You can get a replacement card by visiting your local Social Security office or explore by mail, depending on your situation and state
The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards at no cost. You do not need to call ahead or make an appointment at most offices — you can walk in during business hours. If you prefer to stay home, you can request a card by mail in most states, though the process takes longer. The fastest route depends on whether you need the card urgently and whether your state participates in the mail-in program.
You will need to prove your identity, citizenship or legal residency, and age. The SSA accepts a limited list of documents for each category — a driver's license or passport works for identity, a birth certificate or passport for citizenship, and the same documents establish age. If you do not have documents in that exact form, the process becomes more complicated, and you may need to gather additional paperwork before you visit.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Social Security card in person at any Social Security office during business hours without an appointment.
- Some states allow you to request a replacement card by mail using Form SS-5, though processing takes two to four weeks.
- You must bring proof of identity, citizenship or legal residency, and age — the SSA has a specific list of documents it accepts for each.
- If your name has changed since your card was issued, you will need to bring a document showing the legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
- The replacement card is free, and you can receive up to three cards per year and nine in your lifetime under SSA rules.
Visiting a Social Security office in person
Walk into any Social Security office during business hours and bring the documents listed below. You do not need to call ahead or schedule an appointment. Bring the originals, not copies — the SSA staff will examine them but will not keep them. The office will take your photograph and fingerprint on the spot, and you will receive your new card in the mail within one to two weeks.
Find your nearest office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. The website shows hours, which vary by location. Some offices are busier than others; arriving early in the morning or mid-week often means a shorter wait. If you cannot visit during regular hours, some offices offer limited evening or Saturday hours — the locator tool will show yours.
Bring originals of all three types of documents: one for identity, one for citizenship or legal residency, and one for age. A single document can serve multiple purposes — for example, a U.S. passport proves identity, citizenship, and age all at once. If you bring a passport, you may only need that one document. If you bring a driver's license for identity, you will still need a birth certificate or passport to prove citizenship and age.
Documents the SSA accepts
| Category | Accepted Documents |
|---|---|
| Identity | U.S. passport, driver's license, state ID card, employee ID card, school ID card, military ID, or tribal ID |
| Citizenship or Legal Residency | U.S. passport, birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or visa with I-94 arrival record |
| Age | Birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or adoption decree |
The documents must be originals or certified copies. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work unless it is certified by the issuing vital records office. If you do not have an original or certified copy, you will need to order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born before you visit the SSA office.
If your name has changed since your card was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other legal change — bring a document proving the change. The SSA accepts a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. Without proof of the name change, the SSA will issue a card in your old name.
Requesting a replacement card by mail
Not all states allow mail-in requests. As of now, the following states and territories participate: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. If your state is not listed, you must visit an office in person.
To request by mail, complete Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) and mail it with copies of your documents to the address shown on the form. Do not send originals — send certified copies or photocopies. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Mail everything to the SSA address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the SSA receives your process. You will receive your new card in the mail at the address you provide on the form. If you do not receive it within four weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.
If your card was stolen or you suspect fraud
If someone else has your Social Security number, contact the SSA when ready by calling 1-800-772-1213. The SSA can flag your account and issue you a new number if fraud has already occurred, though this is rare and only done in serious cases. A new number creates its own complications — your work history and earnings record stay tied to your old number, and you will need to notify your employer, bank, and other institutions of the change.
Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov as well. The FTC will create a recovery plan and may issue you an Identity Theft Report, which you can use to dispute fraudulent accounts opened in your name. Keep a copy of this report with your records.
You can request a replacement card when ready even if you are unsure whether fraud has occurred. Getting a new card does not prevent someone from using your old number if they already have it, but it does prevent them from using the card itself as a physical document.
Limits on how many cards you can receive
The SSA limits you to three replacement cards per calendar year and nine cards in your lifetime. These limits exist to prevent fraud and misuse. If you have reached your limit, you will need to wait until the next calendar year or explain to the SSA why you need an exception. Exceptions are rare and typically only granted if you can document that the cards were lost or stolen through no fault of your own.
The lifetime limit includes your original card plus all replacements. If you have already received nine cards total, you cannot receive another one unless the SSA grants an exception. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about your card count or to request an exception.
What to do if you cannot find the documents you need
If you do not have an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. Most states allow you to order online or by mail. Search "[your state] vital records" to find the office website. Certified copies usually cost between $10 and $30 and take one to three weeks to arrive.
If you were born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate, bring whatever documents you do have — a passport, visa, immigration record, or school records — and explain the situation to the SSA office. The staff can tell you what additional documents might work or what steps to take next. You may need to contact your country's vital records office or embassy.
If you do not have a photo ID, the SSA may accept a combination of non-photo documents such as a school record, medical record, or insurance policy. Call your local office ahead of time to ask what combination they will accept, so you do not make a wasted trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
In person, you receive your card in the mail within one to two weeks after your office visit. By mail, processing takes two to four weeks from when the SSA receives your process. If you need the card urgently, visiting an office in person is faster.
Can I get a replacement card if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you have legal residency status. You must bring proof of your status, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or visa with I-94 arrival record. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive a Social Security card.
Do I need to bring my old card to get a replacement?
No. If your card is lost or stolen, you do not need to bring it. If you have it and it is damaged, you can bring it, but it is not required. The SSA will issue a replacement based on your identity documents alone.
What if my name changed and I do not have a marriage certificate?
Bring whatever legal document shows your name change — a court order, divorce decree, or amended birth certificate. If you do not have any document, contact the court that issued the order or the vital records office that issued your birth certificate to request a certified copy before you visit the SSA office.
Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?
No. You must pick up your card yourself or have it mailed to your address. The SSA will not release a card to a representative or family member, even with written permission.