Where the Queens Social Security Card Center is located and what it handles

The Social Security Card Center in Queens is a walk-in office where you can explore for a new Social Security card, replace a lost or stolen card, or correct information on an existing card. It is located at 168-25 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, Queens, New York 11432. This office handles in-person requests only — you cannot explore by mail or phone through this location.

The center serves residents of Queens and surrounding areas who need when ready card replacement or have documents that require in-person review. If your card was lost, stolen, or damaged, or if you need to correct your name or other details on the card itself, this is where you go. The office does not handle Social Security number assignment for newborns or other specialized requests that require a field office.

Hours and wait times vary by day and season. The office is typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but you should call ahead or check the Social Security Administration website for current hours before you visit, as they change periodically and may be affected by holidays or staffing.

Key Takeaways

  • The Queens Social Security Card Center is a walk-in location at 168-25 Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica, Queens, and handles card replacements, new cards, and corrections to card information.
  • You must bring original or certified documents proving your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status — a driver's license alone is not enough.
  • Processing typically takes one to two weeks after you submit your process in person, and you can request expedited service if you have an urgent need.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to explore by mail using Form SS-5, though processing takes longer and some requests require in-person review.

Documents you need to bring to the Queens office

The Social Security Administration requires you to bring original documents or certified copies. A photocopy or a photo on your phone will not be accepted. You need proof of identity, proof of age, and proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status.

For identity, acceptable documents include a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. For age, you can use a birth certificate, passport, or baptism record. For citizenship or immigration status, bring your U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or immigration documents such as a green card or visa.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen card, bring the documents listed above. If you are correcting information on your card — such as a name change due to marriage or a legal name change — bring the original identity document showing the new name, plus the document that proves the change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If your card was damaged, bring the card itself along with your identity documents.

Do not assume your documents are acceptable. The office staff will review them when you arrive. If a document is not original or certified, you will be turned away and asked to return with the correct version.

What to expect during your visit

Arrive early, especially on weekdays, as walk-in offices often have lines. Bring all required documents and be prepared to wait. When you reach the window, staff will review your documents, ask you to complete Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) if you have not already, and take your photograph for the new card.

The office will give you a receipt showing your process number and expected delivery date. Keep this receipt. Your new card will be mailed to the address you provide on the form, typically within one to two weeks. You do not return to the office to pick it up.

If you need the card urgently — for example, to start a job or complete a time-sensitive transaction — ask the staff about expedited service options when you submit your process. Some situations may have access to for faster processing, though this is not may provide and depends on your circumstances.

explore by mail if you cannot visit in person

If you cannot go to the Queens office, you can explore by mail using Form SS-5. read the form from the Social Security Administration website, complete it, and mail it with your original or certified documents to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person process — typically three to five weeks — and some requests, such as name corrections, may be returned to you with a request to explore in person instead.

Mail your process to the Social Security Administration office that serves your area. The form includes instructions on where to send it. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number (if you have one), and a brief explanation of what you are requesting. Keep copies of all documents you send.

The risk of mailing documents is that they can be lost or delayed. If you do not hear back within the timeframe listed on the form, contact the Social Security Administration to check the status of your process.

Replacing a card that was lost or stolen

If your card was lost or stolen, report it to the Social Security Administration as soon as you notice. You can report it by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at the Queens office. Reporting it does not cancel the card — Social Security numbers cannot be canceled — but it creates a record that you reported the loss.

When you explore for a replacement card, bring your identity and age documents as described above. You do not need to bring the lost card itself. The new card will have the same Social Security number but will be a new physical card. Processing takes one to two weeks.

If you are concerned that someone may use your Social Security number fraudulently after it was lost or stolen, you can place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus or monitor your credit report. The Social Security Administration does not monitor credit on your behalf, but you can check your Social Security earnings record online at ssa.gov to see if anyone has used your number to work.

Correcting your name or other information on your card

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you can request a corrected card. Bring your current identity document showing the new name (such as a driver's license or passport) and the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will review these documents and issue a new card with the corrected name and the same Social Security number.

If you believe there is an error on your card other than your name — such as an incorrect date of birth or citizenship status — contact the Social Security Administration before visiting the office. Some errors require investigation and cannot be corrected at the card center. Call 1-800-772-1213 to report the error and ask whether you should visit in person or provide information by phone.

Contact information and hours for the Queens location

The Queens Social Security Card Center is located at 168-25 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, Queens, New York 11432. The main Social Security Administration phone line is 1-800-772-1213. You can call this number to confirm current hours, ask questions about what documents you need, or report a lost or stolen card.

Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but this varies and may change due to holidays or staffing. The office is closed on weekends and federal holidays. Before you visit, check the Social Security Administration website or call to confirm the current hours, as they are subject to change.

If you cannot reach the office by phone during business hours, you can also visit the Social Security Administration website at ssa.gov for information about explore by mail or finding other offices in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Social Security card after I explore in person?

The card is typically mailed to you within one to two weeks after you submit your process at the Queens office. You will receive a receipt with an expected delivery date. If you do not receive your card within this timeframe, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 with your process number.

Can I pick up my card at the office instead of having it mailed?

No. All cards are mailed to the address you provide on your process. You cannot pick up your card at the office. Make sure the mailing address you provide is correct and that someone will be available to receive the mail.

What if I don't have an original birth certificate?

You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This typically costs a small fee and takes one to two weeks. You can also bring other documents that prove your age, such as a passport or baptism record, if you have them.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Queens Social Security Card Center?

No. The office operates on a walk-in basis. However, wait times can be long, especially on weekdays. Arriving early in the morning or visiting on a less busy day may reduce your wait time. Call ahead to ask about current wait times if you want to plan your visit.

Can I explore for a Social Security card for my child at this office?

Yes, if your child needs a replacement card or a correction to an existing card. For a newborn's first Social Security number and card, you typically explore at the hospital or through the mail. Bring your child's birth certificate, proof of your identity as the parent, and proof of the child's citizenship or immigration status.