What You Need to Know Before You Start
You can request a replacement Social Security card by mail, online, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online option is the fastest if you have a state-issued ID and a mailing address on file with Social Security. By mail or in person, you will need to show original documents that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or lawful immigration status. There is no fee for a replacement card.
Social Security processes most replacement requests within 7 to 10 business days if you go in person or use the online service. Mail requests typically take 2 to 3 weeks. You do not need to replace your card when ready if it is lost or stolen — you can use your Social Security number for work and banking without the physical card. However, you will need the card itself if you plan to travel internationally or if you need to show it as proof of your number for a specific purpose.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a replacement card online at ssa.gov if you have a state ID and a current mailing address on file with Social Security.
- In-person requests at a Social Security office take 7 to 10 business days and require one document proving your identity, one proving your age, and one proving citizenship or lawful status.
- Mail requests require the same documents and take 2 to 3 weeks, and you must include a completed Form SS-5 with your mailing address and phone number.
- There is no cost to replace your card, and you do not need the physical card to use your Social Security number for work or banking.
explore Online Through the Social Security Website
The online process is available at ssa.gov/myaccount and is the fastest way to get a replacement card if you meet the requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, have a state-issued driver's license or ID card, have a Social Security number on file, and have a mailing address currently registered with Social Security. You will also need an email address and a phone number where Social Security can reach you.
Log into your my Social Security account or create one if you do not have it yet. Select the option to replace your card, answer questions about your identity, and review the information Social Security has on file. If everything is correct, submit your request. Social Security will mail your new card to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation number when you submit — save this for your records.
If your mailing address has changed recently or if Social Security does not have a current address for you, the online option will not work. In that case, use the mail or in-person method instead.
explore in Person at a Social Security Office
Walk into your local Social Security office with the required documents and a completed Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card). You do not need to schedule an appointment — offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though you can call ahead to ask about wait times. Bring one document that proves your identity, one that proves your age, and one that proves your citizenship or lawful immigration status. Original documents or certified copies are required; photocopies alone will not work.
Acceptable identity documents include a state driver's license, state ID card, passport, or employee ID. For age, bring your birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. For citizenship or status, bring your U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or immigration documents such as a green card or visa. If you do not have these documents, Social Security staff can tell you what alternatives they will accept.
The office will process your request on the spot and give you a receipt. Your new card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator by entering your zip code.
explore by Mail
read or request Form SS-5 from ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, including your full name, date of birth, place of birth, mother's maiden name, and current mailing address. Sign and date the form — an unsigned form will be returned to you.
Gather one document proving your identity, one proving your age, and one proving citizenship or lawful status. Make copies of these documents — do not send originals. Include the copies with your completed Form SS-5 in an envelope. Write your name and Social Security number on the outside of the envelope and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Mail requests take 2 to 3 weeks from the date Social Security receives your envelope. There is no tracking number for mail requests, so if you need your card urgently, the in-person or online method is faster. Keep a copy of the form and your documents for your own records.
What Documents Count as Proof of Identity, Age, and Status
You need one document from each category: identity, age, and citizenship or lawful immigration status. A U.S. passport alone satisfies all three requirements. If you do not have the documents listed in the table below, Social Security accepts other forms of proof — call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what else they will take.
| Document Type | Identity | Age | Citizenship/Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| State driver's license or ID | Yes | Yes | No |
| U.S. passport | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Birth certificate | No | Yes | Yes (if U.S.) |
| Naturalization certificate | No | No | Yes |
| Green card or visa | Yes | No | Yes |
| Employee or school ID | Yes | No | No |
Original documents or certified copies are required for all three methods. If you are explore by mail, make photocopies and send those instead of originals. Social Security will not return your original documents if you mail them in.
What Happens if Your Card Was Stolen or You Suspect Fraud
If your card was stolen or you think someone is using your Social Security number fraudulently, request a replacement card using one of the three methods above. There is no special form or faster process for theft or fraud — you follow the same steps as anyone else requesting a replacement.
After you receive your new card, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to prevent someone from opening accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling any one of the bureaus, and they will notify the other two. A credit freeze is also free and gives you more control over who can see your credit report. These steps are separate from replacing your card but are worth doing if you are concerned about identity theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
Online requests and in-person visits take 7 to 10 business days. Mail requests take 2 to 3 weeks. The timeline starts when Social Security receives your request, not when you submit it. If you mailed your form, add a few days for postal delivery.
Can I use my Social Security number before my new card arrives?
Yes. Your Social Security number is active when ready and does not change when you get a replacement card. You can use it for work, banking, and other purposes without the physical card. The card itself is just proof of your number.
What if I lost my documents and cannot find them?
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and explain your situation. Staff can tell you what alternative documents they will accept in place of the originals. For example, if you cannot find your birth certificate, you may be able to use a hospital record or baptism certificate as proof of age.
Do I need to replace my card if it is damaged but still readable?
No, you do not have to. A damaged card is still valid as long as your name and number are legible. You can replace it whenever you want, but there is no requirement to do so when ready.
Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?
If you applied in person, only you can pick up your card when it arrives. If someone else needs to collect it, they must have a signed letter from you authorizing them to do so, plus their own ID. For mail and online requests, the card goes to your mailing address, so anyone at that address can receive it.