What You Need to Do to Get a Social Security Card

To get a Social Security card, you fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), gather proof documents, and submit them to your local Social Security office in person. You cannot get a card by mail or online — you must go to the office yourself. The office will take your documents, verify them, and mail the card to you within 1 to 2 weeks in most cases.

You need three types of documents: proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your age, and proof of your identity. A U.S. birth certificate works for citizenship and age. A driver's license or passport works for identity. If you were born outside the U.S., you will need a passport, visa, or immigration document instead of a birth certificate.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Social Security office in person with Form SS-5 and original or certified copies of your birth certificate, passport, or visa.
  • Proof of identity can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or other government-issued photo ID.
  • The office will not accept photocopies of your birth certificate unless they are certified by the issuing vital records office.
  • Your card will arrive by mail within 1 to 2 weeks; you do not need to return to the office to pick it up.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own ID.

Documents You Must Bring

Bring originals or certified copies — not photocopies you made yourself. The Social Security office will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate unless it has an official seal and signature from the vital records office that issued it. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.

For proof of citizenship or legal residency, bring one of these: U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport from another country, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or permanent resident card (green card). For proof of age, a birth certificate works. For proof of identity, bring a driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID, or employee ID from a current or recent job.

If you do not have a driver's license or passport, bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. These do not have to be government-issued, but they must be current.

Finding Your Local Social Security Office

Go to ssa.gov and use the office locator tool, or call 1-800-772-1213. Tell them your zip code and they will give you the address and hours of the nearest office. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but some have different hours. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go.

Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require you to make an appointment first. When you call or visit the website, you can schedule an appointment for a specific date and time. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait several hours or be turned away.

What Happens at the Office

Bring your completed Form SS-5 and your documents. You can fill out the form at home before you go, or the office staff will help you fill it out when you arrive. The staff will look at your original documents, make copies, and ask you questions to verify the information. They will ask for your name, date of birth, and where you were born. They may ask why you need a card.

The office will keep copies of your documents but will return your originals to you. They will give you a receipt with a number on it. Write down this number — you can use it to check the status of your card if it does not arrive within 2 weeks.

How Long It Takes and When Your Card Arrives

Most cards arrive within 1 to 2 weeks. The office will mail it to the address you give them. You do not have to go back to pick it up. If your card does not arrive after 2 weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 with your receipt number and they can tell you where it is.

In rare cases, the Social Security Administration needs more information or wants to verify something. If that happens, they will call or mail you. Do not ignore these requests — respond within the time they give you, or your process will be delayed.

If You Are Under 18

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the office. They must bring their own ID and proof that they are your parent or guardian. A birth certificate showing both names, a court order, or an adoption decree all work as proof of guardianship.

The parent or guardian does not have to fill out the form with you, but they must be present in the office. If only one parent is available, that is fine — you do not need both.

If You Were Born Outside the U.S.

If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport or visa instead of a birth certificate. If you have a green card or employment authorization document, bring that too — it counts as proof of both identity and legal residency. If your documents are in another language, bring the originals and ask the office if they need a certified English translation. Many offices can work with documents in other languages, but it is worth asking first.

If you are a citizen but do not have a U.S. passport, bring your naturalization certificate or a certificate of citizenship. You can order these from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if you do not have them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security card without a birth certificate?

Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, bring a passport, visa, green card, or employment authorization document instead. These all count as proof of citizenship or legal residency. You will still need proof of age and identity, which can come from other documents like a driver's license or military ID.

How much does a Social Security card cost?

There is no fee. Social Security cards are free. Do not pay anyone to get a card for you — that is a scam.

What if I lost my card or it was stolen?

You can get a replacement card by visiting your local Social Security office with the same documents you brought the first time. You do not need to report it stolen to the police unless someone is using your number fraudulently. If you think someone is using your number, call the Social Security fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271.

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

Yes, if you have legal permission to work in the U.S. You will need a visa, green card, employment authorization document, or other proof that you are allowed to be here. Bring that document along with proof of age and identity.

Do I need a Social Security number before I can work?

Most employers will not hire you without one. Some jobs, like certain government positions, may have different rules. If you are starting a job, ask your employer whether you need a number before your first day, and get your card before you start if you can.