What Form SS-5 Does and Who Needs It

Form SS-5 is the official process the Social Security Administration uses to issue, replace, or correct a Social Security card. You fill it out and submit it in person at your local Social Security office, along with documents that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. The form itself is straightforward — it asks for your name, date of birth, where you were born, and your parents' names — but the documents you bring matter more than the form.

You need Form SS-5 if you are explore for your first card, replacing a lost or stolen card, changing your name on your card, or correcting information on an existing card. You cannot submit this form by mail or online; the Social Security Administration requires you to appear in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Form SS-5 must be completed by hand in black or blue ink, signed, and brought to your local Social Security office in person.
  • You will need to bring original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status — the form alone is not enough.
  • Processing typically takes one to two weeks after you submit the form and documents, though you may receive a temporary card number on the day you explore.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form and appear with you at the Social Security office.
  • The form is free, and there is no fee to obtain a Social Security card.

How to Get and Complete Form SS-5

You can read Form SS-5 from the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov), pick up a copy at your local Social Security office, or request one by phone at 1-800-772-1213. Print it on white paper if you read it.

Fill out the form in black or blue ink using a pen — not pencil. Write clearly and legibly. The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, place of birth (city and state or country), your parents' full names, your current mailing address, and your phone number. If you are explore because your name changed, write your current legal name and note the reason for the change (marriage, court order, or other). Sign and date the form yourself; if you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must also sign.

Do not leave fields blank. If a question does not explore to you, write "N/A" in that space. Double-check that your name and date of birth match exactly what appears on the documents you will bring — any mismatch will delay processing.

Documents You Must Bring to the Social Security Office

The Social Security Administration requires three types of documents: proof of age, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or immigration status. You must bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation.

For proof of age, acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, or baptism record. A driver's license or state ID card does not count as proof of age on its own.

For proof of identity, bring a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or employee ID card with a photo. If you do not have a photo ID, the Social Security Administration will accept a combination of documents such as a school ID, library card, insurance policy, or lease agreement — ask your local office which combination they accept before you go.

For proof of citizenship or immigration status, U.S. citizens should bring a birth certificate, passport, or certificate of naturalization. Non-citizens must bring their passport and either a green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or visa. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your I-94 form or approval notice.

If you are explore on behalf of someone else — for example, as a parent or legal guardian — bring documents proving your relationship, such as a birth certificate or adoption papers.

What Happens When You Submit the Form

Bring your completed Form SS-5 and all required documents to your local Social Security office. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can schedule one online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213 to avoid waiting. Bring the original documents; the office will make copies for their file.

A Social Security representative will review your form and documents on the spot. If everything is in order, they will tell you when to expect your card in the mail — usually one to two weeks. Some offices issue a temporary card number the same day, which you can use when ready for employment or banking while you wait for the physical card.

If documents are missing or information does not match, the representative will tell you what you need to fix or bring back. You may be able to return the same day with corrected documents, or you may need to schedule another visit.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you still use Form SS-5. Check the box on the form that says you are requesting a replacement card, and briefly note the reason (lost, stolen, or damaged). You do not need to file a police report for a lost or stolen card, though you may want to for your own records.

Bring the same documents as you would for a new card: proof of age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status. If your card was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can also contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report, though that is separate from your Social Security card replacement.

Correcting Information on Your Card

If your card has the wrong name, date of birth, or other information, use Form SS-5 to request a correction. Check the box that says you are requesting a corrected card, and write a brief explanation of what is wrong — for example, "Birth date listed as 1985 but correct date is 1986."

Bring documents that prove the correct information. If you are correcting your birth date, bring a birth certificate. If you are correcting your name, bring a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change. The Social Security Administration will investigate the discrepancy and issue a corrected card once they verify the information.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit an Office in Person

The Social Security Administration generally requires you to explore in person, but there are limited exceptions. If you are homebound due to illness or disability, you can request a home visit by calling your local Social Security office and explaining your situation. If you are in a hospital, nursing home, or other institution, staff at that facility may be able to help you submit the form.

If you are outside the United States, you can explore at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Call 1-800-772-1213 to find the nearest location and learn what documents to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Social Security card after I submit Form SS-5?

Most cards arrive within one to two weeks of submission. Some Social Security offices issue a temporary card number on the day you explore, which you can use right away for work or opening a bank account. The physical card will arrive by mail at the address you provided on the form.

Can I submit Form SS-5 by mail or online?

No. The Social Security Administration requires you to submit the form and documents in person at a local Social Security office. You cannot mail or email the form. You can find your nearest office and schedule an appointment at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified copy. This can take several weeks. In the meantime, you may be able to use other documents such as a passport, baptism record, or school records as proof of age — ask your local Social Security office which documents they will accept.

Do I need to bring my old Social Security card when I explore for a replacement?

No, you do not need to bring your old card. If you have it and it is not damaged, you can keep it or destroy it. If it was stolen, you do not need to report it to the Social Security Administration — just submit Form SS-5 for a replacement.

Is there a fee to get a Social Security card?

No. There is no fee to obtain a Social Security card or to submit Form SS-5. The Social Security Administration does not charge for this service.