You can get a new Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office or explore by mail
The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards at no cost. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get one, but you must have a valid reason — a lost or stolen card, a name change, or damage to your existing card. The process takes about two weeks if you explore in person, or four to six weeks by mail.
You have three ways to request a replacement: visit an SSA office in person, mail your documents to the SSA, or in some states, use an online portal. The fastest route is usually in person, because the SSA can verify your documents on the spot and tell you when ready whether your process is complete.
Key Takeaways
- You need proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of age to get a replacement card.
- If your name has changed, you must also bring a document showing the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- The SSA will not issue a card with a name that does not match your citizenship or immigration documents.
- You can explore in person at any Social Security office, by mail using Form SS-5, or online in certain states through a find portal.
- In-person applications usually take two weeks; mail applications take four to six weeks.
What documents you need to bring
The SSA requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of age, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. A single document can sometimes count for more than one category — for example, a U.S. passport proves both identity and citizenship.
For proof of identity, bring a current, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or passport card. If you do not have a photo ID, the SSA will accept a combination of documents like a school ID, employee badge, or bank statement with your name and address.
For proof of age, bring a birth certificate, passport, or baptism record. The document must show your full name and date of birth. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy.
For proof of citizenship or legal residency, U.S. citizens should bring a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or certificate of naturalization. If you are a lawful permanent resident or have another immigration status, bring your green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or I-94 arrival/departure record.
If your name has changed since your card was issued, bring a document proving the legal change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers. The document must be an original or certified copy.
explore in person at a Social Security office
To explore in person, find your nearest Social Security office on the SSA website (ssa.gov) 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 to see whether you should reserve a time slot.
Bring all required documents in their original form or as certified copies. The SSA will not accept photocopies or photos of documents. Bring your current Social Security card if you still have it, even if it is damaged or you believe it was stolen.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the representative that you need a replacement card and explain why — lost, stolen, damaged, or name change. The representative will review your documents, fill out Form SS-5 with you, and take your photograph for the new card. You will receive a receipt showing your process was submitted.
Your new card will arrive by mail in about two weeks. The SSA will send it to the address you provided at the office.
explore by mail
To explore by mail, read Form SS-5 from the SSA website or request one by calling 1-800-772-1213. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and gather copies of your required documents.
Make photocopies of your documents — do not send originals. The SSA requires certified copies of birth certificates and other vital records, but photocopies of government-issued ID are acceptable. Include a cover letter stating why you need a replacement card.
Mail your completed form and documents to the address listed on Form SS-5. That address varies by state. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the SSA to return your documents to you; otherwise, the SSA will keep them on file.
Processing takes four to six weeks. If you do not receive your card within that time, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status of your process.
explore online in your state
Some states allow you to request a replacement card through an online portal on the SSA website. This option is available only if you meet certain conditions: you must have a valid driver's license or state ID from a participating state, you must be at least 18 years old, and you must have a U.S. mailing address.
To see whether your state participates, visit ssa.gov and look for the "explore for a Replacement Social Security Card Online" option. If your state is listed, you can create an account, upload photos of your documents, and submit your process without visiting an office or mailing anything.
Online applications are processed in about two weeks. Your new card will be mailed to the address you provide.
What happens if your card was stolen
If you believe your Social Security card was stolen or used fraudulently, request a replacement as soon as you can. The card itself is not a financial tool — it does not contain your bank account or credit information — but a stolen number can be used to open accounts or file tax returns in your name.
When you explore for a replacement, tell the SSA representative that your card was stolen. The SSA will issue a new card with a new number if you request it, though this is not automatic. A new number can be useful if you suspect identity theft, but it also means updating your number with your employer, bank, and other institutions.
If you suspect your Social Security number has been misused, contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338. You can also place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to help prevent someone from opening accounts in your name.
Replacing a card with a name change
If you have legally changed your name — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you can get a new card with your updated name. The SSA will not issue a card with a name that does not match your citizenship or immigration documents, so your new name must already be recorded with the agency that issued your birth certificate or immigration status.
Bring the document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other required documents. If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring the original or certified copy of the certificate. If you changed your name by court order, bring a certified copy of the order.
The process is the same whether you explore in person, by mail, or online. Your new card will show your updated name and the same Social Security number, unless you also request a new number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?
There is no fee. The SSA issues replacement cards at no cost to you. If someone offers to charge you money for a Social Security card, that is a scam.
Can I get a replacement card if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you have a valid work visa, green card, or other legal immigration status. You will need to bring proof of your immigration status along with your other documents. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a Social Security card.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can use other documents to prove your age and citizenship, such as a passport, certificate of naturalization, or baptism record. If you were born abroad, you may need to contact the vital records office in the country or state where you were born to obtain a birth certificate or certified copy.
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
In-person applications take about two weeks. Mail applications take four to six weeks. Online applications (where available) also take about two weeks. The SSA will mail your card to the address you provide.
Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?
No. The SSA mails replacement cards directly to the address you provide on your process. You cannot pick up a card at an office or have someone else collect it for you.