You can replace a missing Social Security card by mail, in person, or online depending on your state

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue you a replacement card at no cost. You do not need to report the card missing to police or credit agencies first, though you may want to monitor your credit if you're concerned about identity theft. The fastest route depends on where you live: some states let you explore online through a find portal, others require you to visit a local Social Security office or mail documents to the SSA.

You will need to prove your identity, citizenship or legal residency, and age. The SSA accepts a limited list of documents for each — a driver's license or passport for identity, a birth certificate for citizenship and age. If you don't have these documents, you can still get a replacement card, but the process takes longer because you'll need to gather additional paperwork first.

Key Takeaways

  • The SSA issues replacement cards for free, and you can request one online in most states, by mail, or in person at a local office.
  • You will need to show proof of identity (driver's license or passport), citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate), and age — the same document can sometimes count for two categories.
  • Online replacement is available in 48 states through the SSA's website and takes about 5 to 10 business days; mail and in-person routes may take longer.
  • If you don't have standard identity documents, you can still get a replacement card but will need to provide alternative documents and the process will take additional time.
  • A replacement card has the same number as your original card — the SSA does not issue new numbers for lost or stolen cards.

Replacing your card online

The SSA's online replacement service is available in 48 states through ssa.gov/myaccount. You create a login, answer security questions to verify your identity, and upload photos of your documents. The SSA reviews your submission and mails the card to your address on file, typically within 5 to 10 business days.

To use the online service, you must have a Social Security number already, a U.S. mailing address, and a valid driver's license or state ID card. You cannot use this route if you're explore for your first card, if your name has changed and you haven't updated it with the SSA, or if you're not a U.S. citizen. New York and South Dakota do not currently offer online replacement.

The online portal requires you to upload clear photos of both sides of your identity document. Take photos in good lighting, make sure all text is readable, and check that the entire document fits in the frame before you submit. If the SSA cannot read your documents, they will contact you by mail to ask you to resubmit.

Replacing your card by mail

You can mail an process to the SSA along with copies of your documents. read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, fill it out by hand or print it completed, and mail it with photocopies of your identity document, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency if you were not born in the U.S. Send everything to the address listed on the form — it varies by state.

Mail replacement typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date the SSA receives your envelope. The SSA does not accept applications by email. Make copies of everything you send, keep them for your records, and consider using certified mail with return receipt so you know when the SSA receives your package.

If you're missing documents, you can still mail an process. The SSA will contact you by mail to tell you what additional paperwork they need. This adds time to the process, so having all documents ready before you mail reduces delays.

Replacing your card in person

Visit your local Social Security office with your original documents or certified copies. Bring your identity document, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency if applicable. You do not need to make an appointment in most offices, though some locations ask you to call ahead or book a time slot through ssa.gov/locator.

Bring the originals if you have them; the SSA will look at them and return them to you. If you only have copies, bring certified copies issued by the agency that created the document — for example, a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in your state. Photocopies you made yourself are not accepted.

In-person replacement is usually the fastest route if you have all your documents ready. The SSA can often issue a temporary receipt on the spot and mail your card within 1 to 2 weeks. If documents are missing or unclear, the office will tell you what else you need before they can process your request.

Documents the SSA will accept for identity

The SSA accepts a short list of documents to prove who you are. A current driver's license or state ID card is the most common. If you don't have either, you can use a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID. Some offices also accept a tribal ID card or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa.

The document must not be expired, or if it is expired, it cannot have been expired for more than 5 years. If your only identity document is expired beyond that window, you will need to renew it first before the SSA can process your replacement card request.

Documents the SSA will accept for citizenship and age

A U.S. birth certificate is the standard document for proving citizenship and age at the same time. It must be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born, not a hospital copy or a photocopy you made yourself. You can order a certified birth certificate from your state's vital records office online, by mail, or in person — each state has its own process and fee, usually between $10 and $30.

If you were not born in the U.S., you need a document proving citizenship or legal residency. A U.S. passport or passport card proves citizenship. A green card (Permanent Resident Card) or employment authorization document (EAD) proves legal residency. A naturalization certificate proves you became a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process. If you have a green card or EAD, bring the original; the SSA will return it to you.

For age, if you don't have a birth certificate, the SSA accepts a passport, military discharge papers, or a medical record showing your date of birth. The document must be official and issued by a government agency or medical provider.

If you don't have standard documents

You can still get a replacement card without a driver's license, birth certificate, or passport. The SSA has a process for people who cannot produce standard documents. You will need to provide alternative documents that together prove your identity, age, and citizenship or legal residency.

Alternative identity documents include a school ID, employee ID, insurance policy, bank statement, or utility bill in your name. For age, a medical record, school record, or insurance policy works. For citizenship, a Social Security card itself (if you have an old one), a W-2 form, or a tax return can help establish that you've been in the U.S. system for years.

The SSA will review what you bring and tell you if it's enough or if they need more. This route takes longer — typically 4 to 8 weeks — because the SSA has to evaluate non-standard documents. Visit your local office in person if possible, because the staff can tell you on the spot whether your documents will work, rather than mailing them and waiting for a response.

What happens if your card was stolen

A stolen Social Security card is a replacement issue, not a separate report. You do not need to file a police report or contact the SSA's fraud line before requesting a replacement. However, if you believe someone has used your number to open accounts, get a job, or commit fraud, you should monitor your credit and consider placing a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

Your replacement card will have the same Social Security number as the stolen card. The SSA does not issue new numbers for lost or stolen cards unless you can show evidence of identity theft or fraud. A new number is rare and requires additional documentation and review.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Online replacement takes 5 to 10 business days. Mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. In-person replacement at a Social Security office is usually fastest — often 1 to 2 weeks. Times vary depending on how busy your local office is and whether all your documents are clear and complete.

Can I use a temporary receipt while I wait for my card?

Yes. If you explore in person at a Social Security office, you can receive a temporary receipt that shows your Social Security number. Some employers and agencies will accept this receipt as proof of your number while you wait for the physical card. Ask the office staff whether they can issue one when you explore.

Do I need to report my missing card to the police?

No. Reporting to police is optional and not required by the SSA. You only need to report it to police if you believe your card was stolen as part of identity theft or fraud. If you do file a police report, keep a copy for your records.

What if my name has changed since my last card?

You must update your name with the SSA before you can get a replacement card. Visit a local Social Security office with your identity document and a document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order). The SSA will update your record, and then you can request a replacement card with your current name.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. The SSA mails replacement cards to the address on file in your account. You cannot have someone else collect it from the mail, and the SSA does not hold cards for pickup at the office. If you're moving, update your address with the SSA before you request a replacement so the card goes to the right place.