You can order a replacement card online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office
The Social Security Administration (SSA) lets you request a new card through three routes: online at ssa.gov (the fastest option for most people), by mail using Form SS-5, or by walking into a Social Security office with your documents. You do not need to prove you have lost your card — the SSA will issue a replacement for any reason, including if your name has changed, if the card is damaged, or if you straightforward want a duplicate. The process is free.
Which route you choose depends on how quickly you need the card and whether you have the documents ready. Online ordering takes about 1 to 2 weeks for delivery. Mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. In-person visits are fastest if you go during off-peak hours, though you still wait for the card to arrive by mail afterward — you cannot walk out with it the same day.
Key Takeaways
- You can order online at ssa.gov, by mail with Form SS-5, or in person at a Social Security office, and the card is always free.
- Online ordering requires a my Social Security account and takes about 1 to 2 weeks from request to delivery.
- You will need proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of age if your identity document does not show your date of birth.
- If you do not have the required documents, you can still visit an office and ask what alternatives they accept in your situation.
Ordering online through my Social Security
The online route is the simplest if you already have a my Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov, sign in to your account, and look for the "Replacement Social Security Card" option in the menu. You will answer questions about your citizenship status, whether your name has changed, and why you need a new card. The SSA will then mail the card to the address on file — usually within 1 to 2 weeks.
You can only order online if you are a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and have a valid state-issued ID or passport. If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one at ssa.gov using your email, Social Security number, and a few pieces of personal information to verify your identity. The account creation itself takes a few minutes, but the SSA may take a day or two to confirm your identity before you can use it to order a card.
One limitation: online ordering works only if your name has not changed since your last Social Security card was issued, or if you are changing your name due to marriage and can verify that through your state ID or passport. If your name changed for another reason (court order, divorce, religious choice), you will need to mail in Form SS-5 or visit an office in person.
Ordering by mail with Form SS-5
Form SS-5 is the official Social Security card request form. You can read it from ssa.gov, fill it out by hand or on your computer, and mail it along with copies of your documents to the address listed on the form (which varies by state). The SSA will process it and mail your new card to you, usually within 2 to 4 weeks of receiving your envelope.
You will need to include copies (not originals) of proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of age if required. Acceptable documents for citizenship include a U.S. birth certificate, passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. For identity, use a state driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If your identity document does not show your date of birth, you also need a birth certificate, passport, or baptism record.
Mail your completed form and copies to the address on the form itself — do not send originals, as you will not get them back. Use regular mail or a tracked service like certified mail if you want proof of delivery. The SSA recommends keeping a copy of everything you send for your records.
Ordering in person at a Social Security office
Walk into your local Social Security office with your original documents (not copies) and ask for a replacement card. Bring proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of age if your ID does not show your birth date. The office staff will review your documents, fill out the request, and send it to the processing center. You will receive your card by mail within 1 to 2 weeks.
To find your nearest office, go to ssa.gov and use the office locator, or call 1-800-772-1213. Many offices now let you make an appointment online before you visit, which can save you time waiting in line. If you show up without an appointment, you may wait longer, especially during morning hours and early in the week.
Bring your original documents with you — the office staff will look at them but will not keep them. If you do not have all the required documents, ask the staff what alternatives they can accept. Some offices have flexibility for people who have lost their documents or do not have a birth certificate on file.
What documents you need
| Document Type | What Counts |
|---|---|
| Proof of Citizenship | U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship |
| Proof of Identity | State driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or tribal ID |
| Proof of Age (if needed) | Birth certificate, U.S. passport, or baptism record — only required if your identity document does not show your date of birth |
If you are ordering online, you do not need to submit documents — the SSA verifies your identity electronically. If you are ordering by mail or in person, the SSA will not accept photocopies of your birth certificate unless it is a certified copy from the vital records office in your state. Regular photocopies are not enough.
If your name has changed
If you got married, divorced, or changed your name through a court order, you can still order a new card, but the process depends on how you are ordering. Online ordering works only if you can show the name change on your current state ID or passport — for example, if you got married and updated your driver's license, you can order online. If your state ID has not been updated yet, you will need to mail Form SS-5 or visit an office in person.
When you order by mail or in person, bring the document that proves your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or updated state ID. The SSA will use that document to issue a card with your new name. If you changed your name for a reason other than marriage or divorce, bring the court order that authorized the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a new Social Security card?
Online ordering usually takes 1 to 2 weeks from the date you submit your request. Mailing Form SS-5 takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date the SSA receives it. In-person visits at an office also result in 1 to 2 weeks for delivery, since the card is mailed to you after your visit. Delivery times can vary depending on mail delays in your area.
Can I get a Social Security card the same day?
No. The SSA does not issue cards on the spot. Even if you visit an office in person, you will receive your card by mail a week or two later. If you need proof of your Social Security number right away, ask the office staff for a printout or letter showing your number — they can provide that when ready.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. If you cannot get a birth certificate, ask the Social Security office staff what other documents they will accept — some offices can work with baptism records, school records, or medical records if you explain your situation.
Do I need to replace my card if my name changed?
You do not have to, but the SSA recommends it. Your Social Security number stays the same, but having a card that matches your current legal name can prevent confusion when you explore for jobs, loans, or benefits. If you do not replace it, make sure your name is updated in the SSA's records so there are no mismatches.
Can someone else order a card for me?
If you are a minor or unable to handle the request yourself, a parent or legal guardian can order a card on your behalf by mail or in person. They will need to bring your documents and proof of their relationship to you. For online ordering, only you can create and use your my Social Security account.