You can get a replacement card by mail, in person, or through your Social Security account online
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue you a duplicate card if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not need to visit an office — you can request one by mail, in person at your local Social Security office, or through your personal my Social Security account online. The fastest route for most people is the online request through my Social Security, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes and requires no documents to be mailed in.
Your new card will have the same nine-digit number as your original. The SSA does not charge a fee for the first three replacement cards you request in a calendar year; after that, each replacement costs $25. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days by mail, or longer if you request it in person at a busy office.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a duplicate card online through my Social Security, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office without paying a fee for your first three replacements in a calendar year.
- The online method through my Social Security is the fastest and requires no documents to be mailed; you will receive your card in 7 to 10 business days.
- You must prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency status, which means bringing specific documents if you request a card in person or by mail.
- If your card was stolen, you may want to monitor your Social Security earnings record and credit report for signs of misuse.
Requesting a card online through my Social Security
Go to ssa.gov and sign into your my Social Security account. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one using your email address, a password, and answers to security questions. The SSA will verify your identity by asking for information from your credit report, such as a loan amount or credit card balance.
Once you are signed in, select "Replacement Social Security Card" from the menu. Answer the questions about why you need a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), confirm your mailing address, and submit. You will see a confirmation number on screen. Your card will arrive at the address you provided in 7 to 10 business days.
This method works only if you are a U.S. citizen or have a valid work visa, and if you have not changed your name since your last card was issued. If you have changed your name, you will need to use the mail or in-person method and provide a name-change document such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Requesting a card by mail
read and print the Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 to request one by phone. Fill out the form completely, including your full name, date of birth, and the reason you need a replacement card. Sign and date the form.
Gather documents that prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency. The SSA accepts a current driver's license, passport, or state ID as proof of identity. For citizenship or residency, bring your original birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. You do not need to send originals — photocopies are acceptable, but the SSA recommends having them certified by a notary or government office.
Mail your completed Form SS-5 and copies of your documents to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Include a note with your phone number in case the SSA has questions. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the SSA receives your form.
Requesting a card in person at a Social Security office
Locate your nearest Social Security office on ssa.gov. You can walk in during business hours, or you can call ahead to schedule an appointment — appointments are often faster and may be available sooner than walk-in times. Bring your original or certified copy of documents proving your identity and citizenship or legal residency (the same documents listed in the mail section above).
Tell the representative you need a replacement card and explain why (lost, stolen, or damaged). They will fill out Form SS-5 with you or have you complete it yourself. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after you submit your documents in person. The SSA will mail your new card to the address on file.
What to do if your card was stolen
If your card was stolen rather than lost, consider taking steps to monitor for misuse. Check your Social Security earnings record by signing into my Social Security and selecting "Earnings Record" — this shows all wages reported under your number. If you see earnings you did not make, contact the SSA when ready at 1-800-772-1213.
You may also want to place 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. A fraud alert is free and lasts one year; a credit freeze is also free and lasts until you remove it. Contact one bureau and ask them to notify the other two.
Documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online (my Social Security) | None — identity verified through credit report | 7–10 business days |
| By mail | Form SS-5, proof of identity, proof of citizenship or residency (photocopies acceptable) | 7–10 business days |
| In person | Original or certified proof of identity, proof of citizenship or residency | 7–10 business days |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a replacement card cost?
The first three replacement cards you request in a calendar year are free. If you request a fourth or more in the same calendar year, each replacement costs $25. You pay this fee when you submit your request, whether you explore online, by mail, or in person.
Can I get a replacement card with a different name?
Yes, but you cannot do it online. Use the mail or in-person method and include a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SSA will issue a new card with your updated name and the same nine-digit number.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
The SSA accepts other documents as proof of citizenship or residency, including a state ID, driver's license, adoption papers, or immigration documents. If you do not have any of these, contact your local Social Security office to ask what alternatives they will accept in your situation.
Will my new card have a different number?
No. A replacement card always has the same nine-digit number as your original card. The SSA only issues a new number in rare cases, such as if someone has stolen your number and used it fraudulently.
How long does it take to receive my card?
All three methods — online, mail, and in person — take 7 to 10 business days after the SSA processes your request. Online requests may arrive slightly faster because no documents need to be mailed to the SSA first.