You need to request a replacement or original card from the Social Security Administration

Your child gets a Social Security card by submitting Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) to the Social Security Administration, along with proof of your child's age, citizenship or immigration status, and identity. You do not need to wait for a specific age — you can request a card for a newborn. Most parents get one shortly after birth, but you can request one at any time.

The Social Security Administration does not mail cards automatically. You have to ask for one. The process takes about two weeks if you submit documents in person at a local Social Security office, or four to six weeks if you mail them in.

Key Takeaways

  • You submit Form SS-5 along with proof of your child's age (birth certificate), citizenship (birth certificate or passport), and identity (birth certificate or hospital record for newborns).
  • Submitting in person at a Social Security office is faster — usually two weeks — than mailing documents, which takes four to six weeks.
  • You can request a card for a newborn right away; you do not need to wait until your child is older.
  • The Social Security Administration charges no fee for an original card or for most replacements.

What documents you need to bring

The Social Security Administration requires three types of proof. First, an original or certified copy of your child's birth certificate showing your child's name, date of birth, and place of birth. Second, proof of citizenship or immigration status — a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad serves this purpose. Third, proof of your child's identity — for a newborn, a hospital birth record or birth certificate is acceptable; for an older child, a school ID, passport, or state ID works.

You will also need to bring proof of your own identity and Social Security number. A driver's license, passport, or state ID satisfies this requirement. If you are the parent or legal guardian, bring a document showing that relationship — usually the birth certificate listing you as the parent is enough.

Do not send original documents by mail. The Social Security Administration will not return them. If you mail your process, send certified copies instead. You can get a certified copy of a birth certificate from the vital records office in the county or state where your child was born.

Submitting your process in person

Find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov and using the office locator, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now require one. Call ahead or check the office's page on ssa.gov to confirm.

Bring the completed Form SS-5, all required documents, and proof of your identity. The staff member will review your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. If everything is in order, they will submit your process and give you a receipt. Your child's card will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

Mailing your process instead

You can mail Form SS-5 and certified copies of all required documents to your local Social Security office. Find the mailing address on ssa.gov using the office locator. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and the reason for your request so the office can contact you if documents are unclear or missing.

Processing takes four to six weeks by mail. You will not receive a receipt or confirmation until the card is mailed to you. If you do not receive the card within six weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

Getting a card for a newborn

Many hospitals offer to submit the Social Security card request as part of the birth registration process. If your hospital offers this service, you can authorize it before you leave the hospital. The hospital will submit the process using information from the birth certificate they file with the state.

If your hospital does not offer this service, or if you prefer to request the card yourself, you can do so as soon as you have a certified copy of the birth certificate. You do not need to wait. Bring the birth certificate, your ID, and the completed Form SS-5 to your local Social Security office, or mail them in.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card

If your child's card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement using the same process: Form SS-5 and proof of identity and age. You do not need to prove citizenship again if you already have a card on file. The Social Security Administration charges no fee for replacements due to loss or damage.

You are limited to three replacement cards per year and ten in a lifetime. If your child has reached these limits, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration by phone at 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your situation.

What happens after you submit

The Social Security Administration will mail the card to the address you provide on Form SS-5. The card arrives in a plain envelope with no tracking. If you submitted in person, the office will give you a receipt showing the date you applied.

If the card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call 1-800-772-1213 with your receipt number or your child's Social Security number. Have your child's birth date and your phone number ready. The representative can check whether the process was processed and whether the card has been mailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a Social Security card before my baby is born?

No. You need an original or certified birth certificate to explore. You can request the card as soon as you have the birth certificate, which is usually within a few days of birth. Many hospitals handle this for you automatically if you consent.

What if my child was born outside the United States?

You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a U.S. passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization to prove citizenship or immigration status. Bring these documents along with Form SS-5 and proof of your child's identity to your local Social Security office.

Do I need my child to be present when I explore?

No. You can explore on your child's behalf as the parent or legal guardian. You do not need to bring your child to the Social Security office. Bring your own ID and proof of your relationship to your child instead.

How much does a Social Security card cost?

There is no fee for an original card or for most replacements. The Social Security Administration does not charge for this service.

Can I get a replacement card the same day?

No. Cards are mailed to you after your process is processed. In-person applications take about two weeks; mailed applications take four to six weeks. There is no way to receive a card faster than this.