How to Get a Replacement Social Security Card

You can order a replacement card by mail, in person, or online depending on your state

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards when yours is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn out. You do not need to visit an office in person — most states now let you request one online through ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail using Form SS-5, or by walking into a local Social Security office. The fastest route is usually the online option if your state participates, which takes about 5 to 7 business days. Mail and in-person requests typically take 2 to 4 weeks.

You are may have access to to up to three replacement cards per year and unlimited cards over your lifetime, so there is no penalty for ordering again if you lose another one. The card itself is free — the SSA does not charge for replacements. You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency, but the documents you use depend on which method you choose.

Key Takeaways

The fastest way to order a replacement is online at ssa.gov/myaccount if your state offers it, taking 5 to 7 business days.
You must prove your identity with a driver's license, passport, or state ID, and prove citizenship or legal residency with a birth certificate or immigration document.
If you cannot order online, you can mail Form SS-5 to your local Social Security office or visit in person with your documents.
Replacement cards are free and you can order up to three per year without restriction.
If you need the card urgently, calling 1-800-772-1213 can tell you whether your local office has walk-in hours or can schedule an appointment.

Ordering online through your Social Security account

The online option is available in most states and is the fastest method. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password, or create an account if you do not have one. You will need an email address and a phone number to set up the account. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history, so you need a Social Security number and a credit file with the three major credit bureaus.

Once you are signed in, select "Replacement Social Security Card" from the menu. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and explain why you need a replacement (lost, stolen, damaged, or name change). You will then be asked to choose where you want the card mailed — it must go to an address where you currently receive mail. The SSA will mail the card to that address within 5 to 7 business days. You do not upload documents online; the SSA verifies your information against its own records and records held by other federal agencies.

Not all states offer online ordering yet. If your state does not, or if you cannot create an account because you do not have a credit file, you can use the mail or in-person methods instead.

Mailing Form SS-5 to your local office

If you prefer to order by mail or cannot order online, read or request Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You will need to fill out the form, gather your identity and citizenship documents, make copies of those documents, and mail everything to your local Social Security office.

The documents you need are: one form of identity (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID) and one form of citizenship or legal residency proof (birth certificate, passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or immigration document). Make copies of both sides of your identity document and both sides of your citizenship document. Do not send originals — the SSA will not return them. Include a note with your phone number in case the office has questions.

Find your local Social Security office address on ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. Mail your completed form and copies to that office. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date the office receives your mail. You can track your process by calling the office directly once you have mailed it.

explore in person at a Social Security office

You can walk into any Social Security office with your completed Form SS-5 and your original identity and citizenship documents. Bring the actual documents, not copies — the office will verify them and return them to you. Some offices accept walk-ins during certain hours, while others require you to schedule an appointment first.

Call your local office at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov/locator to find the office nearest you and learn whether it takes walk-ins or appointments only. If appointments are required, the office can usually schedule you within a few days. Bring your phone number and email address so the office can contact you if there are any issues with your process.

When you arrive, tell the staff member you need a replacement card. They will verify your documents, take your information, and give you a receipt. The card will be mailed to the address on file with the SSA within 2 to 4 weeks. If you need to update your address, tell the staff member before you leave.

What documents you need for identity and citizenship proof

The SSA requires one document that proves your identity and one that proves you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident. These must be original documents if you are explore in person, or copies if you are mailing your process. The SSA will not accept expired documents for identity proof, but citizenship documents can be expired.

For identity, the SSA accepts: a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, military ID, or employee ID from a federal, state, or local government agency. A school ID, library card, or credit card will not work. For citizenship or legal residency, the SSA accepts: a U.S. birth certificate, passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or visa with an I-94 arrival/departure record. If you were born outside the U.S. and do not have a birth certificate, a passport works for both identity and citizenship.

If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original document and an English translation certified by the translator. The SSA will not accept notarized translations — the translator must sign a statement saying they are competent in both languages and that the translation is accurate.

Replacing a card if your name has changed

If you got married, divorced, or legally changed your name, you can order a replacement card with your new name. The process is the same as ordering any replacement card, but you must also provide proof of the name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. Make a copy to mail with your process, or bring the original if you are explore in person.

If you are explore online, you will be asked whether your name has changed. The system will tell you whether it can process your request or whether you need to mail or visit in person. Some states require you to visit an office in person for name changes, even if they offer online ordering for standard replacements.

What to do if you need the card urgently

If you need a replacement card within a few days — for example, because you start a new job and your employer needs it for I-9 verification — call 1-800-772-1213 and explain the situation to the representative. Some local offices have same-day or next-day appointments for urgent cases, though availability varies by location. The representative can tell you whether your office can help and how to schedule.

If your office cannot issue a card when ready, ask whether you can bring a receipt showing you have applied for a replacement. Many employers will accept a receipt from the SSA as proof that you have requested a card, and you can provide the actual card once it arrives. The SSA can issue you a receipt on the spot if you explore in person, or by mail if you mail your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Online ordering takes 5 to 7 business days. Mailing Form SS-5 or explore in person takes 2 to 4 weeks. Times vary depending on how busy your local office is and whether your documents are complete.

Can I order a replacement card if I do not have a driver's license?

Yes. You can use a passport, state ID, military ID, or government employee ID for identity proof. If you do not have any of these, call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what other documents your local office will accept.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot find it?

You can order a replacement birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. That office's website will tell you how to request one. In the meantime, if you have a passport, you can use that for both identity and citizenship proof.

Do I have to use my current address when I order online?

Yes, the card must be mailed to an address where you currently receive mail. If you want it mailed to a different address, you can update your address with the SSA before you order, or you can explore in person or by mail and tell the office the address you want used.

What if my card arrives damaged or with errors?

Call 1-800-772-1213 right away. If the card is damaged, the SSA will send you a replacement at no cost. If there is an error in your name or number, the office will investigate and issue a corrected card.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.