What you need to do to get a Social Security card

To get a Social Security card, you fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), gather proof documents, and submit them to your local Social Security office in person. You cannot do this by mail or online. The Social Security Administration issues the card free of charge, and the process usually takes one to two weeks once you submit everything.

You will need to bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted. The documents prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. A Social Security representative will review your paperwork on the spot and tell you whether anything is missing before you leave.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Social Security office in person with Form SS-5 and original identity, age, and citizenship documents.
  • The card itself is free; the Social Security Administration does not charge a fee for issuing it.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks after you submit your completed process and documents.
  • You can find your local Social Security office and check its hours on ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
  • If you were born outside the United States, you will need a passport, visa, or other immigration document in addition to proof of age and identity.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your age. For identity, the Social Security Administration accepts a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or employee ID. For age, bring your birth certificate, passport, or adoption decree — the document must show your date of birth.

If you were born outside the United States, you also need proof of citizenship or immigration status. This can be a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document, or visa. Bring the original document or a certified copy issued by the agency that created it.

All documents must be originals or certified copies. A certified copy has an official seal or stamp from the government office that issued it. Photocopies, even if notarized, are not accepted. If you do not have an original, you can request a certified copy from the agency that issued the document — usually your state's vital records office for birth certificates.

How to find and visit your local Social Security office

Go to ssa.gov and use the office locator tool, or call 1-800-772-1213 to find the Social Security office nearest you. The website shows office hours, phone numbers, and directions. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan when to go.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer appointment scheduling through the website. If your office offers appointments, you can reserve a time slot online or by phone. Walk-ins are still accepted, but an appointment may reduce your wait time.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged on the way. The office will make copies of your documents for their records, so you will get the originals back.

What happens when you submit your process

A Social Security representative will review your Form SS-5 and your documents at the office. They will check that your documents are original or certified, that they prove what you say they prove, and that all required fields on the form are filled in. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you right then and ask you to fix it or bring additional documents.

If everything is in order, the representative will submit your process. You will receive a receipt showing that your process was accepted. The card is printed and mailed to the address you provided on the form, usually within one to two weeks. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for it to arrive.

If the Social Security Administration needs more information after you leave, they will call or mail you. Keep your receipt in a safe place so you can reference your process number if you need to follow up.

Getting a replacement card if yours is lost or damaged

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement using the same process: fill out Form SS-5, bring your identity and age documents, and visit your local Social Security office. You do not need to report the card as lost to the Social Security Administration first, though you may want to monitor your credit if you believe it was stolen.

The replacement card is free and takes the same one to two weeks to arrive. You can request up to three replacement cards in a year and nine in your lifetime, so there is no penalty for getting a new one.

Special situations: name changes, corrections, and non-citizens

If you have changed your name since your card was issued, bring your original card and a document proving the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will fill out Form SS-5 with your new name and submit it with your identity and age documents.

If there is an error on your card (a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or wrong number), bring the card itself, Form SS-5, and documents proving what the correct information should be. The Social Security Administration will issue a corrected card at no charge.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a Social Security card if you have a valid visa or work authorization. Bring your passport and visa or employment authorization document along with your identity and age documents. Permanent residents (green card holders) and refugees can also get cards.

What to do if you need a card urgently

Social Security cards cannot be expedited. The standard processing time is one to two weeks, and there is no way to speed this up. If you need proof that you have a Social Security number before your card arrives, ask the Social Security office for a printout or letter showing your number. Some employers and banks will accept this as temporary proof while you wait for the physical card.

If you are starting a job and your employer needs your Social Security number before your card arrives, bring the receipt from your Social Security office process to your employer and explain that the card is in the mail. Most employers will accept this and let you provide the physical card once it arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security card by mail or online?

No. You must visit a Social Security office in person with your original documents. The Social Security Administration does not process applications by mail or through its website.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy. You can usually do this by mail or online, though there is a fee (typically $10 to $25). If you were born outside the United States, a passport or visa can serve as proof of age instead.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Social Security office?

Appointments are not required, but many offices now offer them. Check ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to see if your local office has appointment scheduling. Walk-ins are still accepted, though wait times vary.

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

The card is usually mailed within one to two weeks of your process. It is sent to the address you provide on Form SS-5. If you do not receive it within three weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

What if I lost my Social Security card years ago and never replaced it?

You can get a replacement card at any time using the same process: bring Form SS-5, your identity and age documents, and visit your local Social Security office. There is no time limit on getting a replacement.