Where to request a replacement Social Security card

You can request a replacement Social Security card in three ways: online through the Social Security Administration's website, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online option is the fastest if you meet the requirements — you must have a state-issued ID, a Social Security number already on file, and a U.S. mailing address. The process takes about two weeks from submission to delivery.

If you cannot use the online system, you can mail Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) to your regional Social Security office, which typically takes three to five weeks. Walking into a local office in person usually means a shorter wait time for processing, though you will still need to bring the same documents and fill out the same form.

To find your local Social Security office, visit ssa.gov and use the office locator tool, or call 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-800-325-0778.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a replacement card online, by mail, or in person, with online being the fastest option at about two weeks.
  • Online requests require a state-issued ID, an existing Social Security number, and a U.S. mailing address.
  • In-person and mail requests both require Form SS-5 and documents that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status.
  • You do not need to replace your card when ready after a name change — you can use your old card with a marriage certificate or court order as proof of the name change.

Documents you need to bring or submit

The Social Security Administration requires proof of identity, proof of age, and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status. For identity, you can use a state driver's license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID. For age, a birth certificate, passport, or driver's license works. For citizenship or immigration status, a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or visa and I-94 arrival record are all acceptable.

If you are explore in person or by mail, bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If you are explore online, you will upload images of these documents through the Social Security website. The system will tell you which documents it accepts based on your situation.

If you have changed your name, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This applies whether you are explore online, by mail, or in person.

What happens if you lost your card or it was stolen

A lost or stolen card and a worn-out card follow the same replacement process — there is no separate procedure. You request a new card using the same methods (online, mail, or in person) and provide the same documents. You do not need to report the loss to the Social Security Administration first, though you may want to monitor your credit report and Social Security earnings record for signs of misuse.

If someone has used your Social Security number fraudulently, that is a separate issue from replacing the card itself. You can check your earnings record at ssa.gov/myaccount to see if wages have been reported under your number that you did not earn. If you spot fraud, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338.

Replacing a card after a name change

You can request a new card with your new name through the same three methods: online, mail, or in person. You will need to submit Form SS-5 (if explore by mail or in person) along with proof of your new name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online applicants upload these documents through the website.

Until your new card arrives, you can use your old card along with the document that proves your name change. Employers, banks, and government agencies will accept this combination as proof of your identity and Social Security number. You do not have to wait for the new card to update your name with other institutions.

Processing times and what to expect

Online requests typically arrive within two weeks of submission. Mail requests take three to five weeks from the time the Social Security Administration receives your form and documents. In-person requests are processed faster — you may receive your card within one to two weeks, depending on your local office's workload.

The Social Security Administration will mail your new card to the address you provide on the process. You cannot pick it up at the office. If you need the card urgently, explore in person usually results in the fastest delivery, since your documents are reviewed when ready and any missing information can be corrected on the spot.

If more than two weeks have passed since you applied online or submitted by mail and you have not received your card, you can check the status by logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Replacing a card for a minor or dependent

A parent or legal guardian can request a replacement card for a child under 18. The process is the same — online, mail, or in person — but the parent must provide proof of their own identity along with the child's documents (birth certificate, proof of age, and citizenship or immigration status). If explore in person, the parent should bring the child's original documents and their own ID.

For children 18 and older, the child must request the card themselves and provide their own documents. A parent cannot submit the request on their behalf unless they have legal guardianship and can document it with a court order.

Replacing a card if you are not a U.S. citizen

Non-citizens with lawful immigration status can request a replacement card. You will need to provide your visa, I-94 arrival record, employment authorization document (EAD), or green card along with your other documents. The process is the same whether you are explore online, by mail, or in person.

If your immigration status has changed since you first received your Social Security number, bring documentation of your current status. The Social Security Administration will verify your status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before issuing a new card.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?

There is no fee to request a replacement Social Security card. The Social Security Administration does not charge for cards, whether you explore online, by mail, or in person.

Can I get a temporary Social Security card while I wait for the replacement?

No, the Social Security Administration does not issue temporary cards. If you need proof of your Social Security number before your new card arrives, you can print a benefit verification letter from your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount, which shows your number and can be used for some purposes like opening a bank account.

What if I applied online but do not have a state-issued ID?

You will need to explore by mail or in person instead. Mail your completed Form SS-5 and documents to your regional Social Security office. In-person applications may be faster if you can visit an office in your area.

Do I need to replace my card if I changed my name but want to keep using my old name professionally?

No. You can keep your old card and use it with a marriage certificate or other name-change document to prove your identity. Replacing the card is optional if your name has changed — it is only required if the card is lost, stolen, damaged, or if you want the card to reflect your new name.

What if the Social Security Administration says my documents are not acceptable?

If you applied online or by mail and your documents were rejected, the Social Security Administration will contact you by mail explaining which documents did not meet their standards. You can then resubmit with different documents or explore in person at a local office, where a representative can review your documents when ready and tell you what else you need.