You can request a replacement Social Security card by mail, in person, or online depending on your state
The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards for free when yours is lost, stolen, damaged, or if you need a name change. You do not need to visit an office in person — most people can request one by mail or through an online portal, and the card arrives in the mail within two to four weeks. A few states also let you request one entirely online through a find portal.
You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency status. The documents you bring depend on which route you choose, but common ones include your driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. The SSA does not charge a fee, and you can request up to three replacement cards in a year and up to ten in your lifetime.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a replacement card by mail, in person at an SSA office, or online if your state participates in the online portal program.
- You will need to show proof of identity (such as a driver's license or passport) and proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a birth certificate or passport).
- The replacement card is free and typically arrives within two to four weeks of your request.
- If you need the card urgently, visiting an SSA office in person may be faster than waiting for mail delivery.
- You can check whether your state offers online requests by visiting ssa.gov or calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
Requesting by Mail
Requesting by mail is the most common route and requires no appointment. You will fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), gather your documents, and mail everything to your local SSA office. The form is available on ssa.gov or you can pick one up at any SSA office or post office.
You need to include an original or certified copy of a document proving your citizenship or legal residency — typically your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. You also need proof of identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have an original document, a certified copy from the issuing agency works.
Mail your completed Form SS-5 and documents to the SSA office that serves your area. You can find the address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. The SSA will review your process and mail your new card to the address you provide on the form. Keep copies of everything you send in case you need to follow up.
Requesting in Person at an SSA Office
Walking into an SSA office in person is often faster than mail, especially if you need the card within a few days. You will bring the same documents — Form SS-5, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or legal residency — but you can complete the form at the office if you prefer. No appointment is required at most offices, though some locations now use an online appointment system to reduce wait times.
To find your nearest SSA office, visit ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours vary by location. Bring original documents or certified copies; the SSA will not accept photocopies as proof of identity or citizenship. After you submit your process, the SSA will mail your card to you, usually within one to two weeks.
Requesting Online (Where Available)
A growing number of states allow you to request a replacement card entirely online through a find portal on ssa.gov. This route is the fastest for people in participating states — you upload photos of your documents, verify your identity, and the card is mailed to you without visiting an office or mailing anything by hand.
To check whether your state participates, visit ssa.gov/onlineservices or call 1-800-772-1213. You will need to create or log into a my Social Security account, which requires a valid email address and a phone number. The online system will ask you to upload clear photos of your identity document and proof of citizenship. The SSA reviews these images and mails your card within the same timeframe as other methods.
What Documents You Need
| Document Type | Examples | Original or Copy? |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Driver's license, passport, state ID card, military ID | Original or certified copy |
| Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency | Birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card (green card) | Original or certified copy |
| process Form | Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) | Completed and signed |
If you were born outside the United States, you will also need to show proof of legal residency. A green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or visa counts. If you are a non-citizen national, bring your Certificate of Nationality.
The SSA does not accept photocopies of identity or citizenship documents when you explore in person or by mail. However, if you are requesting online, you will upload digital photos of your documents, and the SSA will verify them electronically. If a document is damaged or faded, contact the issuing agency (such as your state's vital records office for a birth certificate) to request a certified replacement before you explore.
How Long It Takes and What Happens Next
Processing time depends on how you request the card. By mail, expect two to four weeks from the date the SSA receives your process. In person at an office, the card usually arrives within one to two weeks. Online requests in participating states may be slightly faster, though the mail delivery time is the same.
The SSA will mail your new card to the address you provide on your process. You do not need to do anything else — no phone call, no follow-up visit. If you do not receive your card within the expected timeframe, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready.
If you need a card urgently for work or another reason, visiting an SSA office in person and asking about expedited processing is your best option. Some offices can issue a temporary card or letter confirming your Social Security number while your permanent card is being mailed.
Special Situations: Name Changes and Damaged Cards
If you are requesting a card because your name has changed — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you will need to show proof of the name change. Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your identity and citizenship documents. The process is the same as a standard replacement, and the new card will show your updated name.
If your card is damaged, faded, or unreadable, you can request a replacement using the same process. You do not need to explain why the card is damaged; straightforward submit your process with your documents. The SSA will issue a new card at no cost.
If your card was stolen, you do not need to report the theft to the SSA before requesting a replacement. However, if you are concerned about identity theft, you may want to contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This is separate from requesting a new card but can help protect you if someone tries to use your Social Security number fraudulently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?
There is no fee. The SSA issues replacement cards for free, regardless of whether you request by mail, in person, or online. If someone charges you a fee to request a card, they are running a scam.
Can I get a Social Security card the same day?
No. The SSA does not issue cards on the spot. Even in-person requests take one to two weeks for mail delivery. Some offices can provide a temporary letter confirming your Social Security number for when ready use, but the physical card will arrive by mail.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
Contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy. You can usually order one by mail or online. If you cannot obtain a birth certificate, other documents such as a passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card can serve as proof of citizenship or legal residency instead.
Do I need to bring my old card when I request a replacement?
No. If your old card is lost or stolen, you do not need to bring it. If you have it and it is damaged, you can bring it along, but it is not required. The SSA will issue a new card based on your process and documents.
Can someone else request a card on my behalf?
If you are a minor or unable to explore yourself, a parent or legal guardian can request a card on your behalf by mail or in person. They will need to bring your documents and proof of their own identity and guardianship. For online requests, the account holder must complete the process themselves.