When and why you need a new card
You need a replacement Social Security card if yours is lost, stolen, damaged, or if your name has changed. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue you a new card with the same number — your number does not change when you replace the card. You can request a replacement in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online through an SSA account.
A damaged card might have faded numbers, a torn corner, or water damage that makes it hard to read. The SSA considers a card unusable if the number or your name is no longer legible. If your card is straightforward worn but still readable, you do not need to replace it yet — the SSA does not set an expiration date on cards for adults.
Name changes happen through marriage, divorce, court order, or gender marker updates. You will need to show proof of the name change along with your process. The SSA will not issue a new card until they have verified the legal change.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a replacement card online through your personal my Social Security account, by mail using Form SS-5, or in person at a Social Security office.
- The SSA will issue a new card with your same Social Security number; the number itself never changes.
- If your name has changed, you must show legal proof such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order before the SSA will process your request.
- Processing time varies by method: online requests typically take 5 to 14 days, mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks, and in-person visits may be faster depending on office wait times.
- You will need to bring original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status.
explore online through my Social Security
The fastest way to replace your card is through your my Social Security account on the SSA website. You must create an account first if you do not already have one. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number associated with your credit file or a U.S. mobile phone account.
Once you are logged in, select "Replacement Social Security Card" from the menu. Answer questions about why you need a replacement and confirm your current address. The SSA will mail your new card to the address on file. You do not need to upload documents for a straightforward replacement — the SSA verifies your information against their records.
If your name has changed, you cannot complete the full request online. You can start the process and upload a photo of your legal name-change document, but you will need to finish by mail or in person. The SSA will contact you if they need additional information.
explore by mail with Form SS-5
You can request a replacement card by mail using Form SS-5, the process for a Social Security Card. read the form from the SSA website or pick one up at a Social Security office. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and gather the documents listed below.
Mail your completed form and documents to the address shown on the form itself — this address changes by state. Send everything by regular mail; the SSA does not accept faxes or email for this request. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and phone number so the SSA can contact you if they have questions.
Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date the SSA receives your mail. If you need the card urgently, in-person service is usually faster. You can track your process status by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 after two weeks.
explore in person at a Social Security office
Walk into your local Social Security office with your documents and Form SS-5 (or ask staff to provide one). You do not need an appointment for a replacement card, but you may wait 30 minutes to several hours depending on the office and time of day. Call ahead to ask about current wait times.
Bring your original documents or certified copies. Staff will review them on the spot, make copies if needed, and submit your process. You will receive a receipt showing your process was filed. Your new card will be mailed to your address within 5 to 14 days in most cases.
In-person service is useful if you have a name change, because staff can review your legal documents when ready and tell you if anything is missing. It also avoids the mail delays of the other methods.
Documents you must bring
The SSA requires proof of three things: your identity, your age, and your citizenship or immigration status. You must bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. The list below shows common documents; the SSA website has a full list if your situation is different.
| What to prove | Acceptable documents |
|---|---|
| Identity | Driver's license, state ID card, passport, or employee ID |
| Age | Birth certificate, passport, or baptism record |
| Citizenship or immigration status | U.S. birth certificate, passport, green card, visa, or employment authorization document (EAD) |
| Name change (if applicable) | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers |
If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a consular report of birth. If you have a green card or visa, bring the original. The SSA will not accept a photo of these documents — they must see the physical original or a certified copy from the issuing agency.
Certified copies are stamped and signed by the agency that issued the original. You can order certified copies from your state vital records office (for birth certificates), your local court (for divorce decrees or name-change orders), or your country's consulate (for foreign birth records). This process takes 1 to 3 weeks depending on the agency.
What happens if your card is stolen
If your Social Security card is stolen, request a replacement as soon as you realize it is missing. The card itself is not a financial document — a thief cannot use it to open a bank account or take out a loan without additional information like your date of birth or address. However, it is still a good idea to replace it to prevent misuse.
You do not need to report the theft to the SSA or to police unless you suspect someone is using your number fraudulently. If you see suspicious activity on your credit report or receive bills for accounts you did not open, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338. The FTC will help you create a recovery plan.
While you wait for your replacement card, keep a copy of your Social Security number in a safe place at home. You can use this copy to fill out forms that require your number, even though you should not carry the card itself in your wallet.
Processing times and what to expect
The time it takes to receive your new card depends on which method you choose. Online requests through my Social Security typically arrive within 5 to 14 days. Mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks from the date the SSA receives your process. In-person applications usually result in a card arriving within 5 to 14 days, though this varies by office and current workload.
The SSA will mail your card to the address on file in their system. If you have moved recently, update your address before you explore. You can change your address online through my Social Security, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a Social Security office in person.
If your card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 with your process receipt number. They can check the status and tell you whether the card is still in processing or if there is a problem with your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a new card if I have never had one before?
No, the replacement process is only for people who already have a Social Security number. If you need a Social Security number for the first time, you must explore for an original card using Form SS-5 and different documentation. Visit the SSA website or call 1-800-772-1213 for instructions on explore for an original card.
What if I changed my name but do not have a marriage certificate or divorce decree?
You will need a court order showing the name change. If you lost your marriage certificate, contact the vital records office in the county where you were married. If you lost your divorce decree, contact the court that issued it. Both can issue certified copies for a small fee, usually $10 to $25. This process takes 1 to 3 weeks.
Do I need to bring my old card when I explore in person?
No, you do not need to bring your old card. If it is lost or stolen, just tell the SSA staff. If you have it and want to bring it, they will accept it, but it is not required. Staff will destroy your old card if you hand it to them.
Can someone else pick up my new card for me?
No, the SSA mails replacement cards directly to your address. You cannot have someone else pick it up at an office. If you are moving, update your address before you explore so the card goes to your new home. If the card arrives at an old address, contact the SSA and they can reissue it to your current address.
What if I need the card urgently for a job or school?
The fastest option is to explore in person at a Social Security office. You will receive a receipt showing your process was filed, and some employers or schools will accept this receipt temporarily while you wait for the card. Call your employer or school to ask if they will take a receipt. Your actual card should arrive within 5 to 14 days.