What you need to do 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. The form asks for your name, date of birth, citizenship status, and reason for the card. You must bring documents that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status — the exact documents depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or in the country on a work visa.

Processing takes about two weeks if you explore in person at an office, or four to six weeks if you mail the form. You do not pay a fee. The card itself arrives by mail after approval. If you are explore for your first card as a child, a parent or guardian submits the form on your behalf with a birth certificate and proof of the parent's identity.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete Form SS-5 and bring it to a Social Security office in person, or mail it with supporting documents to the address on the form.
  • Proof of identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status are required; the specific documents vary by your status and age.
  • In-person applications are processed in about two weeks; mailed applications take four to six weeks.
  • You can find your local Social Security office and read Form SS-5 at ssa.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask which documents you need.
  • If you are explore as a minor, a parent or guardian must submit the form with your birth certificate and their own identity proof.

Documents you must bring or mail with your process

The Social Security Administration requires proof of three things: your identity, your age, and your citizenship or immigration status. For identity, you can use a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or other government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, a school ID, employee ID, or medical record with your name and photo may work — call your local office first to confirm.

For age, bring your birth certificate, passport, or adoption papers. The document must be an original or certified copy, not a photocopy. For citizenship or immigration status, U.S. citizens bring a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. Lawful permanent residents bring a green card or I-551 card. People on work visas bring their visa and passport, or an I-94 arrival/departure record.

If you are explore by mail, you must send certified copies of these documents, not originals. The Social Security Administration will return them to you. If you are explore in person, you can show originals and the office will make copies for your file.

how the process works in person at a Social Security office

Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov by entering your zip code, or call 1-800-772-1213. Most offices do not require an appointment, but some do — the office listing will tell you. Bring the completed Form SS-5, your identity document, age document, and citizenship or immigration document. Bring originals; the office will copy them.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and wait for your number to be called. A representative will review your documents, ask you to sign the form, and take your photo for the card. You will receive a receipt showing your process was received. The card arrives by mail in about two weeks.

how the process works by mail

read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or request it by calling 1-800-772-1213. Fill out the form completely — print clearly in black or blue ink. Make certified copies of your identity, age, and citizenship documents. You can get certified copies from the agency that issued the document (your state's vital records office for a birth certificate, your state DMV for a driver's license, etc.), or from a notary public.

Mail the completed form and certified copies to the address listed on the form. Do not send originals. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and phone number so the office can contact you if there are questions. Mail applications take four to six weeks to process. You will receive your card by mail once approved.

explore for a replacement card if yours is lost or damaged

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement using the same Form SS-5. You still need to prove your identity and age, but you do not need to prove citizenship again — the Social Security Administration already has that information. Bring or mail your identity and age documents along with the form.

You can request up to three replacement cards in a year and nine replacement cards in your lifetime. If you have reached these limits, you must call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your situation. Processing time is the same as for a new card: about two weeks in person, or four to six weeks by mail.

What to do if your process is denied or delayed

If the Social Security Administration denies your process, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include missing or unclear documents, a name mismatch between documents, or an issue with your citizenship or immigration status. The letter will tell you what to do next — usually to resubmit with corrected or additional documents.

If your process is taking longer than expected, call 1-800-772-1213 with your receipt number (from your in-person visit or mailed process). The representative can check the status and tell you if more information is needed. Do not resubmit your process unless the office asks you to.

Special situations: children, immigrants, and name changes

If you are explore for a child's first card, a parent or guardian completes Form SS-5 and brings the child's birth certificate, the parent's identity document, and proof of the parent's relationship to the child (marriage certificate, adoption papers, or custody order). The child does not need to be present. Processing takes about two weeks.

If you are a noncitizen explore for a card, you must have a valid reason — usually employment authorization or a work visa. Bring your visa, passport, and I-94 record. If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring Form SS-5, your identity document, your age document, and a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Social Security card?

If you explore in person at a Social Security office, the card arrives by mail in about two weeks. If you mail your process, it takes four to six weeks. You receive a receipt when you explore that shows your process was received.

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

You need some document proving your age — a birth certificate, passport, or adoption papers. If you do not have a birth certificate, contact your state's vital records office to request one. This usually takes one to two weeks. If you cannot get a birth certificate, call your local Social Security office to ask what other documents may work.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID for proof of identity?

You can use a school ID, employee ID, medical record with your photo, or other document with your name and photo. Call your local Social Security office first to confirm the office will accept it. If you have no photo ID at all, ask the office what documents you can bring instead.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get a Social Security card?

No. Lawful permanent residents and people on work visas can get cards. You must have a valid reason for the card — usually employment authorization. Bring your green card, visa, passport, and I-94 record to prove your immigration status.

Can I replace my card if I changed my name?

Yes. Bring Form SS-5, your identity document, your age document, and a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Processing time is the same as for a new card.