How to Get a Replacement Social Security Card

You can get a new Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office or explore by mail, depending on your situation and what documents you have on hand.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards at no cost. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you must have a valid reason — a lost or stolen card, a name change, a damaged card, or a change in citizenship or work authorization status. The process takes different paths depending on whether you explore in person or by mail, and how quickly you need the card.

You will need to prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. The documents that work for this are specific, and bringing the wrong ones will delay your process. The SSA also has rules about how many replacement cards you can request in a year and in your lifetime.

Key Takeaways

You can explore for a replacement card in person at a Social Security office or by mail using Form SS-5, and in-person applications usually process faster.
You must bring documents that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status — a driver's license or passport works for identity, but birth certificates and immigration documents vary by situation.
The SSA limits you to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime, with some exceptions for name changes and work authorization updates.
Processing time is typically one to two weeks for in-person applications and three to five weeks for mail applications, though times vary by location.
If you need your card urgently, explore in person at a Social Security office is faster than mailing Form SS-5.

Documents you need to bring or send

The SSA requires proof of three things: who you are, how old you are, and whether you are a U.S. citizen or authorized to work. You must bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

For identity, the SSA accepts a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have one of these, you can use a work ID, school ID, or voter registration card, but the SSA prefers government-issued photo ID.

For age, you need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. If you were born outside the United States, a passport or consular report of birth abroad works instead. Hospital records and baptism certificates are not accepted.

For citizenship or work authorization, the documents depend on your status. If you are a U.S. citizen born in the United States, your birth certificate covers this. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, bring a consular report of birth abroad or a U.S. passport. If you are a noncitizen, bring your green card, employment authorization document (EAD), visa, or I-94 arrival/departure record. The SSA will not accept a Social Security card itself as proof of citizenship.

If you are explore by mail, you must send certified copies of these documents, not originals. The SSA will not return them. If you explore in person, you can bring originals and the office will make copies for you.

explore in person at a Social Security office

To explore in person, find your local Social Security office on the SSA website and visit during business hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online scheduling system — check your local office's page first. Bring your documents and be prepared to wait; processing times vary by location.

When you arrive, tell the staff member you need a replacement card. They will ask you to fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) on the spot or may have already printed one for you. The form asks for your name, date of birth, citizenship status, and reason for needing a replacement. You will sign the form in front of the staff member.

The staff member will copy your documents and submit your process. Most in-person applications are processed within one to two weeks. The SSA will mail your new card to the address you provide on the form. You do not pick it up at the office.

explore by mail with Form SS-5

You can request Form SS-5 from the SSA website, call 1-800-772-1213, or pick one up at a Social Security office. Fill out the form completely and sign it — an unsigned form will be rejected. You must include certified copies of your identity, age, and citizenship documents.

Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the form itself, which varies by state. Do not mail to the national SSA headquarters; each state has a processing center. Include a return address and consider using certified mail so you can track the package.

Processing time for mail applications is typically three to five weeks, though this varies by location and how busy the processing center is. The SSA will mail your new card to the address you list on the form. If your documents are incomplete or unclear, the SSA will contact you by mail to ask for more information, which adds time to the process.

Limits on replacement cards and special situations

The SSA limits you to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime. These limits exist to prevent fraud. However, there are exceptions: if you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can request a new card with your new name without counting against these limits. The same is true if you are updating your card to reflect a change in work authorization status.

If you have reached your lifetime limit of ten cards, you must visit a Social Security office in person and speak with a manager. Bring documentation of why you need another card — for example, a police report if your card was stolen multiple times, or evidence of identity theft. The manager can approve an exception, but this is not automatic.

What happens if your card is lost or stolen

If your card is lost, you can request a replacement using the same process as above. If your card was stolen or you suspect identity theft, report it to the SSA and also contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC will help you create a recovery plan and may recommend placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the credit bureaus.

You do not need to report a lost card to local police unless you suspect the card was used fraudulently. The SSA does not investigate lost cards; they straightforward issue a replacement. If someone uses your Social Security number fraudulently, that is a separate issue handled by the FTC and the credit bureaus, not the SSA.

Processing times and what to expect

In-person applications typically process within one to two weeks, though some offices are faster and some slower depending on how many applications they receive. Mail applications take three to five weeks on average. These times can be longer during peak periods or if your documents are incomplete.

The SSA will mail your new card to the address you provide on your process. You will not receive a tracking number or notification when it ships. If you do not receive your card within the expected timeframe, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready.

If you need your card urgently — for example, to start a new job — explore in person is your fastest option. Some employers will accept a letter from the Social Security office confirming your process while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

Name changes and updating your card

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or court order, you can request a new card with your updated name. You will need to provide proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or court order. This request does not count against your three-per-year or ten-lifetime limits.

You can explore for a name change card using the same process: in person at a Social Security office or by mail with Form SS-5. Bring or send your proof of name change along with your identity, age, and citizenship documents. The SSA will issue a new card with your new name at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In-person applications usually arrive within one to two weeks. Mail applications take three to five weeks. Times vary by location and how busy the processing center is. If you do not receive your card within the expected timeframe, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

Can I get a Social Security card if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have work authorization. You will need to bring your green card, employment authorization document (EAD), visa, or I-94 record. The SSA issues cards to noncitizens who are authorized to work in the United States.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot get a certified copy?

Contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy — most states can mail one within two to four weeks for a fee. If you were born outside the United States, a passport or consular report of birth abroad works instead of a birth certificate.

Can someone else pick up my Social Security card for me?

No. The SSA mails cards directly to the address you provide on your process. You cannot pick it up at an office or have someone else retrieve it. If you move before your card arrives, contact the SSA to update your address.

What should I do if my Social Security card was stolen?

Request a replacement card using the standard process. Also report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov and monitor your credit report for fraudulent activity. The SSA does not investigate stolen cards; they straightforward issue a replacement.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.