The fastest way to order a new card is online through ssa.gov

You can order a replacement Social Security card online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older with a state-issued ID or driver's license. The online process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The Social Security Administration will mail your card to the address on file, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not have a state ID or driver's license, or if you are under 18, you must visit a Social Security office in person or mail in a paper process. You can also mail an process if you prefer not to order online.

Key Takeaways

  • Online ordering through ssa.gov/myaccount is the fastest method and requires only a state ID or driver's license and a Social Security number.
  • By mail, you need Form SS-5, a copy of your ID, and proof of citizenship or legal status, sent to your local Social Security office.
  • In-person visits to a Social Security office require the same documents as mail but process faster if you need the card urgently.
  • Replacement cards are free; the Social Security Administration does not charge a fee for ordering a new card.
  • You cannot expedite a card order, but online and in-person orders typically arrive faster than mail-in applications.

What you need to order online

To order through ssa.gov/myaccount, you will need your Social Security number, a state-issued ID or driver's license, and an email address. You will also need to create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. The account requires your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to set up.

During the online process, you will confirm your current address and select how you want to receive your card. The Social Security Administration will mail it to the address you provide. You cannot change the mailing address after you submit your order, so verify it carefully before you finish.

Ordering by mail with Form SS-5

To order by mail, you need to complete Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), which you can read from ssa.gov or pick up at a Social Security office. You will also need to include a copy of your ID and proof of citizenship or legal status.

Acceptable ID documents include a state driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. For proof of citizenship, you can use a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need your green card, visa, or work permit.

Mail your completed Form SS-5 and copies of your documents to the Social Security office that serves your area. You can find the address on ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Mail-in applications typically take 2 to 4 weeks to process.

Visiting a Social Security office in person

You can walk into any Social Security office with your Form SS-5 and the same documents required for mail (ID and proof of citizenship or legal status). Bring originals, not copies — the office staff will make copies for you. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now require you to schedule one through ssa.gov.

Processing times at the office vary. Some offices issue a card on the same day if you arrive early in the morning and the office is not busy. Others may tell you to return in a few days or that the card will be mailed to you. Call your local office before you visit to ask about current wait times and whether you need an appointment.

What to do if your card was lost, stolen, or damaged

If your card was stolen, you should also contact the Social Security Administration to report it. You can do this during the ordering process or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Reporting a stolen card does not prevent someone else from using your number, but it creates a record in case fraud occurs.

If your card is damaged but still readable, you can still order a replacement. The process is the same whether the card is lost, stolen, or damaged. You will receive a new card with the same Social Security number.

Limits on how many cards you can order

The Social Security Administration limits you to three replacement cards per year and ten cards in your lifetime. These limits exist to prevent fraud. If you have reached your limit, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your situation.

The lifetime limit does not include your original card or cards issued due to a legal name change. Those do not count against your limit.

What happens after you order

After you submit your order online or by mail, you will receive a confirmation. If you ordered online, you can check the status of your card through your my Social Security account. If you ordered by mail or in person, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status using your Social Security number.

Your new card will arrive in a plain envelope with no return address. If your card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Social Security Administration to confirm it was mailed and ask whether it was returned as undeliverable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a card if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a valid visa, green card, or work permit. You will need to provide one of these documents along with your ID when you order. Undocumented immigrants cannot order a Social Security card.

Do I need to bring the original documents or can I mail copies?

For mail-in orders, you send copies. For in-person orders, bring originals — the office will photocopy them. Do not mail original documents; they may not be returned to you.

What if the address on my ID is outdated?

You can still use an outdated ID to order online or in person. The Social Security Administration will mail your new card to the current address you provide during the order process, not the address on your ID.

How long does it take to get a card if I order online versus by mail?

Online orders typically arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in orders take 2 to 4 weeks. In-person orders vary by location — some offices mail the card, while others issue it the same day.

What if I need my Social Security card before the standard arrival time?

The Social Security Administration does not offer expedited shipping or rush processing. If you need proof of your Social Security number when ready, you can print a replacement Social Security number verification letter from your my Social Security account, which many employers and banks will accept.