What Form SS-5 Does and Who Needs It

Form SS-5 is the official process to get a Social Security number or replace a lost or damaged Social Security card. You fill it out, bring it to your local Social Security office with proof documents, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues you a number or a replacement card. You cannot file this form by mail or online — you must explore in person.

You need Form SS-5 if you are a U.S. citizen or noncitizen national who does not yet have a Social Security number, or if your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or has an error on it. You also need it if you want to change the name on your card after a legal name change — marriage, divorce, court order, or other documented reason.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or national but work legally in the United States, you may still need a Social Security number. Bring your work authorization document (such as an Employment Authorization Document or visa) when you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • Form SS-5 must be completed in person at a Social Security office; you cannot mail it or file it online.
  • You will need proof of age, identity, and citizenship or lawful residency status — the exact documents depend on your situation.
  • You can get a replacement card for a lost or damaged card, or explore for a new number if you have never had one.
  • Processing usually takes one to two weeks, and you can check the status by calling the Social Security Administration or visiting your local office.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The Social Security Administration requires three types of proof: age, identity, and citizenship or lawful residency. The exact documents vary depending on whether you are explore for a new number or a replacement card, and whether you are a U.S. citizen.

For proof of age, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other vital record. A photocopy is not enough unless it is certified by the issuing agency.

For proof of identity, bring a document with your photo and signature — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 12 months.

For proof of citizenship or residency, U.S. citizens bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. If you are a noncitizen, bring your visa, Employment Authorization Document, Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94), or other immigration document showing your legal status. Bring the original document — photocopies are not accepted for immigration documents.

If you are explore for a replacement card because yours is lost or stolen, you do not need to prove citizenship again if you already have a Social Security number. Bring your identity document and proof of age, and tell the office that you are replacing a lost card.

How to Fill Out Form SS-5

Form SS-5 is a one-page form with sections for your personal information, reason for explore, and citizenship status. You can read it from the Social Security Administration website or pick up a copy at your local Social Security office. Many offices will help you fill it out if you arrive without one completed.

Fill in your full legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or passport. If you are explore for a name change, write your current legal name and the new name you want on the card. You will need to bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the legal change.

In the section asking why you are explore, check the box that matches your reason: new card, replacement card, name change, or correction of information. If you are replacing a card, write the Social Security number you already have if you remember it — if not, the office can look it up using your name and date of birth.

Sign and date the form in front of the Social Security office staff. Do not sign it beforehand. Bring the form with you to your appointment, or let the office provide one if you prefer.

Where to explore and How to Schedule an Appointment

You explore at your local Social Security office. Find the office nearest you by visiting the Social Security Administration's office locator on their website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.

Most Social Security offices now require an appointment. You can schedule one online through the office locator, by phone, or by visiting the office in person. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but wait times are often longer. If you call, have your Social Security number ready if you have one, or be prepared to provide your name and date of birth.

Bring all your documents with you to the appointment. Arrive a few minutes early. The appointment usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own identity document.

Processing Time and Getting Your Card

After you submit Form SS-5 and your documents, the Social Security Administration typically processes your process within one to two weeks. You will receive your new card or replacement card by mail at the address you provided on the form.

If you need your Social Security number right away and cannot wait for the card, ask the office staff for a receipt showing your number. You can use this receipt as proof of your number for employment or other purposes while you wait for the card to arrive.

If more than two weeks pass and you have not received your card, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your name, date of birth, and the date you applied ready. The office can tell you whether your process is still being processed or if there is a problem.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

The most common reason applications are delayed is incomplete or incorrect documentation. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies of birth certificates and passports are not accepted. If your birth certificate is a photocopy, ask the vital records office in your state to issue a certified copy with an official seal.

Do not sign Form SS-5 before you arrive at the office. The staff must witness your signature. If you sign it beforehand, you may have to fill out a new form.

If you are explore for a name change, make sure your legal name change document is an original or certified copy. A photocopy of a marriage certificate or divorce decree will not work — order a certified copy from the court or vital records office that issued it.

If you are a noncitizen, do not bring a photocopy of your immigration document. Bring the original. If you do not have the original, contact your immigration attorney or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to get a replacement before you explore for your Social Security card.

What Happens If You Lose Your Card Again

If you lose your replacement card, you can explore for another one using Form SS-5. You do not need to reapply for a Social Security number — you keep the same number for life. Each replacement card is free, and you can get up to three replacement cards in a year and ten in your lifetime.

If you reach the limit on free replacements, you can still get a new card, but there is a fee. Check with your local Social Security office for the current fee amount.

You do not need to report a lost card to the Social Security Administration, but you may want to monitor your credit report to watch for identity theft. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once per year at annualcreditreport.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a Social Security number online or by mail?

No. Form SS-5 must be filed in person at a Social Security office. You cannot mail it or submit it through the Social Security Administration website. You must bring your original documents and sign the form in front of office staff.

How long does it take to get a Social Security number after I explore?

Processing usually takes one to two weeks. You will receive your card by mail. If you need your number when ready for work, ask the office for a receipt showing your number — you can use this as proof while you wait for the card.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use another document showing your age, such as a passport, baptism record, or school record. Contact your local vital records office to order a birth certificate if you need one — this usually takes one to two weeks. If you cannot get a birth certificate, ask the Social Security office what other documents they will accept.

Do I need to bring my child to explore for their Social Security number?

Yes. If your child is under 18, you must bring them to the appointment along with your own identity document. Bring your child's birth certificate and proof of your relationship to them, such as a birth certificate showing you as the parent.

Can I change my name on my Social Security card without going to the office?

No. You must explore in person using Form SS-5 and bring a certified copy of your legal name change document — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Social Security Administration does not accept name changes by mail or online.