You can order a Social Security card online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office
The fastest way to order a replacement card is through ssa.gov/myaccount, where you can request one in minutes if you have a My Social Security account. The card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not have an online account or prefer not to use one, you can fill out Form SS-5 and mail it to your state's Social Security office, or walk into any Social Security office with the required documents and submit it in person.
The method you choose depends on whether you need the card soon and whether you have the documents ready. Online ordering works only for replacement cards if you were born in the United States and have a state ID or driver's license. If you are ordering a card for the first time, were born outside the U.S., or do not have a state ID, you must use the mail or in-person route.
Key Takeaways
- Online ordering through ssa.gov/myaccount is the fastest method for replacement cards and takes 7 to 10 business days.
- You can mail Form SS-5 to your state Social Security office or submit it in person with required documents like a birth certificate and ID.
- First-time card orders and orders from people born outside the U.S. must go through mail or in-person submission, not online.
- In-person submission at a Social Security office typically processes faster than mail, though wait times vary by location.
Ordering online through My Social Security
To order online, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in or create an account. You will need an email address, a Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity — usually a state driver's license or ID card. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo of your ID.
Once you are signed in, select "Order a replacement Social Security card" from the menu. The system will ask you to confirm your mailing address and choose how you want to receive the card. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Do not expect a phone call or letter in the mail confirming your order — the email confirmation is your receipt.
Online ordering works only if you meet all three conditions: you were born in the United States, you have a current state-issued ID or driver's license, and you are ordering a replacement card (not a first card). If any of these do not explore to you, skip to the mail or in-person section below.
Ordering by mail with Form SS-5
read or request Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov. You can print it at home or call 1-800-772-1213 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and gather the documents listed below.
Mail the form and documents to the Social Security office that serves your state. The address is printed on the form itself, or you can find it on ssa.gov by entering your state. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from the day the office receives your envelope. Mail can take several days to arrive, so add that time to your estimate.
Include a copy (not the original) of your birth certificate, passport, or other proof of citizenship or legal residency. You also need proof of identity — a driver's license, passport, or state ID. If you do not have a state ID, bring a school ID, employee ID, or other document with your name and photo. Write your name and Social Security number on the back of each copy you send.
Ordering in person at a Social Security office
Walk into any Social Security office with the same documents you would mail: proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), and a completed Form SS-5. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now ask you to book one online through ssa.gov. Check your local office's website or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm.
Bring originals of your documents, not copies. The office staff will review them, make copies if needed, and submit your process on the spot. You will receive a receipt with an estimated delivery date. In-person processing is usually faster than mail — many offices issue cards within 1 to 2 weeks, though this varies by location and how busy the office is.
Arrive early in the day if possible. Social Security offices are busiest in the morning and mid-week. If you go on a Monday or Friday afternoon, you may wait less time. Bring a photo ID even if you already have one on file.
What documents you need for any method
The documents required are the same whether you order online, by mail, or in person — with one difference: in-person submission requires originals, while mail submission requires copies. For online ordering, you will not submit documents through the website; instead, you confirm that you have them available.
| Document Type | What Counts | Original or Copy? |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency | Birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or green card | Original for in-person; copy for mail |
| Proof of Identity | Driver's license, state ID, passport, school ID, or employee ID with photo | Original for in-person; copy for mail |
| Proof of Age (if identity document does not show birth date) | Birth certificate, passport, or medical record | Original for in-person; copy for mail |
If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or naturalization certificate along with your birth certificate. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a passport or a combination of documents like a school record and medical record — call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what your state will accept.
How long it takes and what to expect
Online ordering is the fastest: 7 to 10 business days from the moment you submit. In-person submission at a Social Security office usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, though some offices are faster. Mail submission takes 2 to 4 weeks from the day the office receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time on both ends — so plan for 3 to 6 weeks total.
Your new card will arrive in a plain envelope with no tracking number. If it does not arrive within the timeframe given to you, call 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation number (if you ordered online) or your receipt number (if you submitted in person). Do not assume the card was lost — mail delays happen, especially during holidays or bad weather.
You do not need to do anything with your old card once the new one arrives. You can destroy it by cutting it in half, or keep it in a safe place. Social Security does not require you to return it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Social Security card the same day?
No. Social Security does not issue cards on the spot, even at offices. The fastest method is online ordering at 7 to 10 business days. In-person submission is usually faster than mail but still takes 1 to 2 weeks. If you need proof of your Social Security number right away, ask the office for a benefit verification letter, which they can print when ready.
What if I lost my birth certificate and do not have a passport?
You can order a birth certificate from your state's vital records office (search "[your state] vital records" online). While you wait for it, ask Social Security what other documents they will accept — school records, medical records, or a combination of documents sometimes work. Call 1-800-772-1213 with your state to confirm before you submit.
Do I need to bring my old card when I go in person?
No, but it does not hurt. Bring it if you have it — the office can note that you are replacing a lost or damaged card. If your old card was stolen, mention that when you submit your process.
What if my name is different on my documents?
Bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your documents show different names and you do not have a name-change document, call 1-800-772-1213 before you submit — the office may ask you to bring additional records.
Can someone else order a card for me?
For in-person submission, a parent or legal guardian can submit an process for a minor. For adults, you must submit the process yourself, either online or in person. If you are unable to go to an office, you can mail the form with documents, or ask a trusted person to mail it on your behalf — but the process must be signed by you.