You can order a Social Security card by mail, in person, or online through the Social Security Administration's website
The fastest way is usually online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you have a My Social Security account and meet the requirements. You can also walk into your local Social Security office with the right documents and get a replacement card in about two weeks. Ordering by mail takes longer — typically four to six weeks — but works if you cannot visit an office or do not want to set up an online account.
You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency. The documents that work vary slightly by method, but a driver's license, passport, or state ID usually covers identity. For citizenship or residency, a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers work. If you do not have these documents, the Social Security office can tell you what alternatives they accept.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through ssa.gov/myaccount is fastest if you already have a My Social Security account and meet the age and identity verification requirements.
- In-person ordering at your local Social Security office takes about two weeks and requires one identity document and one citizenship or residency document.
- Mail ordering takes four to six weeks and uses the same documents as in-person, submitted with form SS-5.
- You cannot order a card for someone else unless you are their legal guardian or representative payee, and you will need a power of attorney or guardianship papers.
- There is no fee to order a replacement card, though some states charge for certified birth certificates if you need one as proof.
Ordering online through My Social Security
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one on the same page. You will need an email address, a Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity — usually a driver's license, state ID, or passport number.
Once you are signed in, look for the "Replacement Social Security Card" option in the menu. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and the reason you need a replacement. You can order a card if you lost it, it was stolen, your name changed, or you straightforward need a duplicate. The system will not let you order if you are under 18, if you have already ordered three cards in a year, or if you have ordered ten cards in your lifetime — these limits exist to prevent fraud.
After you submit your request online, you will see a confirmation page with a reference number. Write this down. Your card will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to print anything or visit an office.
Ordering in person at a Social Security office
Find your local Social Security office by going to ssa.gov/locator and entering your zip code. Call ahead if you can — many offices now use appointment systems, and walk-ins may face long waits. Bring one document that proves your identity (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID) and one document that proves citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card).
Tell the staff member you need a replacement card. They will fill out form SS-5 with you or hand you a copy to complete. The form asks for your name, date of birth, place of birth, and the reason you need a replacement. You sign it in front of the staff member, and they submit it on the spot. You will get a receipt with an expected delivery date — usually two to three weeks.
Bring originals of your documents, not copies. The Social Security office will look at them but will not keep them. If you do not have the documents with you, you can mail them in later, but your process will not move forward until the office receives them.
Ordering by mail
read or print form SS-5 from ssa.gov/forms. Fill it out completely — include your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and the reason you need a replacement card. Sign and date the form.
Make copies of your identity document and your citizenship or residency document. Do not send originals — send copies only. Include a cover letter with your name, current address, phone number, and a brief note saying you are requesting a replacement card. Mail everything to the address listed on the form SS-5 instructions, which varies by state.
Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the Social Security office receives your mail. There is no tracking number for mail orders, so if you do not hear back within six weeks, call your local Social Security office to check the status. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Documents you will need
| Document Type | Examples That Work | Original or Copy? |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, tribal ID | Original (in person); copy (by mail) |
| Citizenship or Residency | Birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card, visa | Original (in person); copy (by mail) |
If you do not have a driver's license or passport, the Social Security office will accept other identity documents. School IDs, employee IDs, library cards, and credit cards can work if they have your photo and signature. Ask your local office what they accept if you are unsure.
If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from your state's vital records office. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks. Some states let you order online; others require mail or in-person visits. Your local Social Security office can tell you how to reach your state's vital records office.
Ordering a card for someone else
You can only order a card for someone else if you are their legal guardian, their parent (if they are under 18), or their representative payee appointed by Social Security. You will need to bring proof of your authority — a guardianship order, birth certificate showing you as the parent, or a letter from Social Security showing you are the representative payee.
If you are the parent of a child under 18, bring your own identity document, the child's birth certificate, and proof of your relationship (the birth certificate itself usually works). If you are a guardian or representative payee, bring the guardianship or appointment letter along with your identity document and the person's birth certificate or other citizenship proof.
What to do if you lose your card before it arrives
If you ordered a card and it has not arrived within the expected timeframe, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Have your reference number ready if you ordered online, or your receipt number if you ordered in person. They can tell you whether the card is still in the mail or if there was a problem with your order.
If your card was lost or stolen after it arrived, you do not need to report it to Social Security itself — there is no "Social Security card theft" alert system. However, if you think someone may use your number fraudulently, you can place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling any one of them. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to order a Social Security card?
There is no fee from Social Security. However, if you need to order a birth certificate to prove citizenship, your state's vital records office will charge a fee — usually $10 to $30 depending on the state. Some states offer rush processing for an extra charge.
Can I get a Social Security card the same day I explore?
No. The fastest option is online ordering, which takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person ordering takes about two weeks. Mail ordering takes four to six weeks. Social Security does not issue cards on the spot at any office.
What if my name changed and I need a new card?
You can order a replacement card with your new name through any method — online, in person, or by mail. You will need to bring or send a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Social Security office will update your name in their system and send you a new card.
Do I need a My Social Security account to order online?
Yes. If you do not have one, you can create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need your Social Security number, an email address, and a way to verify your identity using your driver's license, state ID, or passport. Creating an account takes about 10 minutes.
What happens if I never receive my card?
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and give them your reference or receipt number. They will check whether the card was delivered and can reissue it if it was lost in the mail. You may be able to order a replacement online or in person while you wait for them to investigate.