You can order a replacement Social Security card by mail, online, or in person at your local Social Security office

The fastest way to get a replacement card is through the Social Security Administration's online portal at ssa.gov, which takes about 5 to 10 business days. You can also mail an process to your regional Social Security office or walk in with documents — in-person requests sometimes arrive faster, though wait times vary by location. All three routes are free, and you do not need to be working or have a specific reason to request a replacement.

You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency. The Social Security Administration accepts a driver's license, passport, or state ID as proof of identity. For citizenship or legal residency, bring your birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. If you do not have these documents, the Social Security office can tell you what alternatives they will accept.

Key Takeaways

  • The online ordering process at ssa.gov is the fastest route and takes about 5 to 10 business days without leaving your home.
  • You must prove your identity with a driver's license, passport, or state ID, and prove citizenship or legal residency with a birth certificate or passport.
  • In-person requests at your local Social Security office sometimes arrive faster than mail, though you may wait in line to submit your documents.
  • Replacement cards are free, and you can order one by mail, online, or in person depending on which method works best for your schedule.
  • If you have changed your name, you will need to bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your identity documents.

Ordering online through ssa.gov

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Replace Your Social Security Card" option on the homepage. You will create a login or sign in with an existing account. The form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. You will also upload a photo of your identity document — a driver's license or passport works — and confirm your citizenship status.

After you submit, the Social Security Administration mails your new card to the address you provided. The card typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation number on screen that you can save or print. If you do not receive your card within two weeks, use that confirmation number to check the status on ssa.gov or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

explore by mail

read or print Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) from ssa.gov. Fill out the form with your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. You do not need to fill in every blank — only the sections that explore to your situation. If you are replacing a card because yours was lost or stolen, check the box that says "Replacement card — same number."

Gather your identity documents and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Make copies of both sides of your driver's license or passport. Include a copy of your birth certificate or passport as proof of citizenship. Do not send original documents — the Social Security Administration will not return them. Mail everything to your regional Social Security office. You can find the address for your region on ssa.gov by entering your zip code.

Mail delivery typically takes 3 to 7 business days, and the Social Security Administration processes the process within 2 to 4 weeks after receiving it. Your new card will arrive separately by mail. Keep the confirmation number or receipt from your mailing in case you need to track the process.

explore in person at a Social Security office

Bring your completed Form SS-5, your identity document (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate or passport). Originals are required for in-person visits — do not bring copies. If you have changed your name, also bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Find your local Social Security office on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment. If appointments are required, you can book one online or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring all your documents and your Social Security number. The office staff will verify your identity, take your process, and give you a receipt. Your replacement card will arrive by mail within 1 to 2 weeks.

What to do if your name has changed

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your current card was issued, you will need to provide proof of the name change along with your identity and citizenship documents. Bring an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A certified copy means the document has an official seal and signature from the court or government office that issued it.

Whether you order online, by mail, or in person, mention the name change on your process. The Social Security Administration will issue a card with your new name and the same Social Security number. This process takes the same amount of time as a standard replacement — 5 to 10 business days online, 2 to 4 weeks by mail, or 1 to 2 weeks after an in-person visit.

What happens if you cannot find your documents

If you do not have a birth certificate, passport, or driver's license, the Social Security Administration can still process your request, but you will need to bring alternative documents. A school record, hospital record, or insurance policy from around the time you were born can serve as proof of citizenship. A state ID, tribal ID, or military ID can work as proof of identity if you do not have a driver's license or passport.

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office to ask which documents they will accept in your situation. The staff can tell you what combination of documents will work before you make a trip or mail anything in. If you are missing multiple documents, the office may ask you to bring an affidavit — a signed statement under oath — explaining why you cannot produce the standard documents.

Tracking your replacement card

If you ordered online, you received a confirmation number. Go back to ssa.gov, sign in, and use that number to check the status of your card. The status page will tell you whether your card is being processed, has been mailed, or has been delivered. If you ordered by mail or in person, you should have received a receipt with a confirmation number — use that same number to check status online or call 1-800-772-1213.

If your card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Social Security Administration using your confirmation number. They can tell you whether the card was mailed and provide a new delivery estimate. If the card was lost in the mail, they can reissue it at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?

Replacement cards are free. The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee for ordering a replacement, whether you order online, by mail, or in person. Be cautious of third-party websites that claim to charge a fee for this service — they are not affiliated with the Social Security Administration.

Can I order a replacement card if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a valid work visa or other legal residency status. You will need to bring proof of your legal status, such as your visa, green card, or employment authorization document. The process is the same as for citizens, and the card is free.

What if my card was stolen or I think someone is using my number?

Order a replacement card right away through any of the three methods. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling 1-888-397-3742. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Do I need to do anything with my old card after I get the replacement?

You can destroy your old card by cutting it up or shredding it. There is no need to return it to the Social Security Administration. Keep your new card in a safe place and avoid carrying it in your wallet every day — most people only need it when opening a bank account or starting a new job.

How long does it take to get a replacement card if I order in person?

After you submit your process in person, your card typically arrives by mail within 1 to 2 weeks. The exact timeline depends on mail delivery speed in your area. You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number that you can use to track your card's status online.