You can get a replacement Social Security card at no cost from the Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards for free if your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or if your name has changed. You do not pay a fee — ever. The SSA will not ask for payment, and no legitimate service charges money for this.

You can request a replacement in three ways: online through an SSA account, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online method is fastest if you have a my Social Security account set up. By mail takes one to two weeks. In person, you can sometimes walk out with a temporary document the same day, though the actual card arrives by mail.

You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works for identity. For citizenship or residency, a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers are standard. The exact documents depend on which method you choose and your specific situation.

Key Takeaways

  • The SSA issues replacement cards at no cost, and you should never pay anyone to get one.
  • You can request online through my Social Security, by mail, or at a local office — online is fastest.
  • You will need to show proof of identity (like a driver's license) and proof of citizenship or legal residency (like a birth certificate).
  • A replacement card typically arrives by mail within one to two weeks, though some offices issue temporary documents on the spot.
  • If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to show the legal document proving the change.

Requesting a replacement card online through my Social Security

If you have a my Social Security account, you can request a replacement card without leaving home. Go to ssa.gov, sign in to your account, and look for the "Replacement Social Security Card" option in the menu. The system will ask you why you need a replacement — lost, stolen, damaged, or name change — and will guide you through the next steps.

You will need to upload photos of your identity document and proof of citizenship or residency. A clear photo of both sides of your driver's license or state ID works for identity. For citizenship, a photo of your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate works. The system will tell you if the image quality is too poor and ask you to retake it.

After you submit, the SSA reviews your request. If everything checks out, your card is mailed to the address on file. You can check the status of your request by logging back into your account. This method usually takes five to seven business days from submission to mailing.

Requesting by mail if you do not have an online account

You can mail a request to your local Social Security office. First, fill out Form SS-5, the process for a Social Security Card. You can read it from ssa.gov or pick one up at any Social Security office. The form asks for your name, date of birth, citizenship status, and reason for needing a replacement.

Gather originals or certified copies of your identity document and proof of citizenship or residency. The SSA prefers originals so they can verify them, but they will accept certified copies. Do not send a photocopy unless it is certified by the issuing agency. Include a cover letter stating what you are sending and why you need a replacement.

Mail everything to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the SSA to return your original documents. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks after the office receives your packet, plus mailing time both ways.

Requesting in person at a Social Security office

Walk into your local Social Security office with your identity document and proof of citizenship or residency. Bring the originals — the SSA will not accept photocopies in person. You may also bring Form SS-5 already filled out, though the office can provide a blank form if you need one.

Tell the receptionist you need a replacement card. You will be given a number and asked to wait. When called, you will show your documents to a representative, who will verify them and take your information. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Some offices issue a temporary Social Security card document on the spot that you can use while waiting for the mailed card. This temporary document is not the actual card but shows your number and can be used for employment or banking purposes. Ask the representative whether your office offers this. The actual card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

What to do if your name has changed

If you need a replacement because your name changed — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you will need to show the legal document proving the change. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring the divorce decree. For a court-ordered name change, bring the court order.

The document must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy from your own files is not enough. If you do not have the original, contact the agency that issued it: the county clerk for marriage and divorce records, or the court that issued the name change order.

Whether you request online, by mail, or in person, include this legal document along with your identity proof and citizenship proof. The SSA will not issue a card under a new name without seeing the document that authorized the change.

What documents count as proof of identity

The SSA accepts a current, valid driver's license or state ID card as the easiest proof of identity. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID also work. If you do not have any of these, the SSA accepts other documents in this order: a certificate of naturalization, a state-issued ID card, a school ID, an employee ID, or a health insurance card.

The document must show your name and either your photo or your date of birth. It must not be expired, though some offices may accept an ID that expired recently if it is the only document you have. Ask your local office about their policy if your ID is expired.

If you are explore online, you will photograph both sides of the document. If you are explore by mail or in person, bring the original. The SSA will not accept a photocopy of your identity document unless it is certified by the issuing agency.

What documents count as proof of citizenship or residency

For U.S. citizenship, the SSA accepts an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. These are the strongest proofs and are preferred.

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card or a receipt showing you have applied for one. If you have a visa or other immigration document, bring that along with your green card or receipt. The SSA needs to see proof that you are authorized to work in the United States.

A birth certificate must show the state seal or be certified by the vital records office that issued it. A photocopy is not enough unless it is certified. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born — most states have an online ordering system on their health department website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?

Nothing. The SSA issues replacement cards at no cost. If anyone asks you to pay for a replacement card, they are running a scam. The only legitimate way to get a replacement is through the SSA directly — online, by mail, or at an office.

Can I get a replacement card the same day?

Some Social Security offices issue a temporary document on the spot that shows your Social Security number and can be used for employment or banking while you wait for the mailed card. The actual card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Call your local office to ask whether they offer same-day temporary documents.

What if I lost my documents and cannot prove my identity?

Contact your local Social Security office and explain your situation. The SSA has procedures for people who have lost all their documents. You may be able to use other forms of ID, such as a school or employee ID, or provide other evidence of your identity. The office will work with you to find a solution.

Do I need to bring my old Social Security card to get a replacement?

No. If your card is lost or stolen, you do not need to bring it. If your card is damaged, bringing it helps the SSA understand why you need a replacement, but it is not required. Just explain the situation on your process.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. The SSA mails replacement cards to the address on file in your account. You cannot have someone else pick it up at an office. If you need to change the mailing address, update it in your my Social Security account or contact your local office before you request the replacement.