You can get a replacement card by mail, in person, or online depending on your state
The Social Security Administration (SSA) replaces lost, stolen, or damaged cards at no cost. You have three routes: explore online through ssa.gov/myaccount if your state participates, request one by mail using Form SS-5, or visit your local Social Security office in person. Online is fastest where available — you can complete it in minutes and receive your card in 7 to 10 business days. Mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. In-person visits vary by office but typically take longer unless you have an appointment.
You do not need to replace your card when ready if it is still readable and you have not reported it stolen. The card itself is not your Social Security number — your number stays the same for life. However, you will need a replacement if your card is damaged, lost, or stolen, or if your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order.
Key Takeaways
- Online replacement through ssa.gov/myaccount is the fastest option in most states and takes 7 to 10 business days with no office visit required.
- Form SS-5 by mail is available everywhere and takes 2 to 4 weeks; you can mail it or drop it at a local Social Security office.
- You need proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport), and proof of work authorization if you were not born in the U.S.
- You can request up to three replacement cards in a year and nine in your lifetime; limits reset if you change your name legally.
- If your card was stolen, report it to Social Security but you do not need to contact credit bureaus unless you suspect identity theft.
explore online through your Social Security account
Online replacement is available in most states but not all. Visit ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password, or create an account if you do not have one. You will need to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo of your ID. The system will ask why you need a replacement — lost, stolen, damaged, or name change — and confirm your mailing address.
Once you submit your request, you will receive a confirmation number. Your card will arrive at the address on file in 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office or provide documents in advance. However, if the system cannot verify your identity online, it will tell you to explore by mail or in person instead.
Check which states currently offer online replacement on ssa.gov/myaccount before you start. If your state is not listed, you will need to use the mail or in-person route.
explore by mail with Form SS-5
Form SS-5 is the official replacement request form. You can read it from ssa.gov/forms, request it by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or pick one up at your local Social Security office. Fill out the form completely, including your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and the reason for replacement.
Attach copies of two documents: one for identity and one for citizenship. Acceptable identity documents include a driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or military ID. For citizenship, use your birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization. If you were not born in the U.S., you also need proof of work authorization — your green card, visa, or employment authorization document (EAD).
Mail the form and documents to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. Alternatively, you can drop the form and documents in person at your local office and avoid mailing delays.
explore in person at a Social Security office
Visit your local Social Security office with the same documents required for mail: Form SS-5, proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of work authorization if applicable. You can walk in during business hours, but wait times vary widely. Many offices now offer appointments through ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213, which is faster than walk-in service.
Bring original documents or certified copies. The office staff will review them, make copies if needed, and submit your request on the spot. You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number. Your replacement card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
In-person visits are useful if you have questions about the process, need help filling out the form, or want to verify your documents are acceptable before submitting. However, if your documents are in order and your state offers online replacement, online is usually faster.
What documents you need to bring
Social Security requires proof of three things: your identity, your citizenship, and (if applicable) your work authorization. You must provide originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.
| What to Prove | Acceptable Documents |
|---|---|
| Identity | Driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, tribal ID, or school ID (if you are under 18) |
| Citizenship | Birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship |
| Work Authorization (if not born in U.S.) | Green card, visa, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) |
If your name has changed since your citizenship document was issued, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Social Security will update your name on the new card at the same time.
If you do not have an original birth certificate, you can order one from your state's vital records office. This usually takes 1 to 3 weeks and costs $10 to $30 depending on the state. A U.S. passport counts as proof of both identity and citizenship, so if you have one, you only need to bring that.
Limits on how many cards you can request
Social Security limits replacement requests to prevent fraud. You can request up to three replacement cards in a single year and nine in your lifetime. These limits reset if you legally change your name — a new name means a fresh count toward the nine-card lifetime limit.
If you have reached your limit, you must wait until the calendar year ends (for the annual limit) or contact Social Security to explain why you need an exception. Exceptions are rare and require documentation of genuine loss or theft, not routine wear.
What to do if your card was stolen
If your card was stolen, report it to Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office. This creates a record that the card is no longer valid. You do not need to contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) unless you suspect someone has used your Social Security number to open accounts or take out loans.
If you suspect identity theft, you can place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the credit bureaus at no cost. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts. A credit freeze blocks access to your credit report entirely. You can set these up online at equifax.com, experian.com, or transunion.com, or by calling each bureau directly.
Getting a replacement card does not protect your Social Security number — your number stays the same. The new card is straightforward a replacement document. Identity theft protection comes from monitoring your credit and accounts for unauthorized activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
Online replacement takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. In-person visits result in a card arriving by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Actual times vary by location and current processing volume.
Can I use a temporary card while I wait for my replacement?
Social Security does not issue temporary cards. However, you can print a benefit verification letter from ssa.gov/myaccount that shows your name and number for most purposes. Some employers and banks accept this as proof of your number while you wait for the physical card.
Do I need to replace my card if it is just worn or faded?
No, unless the number is no longer readable. If the card is still legible and you have not lost or damaged it beyond use, you do not need to replace it. Social Security does not charge for replacements, but there is no requirement to get a new one straightforward because the card looks old.
What if I lost my card and do not have a birth certificate?
You can order a birth certificate from your state's vital records office. Contact the office in the state where you were born — most states accept online orders and mail certificates within 1 to 3 weeks. Alternatively, a U.S. passport counts as proof of both identity and citizenship, so if you have one, you can use that instead.
Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?
No. Social Security mails replacement cards to the address on file. You must be present to receive it, or you can have it mailed to a different address by updating your address on ssa.gov/myaccount or Form SS-5 before you submit your request.