any card. If someone asks you to pay money to get a Social Security card, that is a scam. The only official way to request a card is through ssa.gov, a local Social Security office, or by mail to the address listed on the SSA website.

If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email claiming to be from the SSA, you can report it to the Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-269-0271. You can also report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you explore in person or online, the card usually arrives within one to two weeks. If you explore by mail, allow two to four weeks from the date the SSA receives your documents, plus time for mail delivery. The exact timing depends on how busy your local office is and mail delivery speed in your area.

Can I get a Social Security card the same day I explore?

No. The SSA does not issue cards on the spot at offices. You always receive your card by mail after the SSA processes your request. The fastest option is to explore in person or online, which usually results in the card arriving within one to two weeks.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can request a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. If you cannot get a birth certificate, the SSA may accept other documents that prove your age, such as a passport, military discharge papers, or school records. Contact your local Social Security office to ask what alternatives they will accept.

Do I need my Social Security number to request a new card?

If you are explore online, yes — you need an existing Social Security number on file. If you are explore in person or by mail and do not have a number yet, you can still request a card; the SSA will assign you a number as part of the process. Bring or mail the same identity, age, and citizenship documents.

Can someone else pick up my card for me?

No. The SSA mails cards directly to the address you provide on your process. You cannot have someone else pick it up at an office. If you move or want the card sent to a different address, update your address before the card is mailed.