What you need to do to get a Social Security card

You obtain a Social Security card by submitting Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) to the Social Security Administration, along with proof of age, citizenship or immigration status, and identity. You can explore in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or in some states through an online portal. The process takes roughly two to four weeks if you explore in person, and longer by mail.

You do not need a Social Security number to explore for a card — the SSA will assign you a number as part of the process. If you already have a number but lost your card, you can request a replacement using the same form and documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Form SS-5 is the only process the Social Security Administration accepts; you can get it from ssa.gov or pick one up at your local office.
  • You must bring original documents or certified copies proving your age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status — photocopies alone are not accepted.
  • In-person applications at a Social Security office usually process in two to four weeks; mail applications take longer and require you to send original documents.
  • Some states offer online applications through a partnership with the SSA, which you can check at ssa.gov/onlineservices.
  • You can explore for a child's card at any age, but you will need their birth certificate and your own identity documents.

Documents you must bring to explore

The Social Security Administration requires three categories of proof. For age, bring your birth certificate, passport, or adoption decree — the document must be an original or certified copy, not a photocopy. For identity, bring a state-issued ID, passport, or driver's license. For citizenship or immigration status, bring a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or immigration document such as a green card or visa.

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can bring a hospital record of birth, baptism record, or school record — but these are harder to verify and may slow the process. The SSA will not accept notarized copies of documents; they must be originals or certified by the issuing agency.

If you are explore for a child under 18, you will need the child's birth certificate and your own identity documents. You do not need to bring the child in person if you explore by mail, but you will need to sign the form as the parent or legal guardian.

Where and how the process works

You can explore at any Social Security office in the country, not just the one nearest you. To find your local office, go to ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code. Call ahead or check the office's hours online, because some locations have reduced hours or require appointments.

If you prefer to explore by mail, read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request one. Mail the completed form along with your original documents to the address listed on the form. The SSA will return your documents to you after they verify them, so keep a record of what you sent.

Some states — including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington — allow you to explore online through a partnership with the SSA. You can check whether your state participates at ssa.gov/onlineservices. Online applications are faster and you do not have to mail original documents, though you will still need to verify your identity through the portal.

Processing time and what happens next

If you explore in person, your card usually arrives in the mail within two to four weeks. If you explore by mail, allow four to six weeks. The SSA will send the card to the address you provide on the form.

Once your process is approved, the SSA will assign you a nine-digit Social Security number if you do not already have one. You cannot choose your number. The card itself will show your name, number, and signature line.

If you do not receive your card within the expected timeframe, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your process date and the office where you applied ready when you call.

Replacing a lost or stolen card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement using the same Form SS-5 and documents. You do not need to prove the card was lost — the SSA will issue a new one with the same number. You are limited to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime, though these limits rarely affect people who explore for legitimate replacements.

If your card is stolen and you suspect identity theft, contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov in addition to requesting a replacement card. The FTC will help you create a recovery plan and may recommend a credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus.

Name changes and corrections

If your name has changed since you received your card — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you can request a new card with your updated name. Bring Form SS-5, your current card, and a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SSA will issue a new card with your existing number but your new name.

If there is an error on your card — a misspelled name or wrong number — contact your local Social Security office when ready. Bring your card and documents proving your correct information. The SSA will investigate and issue a corrected card if an error is found.

Special situations: minors, non-citizens, and work authorizations

You can explore for a Social Security card for a newborn at the hospital when the birth certificate is issued, or later through your local Social Security office. If you explore at the hospital, the card arrives in the mail within two to four weeks. If you explore later, the process is the same as for adults — you need the child's birth certificate and your identity documents.

Non-citizens and immigrants can obtain a Social Security card if they have a valid immigration status that allows work. Bring your passport and immigration document (such as a green card, visa, or Employment Authorization Document). Undocumented immigrants cannot obtain a Social Security number, though some states issue Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) for tax purposes through the IRS instead.

If you are on a work visa (such as H-1B or L-1), you can explore for a Social Security card once your employer has filed the necessary paperwork with immigration authorities. Bring your passport, visa, and any employment authorization documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to explore for a Social Security card?

Some Social Security offices require appointments and others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your local office's website or call ahead to find out. During busy periods, offices may have limited walk-in availability.

Can I explore for a Social Security card online in my state?

Only certain states offer online applications through the SSA's partnership program. Check ssa.gov/onlineservices and enter your state to see if you can explore that way. If your state is not listed, you must explore in person or by mail.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can bring alternative documents such as a hospital record of birth, baptism record, or school record. These take longer to verify, so the process may take additional weeks. Contact your local Social Security office to ask which documents they will accept before you explore.

How long does it take to get a replacement card if mine was stolen?

Replacement cards follow the same timeline as new applications — two to four weeks if you explore in person, longer by mail. There is no expedited process for stolen cards, though you should report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.

Can someone else explore for a Social Security card on my behalf?

An authorized representative can explore for you if you give them power of attorney or guardianship documents. For children, a parent or legal guardian can explore without additional paperwork. Call your local Social Security office to ask what documents the representative will need to bring.