You can order a replacement card online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office

The Social Security Administration (SSA) lets you request a replacement card through three routes: online at ssa.gov (fastest, takes 5 to 10 business days), by mail using Form SS-5 (takes 2 to 4 weeks), or by walking into a local Social Security office with documents (same-day or next-day service in most places). You do not need to prove why you need a replacement — lost, stolen, or damaged cards all follow the same process. You are limited to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime, though most people never hit these limits.

The online route requires you to create a my Social Security account if you do not have one already. You will answer security questions about your past (previous addresses, loan history, that kind of thing), upload photos of your ID and proof of citizenship, and the SSA mails the card to your address on file. If you cannot or do not want to go online, the mail and in-person routes both work, but they take longer and require you to gather and submit physical documents.

Key Takeaways

  • The online option at ssa.gov is the fastest route and requires only a my Social Security account, a photo ID, and proof of citizenship.
  • You will need to bring your original birth certificate (or certified copy), passport, or other citizenship document — a photocopy alone will not work.
  • If you are replacing a card because it was stolen, you do not need to report it to the SSA separately; just order the replacement and the old number stays yours.
  • The SSA mails replacement cards to your current address on file, so update your address before you order if you have moved recently.
  • You can check the status of a mailed card through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

What documents you need to bring or upload

The SSA requires proof of identity and proof of citizenship for every replacement card, whether you order online or in person. For identity, bring your driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID — a photocopy will not work; they need to see the original. If you do not have any of those, the SSA accepts a combination of documents like a school ID plus a utility bill, but the rules vary by office, so call ahead if you are in this situation.

For citizenship, you need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. A photocopy of your birth certificate, even if it is notarized, will not work — the SSA specifically requires the original or a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. If you do not have your birth certificate, you can order one from your state's vital records office (search "[your state] vital records" online to find the right office and fee), and that usually takes 1 to 3 weeks depending on the state.

Ordering online through my Social Security

Go to ssa.gov and select "Create an account" under my Social Security. You will enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address, then answer security questions based on your credit history and past addresses. The questions pull from public records, so answer based on what you actually did, not what you think the answer should be — if you have never had a car loan, say so rather than guessing.

Once your account is set up, log in and look for "Replacement Social Security Card" in the menu. You will upload a photo of your ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a photo of your citizenship document (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate). Take the photos straight-on in good light, and make sure all four corners of the document are visible. The SSA will review your documents and mail the card to your address on file within 5 to 10 business days.

If you already have a my Social Security account but have not used it in a while, log in and check that your address is current before you order. The SSA mails to whatever address is in the system, and if you moved and did not update it, the card will go to your old place. You can update your address in the account settings before you submit your replacement request.

Mailing in Form SS-5

read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or pick one up at your local Social Security office. Fill in your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged). Make a photocopy of your ID and your citizenship document, and mail the form and copies to the address listed on the form — it varies by state, so check the form itself rather than guessing.

Include a cover letter with your current mailing address and phone number so the SSA can contact you if they have questions. Mail everything certified or with tracking so you know it arrived. The SSA will process your request in 2 to 4 weeks and mail the card to you. If you do not hear back within that window, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

Going to a Social Security office in person

Find your local office at ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Bring your original ID, original or certified copy of your citizenship document, and your Social Security card if you still have it (not required, but helpful). Walk in during business hours — most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment for a replacement card, though some offices ask you to take a number and wait.

The process takes 15 to 30 minutes. The SSA staff will verify your documents, take your photo if needed, and either give you a card on the spot or mail it to you within a day or two. Same-day service is common but not may provide — if the office is very busy or if there is an issue with your documents, they may mail it instead. Ask the staff before you leave whether you are getting the card that day or if it will be mailed.

If your card was stolen or used fraudulently

Ordering a replacement card does not change your Social Security number — you keep the same number for life. If your card was stolen, the thief has your number, but replacing the card itself does not fix that. What matters is monitoring your credit and earnings record.

Check your credit report for fraudulent accounts by visiting annualcreditreport.com (the only free, official site). If you see accounts you did not open, dispute them with the credit bureau. Check your Social Security earnings record at ssa.gov by logging into my Social Security and looking at "Earnings Record" — if you see wages you did not earn, call 1-800-772-1213 to report it. The SSA can investigate and correct your record, though it can take time.

If someone is using your number to work, the SSA will eventually catch the mismatch when they try to file taxes or claim benefits. You are not responsible for taxes on wages you did not earn, but you may need to file a police report and an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov) to prove you were not the one working. Keep copies of these reports in case the IRS contacts you.

Replacing a card for a child or dependent

If you are replacing a card for a child under 18, you will need to go in person or mail the form — the online option is not available for minors. Bring the child's birth certificate, your ID, and proof that you are the parent or legal guardian (marriage certificate, adoption papers, or court order). If the child has a Social Security card already, bring that too.

The process is the same as for an adult: fill out Form SS-5 or visit an office with your documents. The SSA will mail the card to your address. If the child is 18 or older, they can order online themselves using their own my Social Security account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Online orders take 5 to 10 business days. Mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. In-person visits at a Social Security office usually result in same-day or next-day service, though very busy offices may mail it instead. Check your my Social Security account or call 1-800-772-1213 to track a mailed card.

Can I get a replacement card if I do not have my birth certificate?

You will need to order a certified copy from your state's vital records office first. Search "[your state] vital records" online to find the office, fee, and turnaround time — most states charge $10 to $30 and take 1 to 3 weeks. Once you have the certified copy, you can order your replacement card.

What if I moved and my address is wrong at the SSA?

Update your address in your my Social Security account before you order a replacement card online. If you are mailing Form SS-5 or going in person, tell the SSA staff your new address and they will update it. The card will be mailed to your current address on file.

Do I need to report a stolen Social Security card to the police?

You do not have to, but you may want to if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report can help if you later need to dispute fraudulent accounts or file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission. Ordering a replacement card is separate from reporting the theft.

Can I get a replacement card with a different name?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The SSA will update your name in their system and issue a new card with the correct name. This is the same process as a replacement, just with an extra document.