You can get a replacement Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office in person, by mail, or through an online request if you meet certain conditions

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards at no cost. You do not need to wait for your card to expire — you can request a new one whenever you need it. The fastest method is visiting a Social Security office in person, which typically takes 10 to 14 business days. If you cannot go in person, you can mail your documents to your local office or, in some cases, request one online through my Social Security, the SSA's official account portal.

The method you use depends on your situation: whether you have a current government ID, whether you are a U.S. citizen, and whether you have changed your name. Each route has different document requirements and processing times.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a replacement card in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online through my Social Security if you meet the requirements.
  • You will need to prove your identity with a government-issued ID, prove your citizenship or immigration status, and prove your age — usually with a birth certificate.
  • In-person requests typically take 10 to 14 business days; mail requests take longer and require you to mail original documents.
  • If you have changed your name, you must provide legal proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
  • You cannot request a card online if you do not have a current government ID, are not a U.S. citizen, or have changed your name since your last card.

What documents you need to bring or mail

The SSA requires three types of proof: identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. For identity, bring a current government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have one, the SSA will accept other documents like a school ID, employee ID, or medical record — but you will need to visit in person and bring multiple documents.

For age, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can bring a hospital record from your birth, a religious record made before age five, or a school record. For citizenship or immigration status, U.S. citizens bring their birth certificate or passport. Non-citizens bring their passport, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document (EAD), or visa and I-94 arrival record. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you cannot request a card online — you must visit in person or mail your documents.

If you have changed your name since your last card, bring legal proof of the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The SSA will not issue a card under a new name without this document.

Requesting a card in person at your local office

Visit your nearest Social Security office with your documents. Find the office location and hours on the SSA website by entering your zip code. Bring originals or certified copies of your documents — the SSA will not accept photocopies for most documents, though they will make copies for their file. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now require one. Call ahead or check the office's page online to confirm.

When you arrive, tell the receptionist you need a replacement card. You will fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) at the office — you do not need to bring it completed. The staff will verify your documents and take your process. You will receive a receipt showing your process number. Your new card will arrive by mail in 10 to 14 business days.

Requesting a card by mail

Complete Form SS-5 and mail it with copies of your documents to your local Social Security office. You can read the form from the SSA website or request one by calling 1-800-772-1213. Make photocopies of your documents — do not mail originals unless the SSA specifically asks you to. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and phone number so the office can contact you if they have questions.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the SSA website for your state. Processing takes longer by mail — typically three to four weeks or more, depending on mail delivery time and office workload. You will not receive a receipt or confirmation that your process arrived, so consider using certified mail with return receipt if you want proof of delivery. Once approved, your card will arrive separately by mail.

Requesting a card online through my Social Security

You can request a replacement card online only if you meet all of these conditions: you are a U.S. citizen, you have a current government-issued photo ID, you have not changed your name since your last card, and you are age 18 or older. You must also have a my Social Security account, which requires you to verify your identity online using information from your credit file.

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in or create an account. Follow the prompts to request a replacement card. You will answer questions about your identity, and the system will verify your information. If you are approved, your card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days — faster than in-person or mail requests because there is no office processing step. If you are not approved online, you will be told to visit an office or mail your documents instead.

What to do if you have changed your name

If you married, divorced, or legally changed your name, you must provide proof of the name change along with your other documents. Bring or mail your marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The SSA will not issue a card under your new name without this document, even if you have a government ID in your new name.

Because of the name change requirement, you cannot use the online my Social Security method — you must visit in person or mail your documents. When you visit in person, bring the original or certified copy of your name change document. If you mail your request, include a photocopy of the name change document with your other papers.

What happens after you submit your request

Once the SSA receives and approves your process, they will mail your new card to the address on file. You do not need to do anything else. If the SSA needs more information, they will call or mail you at the phone number or address you provided. If you do not hear from them within the expected timeframe, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status of your process — have your Social Security number and process receipt number ready.

Your old card becomes invalid once you receive the new one. You do not need to return the old card or destroy it, though the SSA recommends you do so to prevent misuse. If your new card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your local office directly — mail can be delayed, and the office may need to reissue your card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement card if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. The SSA will accept other age documents such as a hospital record from your birth, a religious record made before age five, a school record, or a census record. You will need to visit in person and bring multiple documents if your birth certificate is unavailable. Call your local office to ask which documents they have on file for you.

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Online requests take 7 to 10 business days. In-person requests take 10 to 14 business days. Mail requests take three to four weeks or longer, depending on mail delivery and office workload. Times vary by location and office volume.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Social Security office?

Most offices do not require appointments, but some now do. Check your local office's page on the SSA website or call ahead to confirm their current policy. You can find your office location by entering your zip code at ssa.gov.

What if I lost my Social Security card and need it urgently?

Visit your local Social Security office in person — this is the fastest method at 10 to 14 business days. Bring your documents and ask if they can expedite your request. In some cases, the office can issue you a receipt or letter stating your Social Security number while you wait for your card to arrive.

Can I request a card for someone else, like my child?

No. The person named on the card must request it themselves, except for parents or guardians requesting a card for a child under age 18. If you are a parent or guardian, visit in person with your child, bring proof of your relationship (birth certificate or custody papers), and bring your child's documents. Call your local office first to confirm their requirements for minors.