How to Get a Social Security Card: Step-by-Step Process

How to Get a Social Security Card

You get a Social Security card by submitting Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) to your local Social Security office, either in person or by mail. You will need to bring original documents that prove your age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status — the exact documents depend on whether you are explore for your first card, replacing a lost one, or changing information on an existing card. Most first-time applicants receive their card within two to four weeks.

You cannot get a Social Security card online or through a third-party website. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the only organization that issues them. You can read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, but you must submit it in person at a Social Security office or by mail to the address listed on the form.

Key Takeaways

• You must submit Form SS-5 in person at a Social Security office or by mail with original identity documents; no online or phone process exists.
• First-time applicants need proof of age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status; the specific documents vary by your situation.
• You can find your local Social Security office and check wait times on ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
• If you are explore for a child, you must appear in person with the child and bring their birth certificate and your own identity document.
• Replacement cards for lost or stolen cards follow the same process but may have different document requirements if your name has changed.

Documents You Need for a First-Time Card

The Social Security Administration requires three types of documents: proof of age, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status. You must bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted. The SSA will examine the documents in person and return them to you.

For proof of age, acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, or adoption decree. For proof of identity, you can use a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or employee ID. If you do not have a photo ID, the SSA accepts documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or insurance policy.

For proof of citizenship, U.S. citizens submit a birth certificate, passport, or certificate of naturalization. Non-citizens with lawful immigration status submit their passport and an immigration document such as an I-94, I-94A, I-131, I-485, I-765, or I-131F. The specific immigration document depends on your visa category or status.

how the process works in Person

To explore in person, first locate your nearest Social Security office. Visit ssa.gov and use the office locator tool, or call 1-800-772-1213 to find the address and current wait times. Some offices require you to make an appointment; others operate on a walk-in basis. Calling ahead tells you which system your office uses and how long the wait is likely to be.

Bring Form SS-5 (completed or blank — the office can help you fill it out), your original documents, and your state ID or passport. If you are explore for a child under age 18, you must bring the child with you, along with their birth certificate and your own identity document to prove you are the parent or legal guardian.

The SSA representative will review your documents, ask you to sign the form, and take your photograph and fingerprints for the card. You will receive a receipt showing your Social Security number and an estimated delivery date for your card.

how the process works by Mail

To explore by mail, read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, complete it, and gather your documents. You must send certified copies of your documents, not originals. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the organization that issued the original — for example, your state's vital records office can certify a copy of your birth certificate.

Mail your completed form and certified documents to the address listed on the form. Include a cover letter with your phone number so the SSA can contact you if they need more information. Mail takes longer than in-person process; expect four to six weeks or more depending on mail delays and SSA processing time.

The SSA will not photograph you for a card obtained by mail. Your card will not have a photograph on it, which may limit where you can use it for identification purposes.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen Card

If your card is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement by submitting Form SS-5 in person or by mail using the same process as a first-time process. You do not need to report the card as stolen to the SSA, though you may want to report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov if you believe the card could be misused.

For a replacement card, you still need proof of identity and citizenship or immigration status, but the SSA may not require proof of age if you already have a Social Security number on file. Bring or send the same types of documents as a first-time applicant unless the SSA tells you otherwise.

You can request a replacement card in person at any Social Security office, even if it is not the office where you originally applied. If you explore by mail, send your documents to the address on Form SS-5.

Changing Your Name on Your Card

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can update your Social Security card by submitting Form SS-5 with proof of the name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You also need to bring your current Social Security card and proof of identity.

You must explore in person for a name change; the SSA does not process name changes by mail. Bring your original documents or certified copies to your local Social Security office. The SSA will issue a new card with your updated name within two to four weeks.

Timeline and What to Expect

In-person applications typically result in a card arriving within two to four weeks. The SSA mails cards to the address you provide on Form SS-5. You will receive a receipt at the office showing your Social Security number and an estimated delivery date.

Mail applications take longer — usually four to six weeks or more, depending on mail delivery and SSA processing volume. If the SSA needs more information, they will call the phone number you provided on the form. If you do not hear from them within a reasonable time, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status of your process.

If your card does not arrive by the estimated date, wait one additional week before contacting the SSA. Mail delays are common, especially during high-volume periods. If it still has not arrived after that, call 1-800-772-1213 with your receipt number to request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a passport, adoption decree, or other document that proves your age. You still need proof of identity and citizenship or immigration status. Contact your local Social Security office to discuss which documents you have and whether they will be accepted.

What if I was born outside the United States?

If you are a U.S. citizen born abroad, bring your U.S. passport or certificate of naturalization as proof of citizenship. If you are a non-citizen with lawful immigration status, bring your passport and the immigration document that shows your status (such as an I-94 or I-765). The SSA processes both types of applications the same way.

Do I need an appointment at the Social Security office?

It depends on your local office. Some offices require appointments; others accept walk-ins. Call 1-800-772-1213 or check ssa.gov to find out whether your office takes appointments and how long the current wait is. Making an appointment usually means a shorter wait.

Can someone else pick up my Social Security card for me?

No. The SSA mails cards directly to the address you provide on Form SS-5. You cannot have someone else pick it up in person. If you need to change the mailing address after you explore, call 1-800-772-1213 as soon as possible.

How much does a Social Security card cost?

There is no fee to get a Social Security card. The SSA does not charge for first-time cards, replacements, or name changes. If someone offers to get you a card for a fee, that is a scam.