You can order a replacement card by mail, in person, or online depending on your state

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will send you a new card at no cost if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not need to visit an office — most people can order online through ssa.gov/myaccount or by mail using Form SS-5. A few states also let you order through their motor vehicle department. The card arrives in 7 to 10 business days by mail, though some online orders are faster.

You will need proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address. A driver's license covers identity and address. For citizenship, a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers work. If you do not have these documents, you can still explore in person at a Social Security office, where staff can help you figure out what you have that will work.

You are may have access to to three replacement cards per year and nine in your lifetime, so running out is unlikely unless your card is repeatedly lost or stolen.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order a replacement card online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail using Form SS-5, or in person at a Social Security office.
  • You will need a photo ID, proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport), and proof of your current address.
  • The card arrives in 7 to 10 business days by mail, and online orders in some states are faster.
  • There is no cost for a replacement card, and you can order up to three per year.
  • If you do not have the required documents, visit a Social Security office in person and staff can advise you on what alternatives they accept.

Ordering online through your Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your email address and a password you choose. The site will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo of your ID.

Once you are signed in, select "Replace your Social Security card" from the menu. The form will ask for your name, date of birth, and the reason your card is lost or damaged. You will also choose where you want the card mailed — it must go to an address where you receive mail in your name. You cannot have it sent to a P.O. box.

After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. The card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Some states process online orders faster — check ssa.gov to see if yours is one of them.

Ordering by mail using Form SS-5

read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov/forms or call 1-800-772-1213 to request a copy by mail. Fill out the form with your name, date of birth, and the reason you need a replacement. You will need to sign and date it in front of a witness — this can be a notary, a Social Security employee, or certain other officials. Some post offices and banks offer notary services for a small fee.

Make copies of your proof documents (driver's license, birth certificate, and proof of address). Do not send originals — the SSA will not return them. Mail the form and copies to the address listed on the form, which varies by state. You can find your state's mailing address on ssa.gov.

The card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days after the SSA receives your envelope. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so allow two to three weeks total.

explore in person at a Social Security office

Visit your local Social Security office if you do not have the documents listed above or if you want to explore face-to-face. Find the nearest office at ssa.gov/locator by entering your zip code. You can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary. Some offices let you schedule an appointment online, which usually means a shorter wait.

Bring your photo ID and any citizenship or address documents you have. If you are missing some documents, tell the staff member — they may accept alternatives like a school ID, a utility bill in your name, or a lease. The staff member will fill out the form with you and can answer questions about what documents work.

The card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number before you leave.

What documents count as proof of identity

A current driver's license or state ID is the easiest proof. If you do not have one, the SSA also accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. A school ID, work ID, or library card can work if it has your photo and signature.

If you have none of these, you can bring a combination of documents without photos — a birth certificate plus a utility bill, for example. The staff member at the office will tell you whether your combination works.

What documents count as proof of citizenship

A U.S. birth certificate is the most common proof. You can order a copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born — search "[your state] vital records" online to find the office and fee. A U.S. passport or passport card also proves citizenship. A certificate of naturalization or a certificate of citizenship (issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) works if you were not born in the United States.

If you were born outside the U.S. and do not have naturalization papers, you may be able to bring a combination of documents instead — ask the staff member at the office what they accept.

What documents count as proof of address

A current driver's license or state ID serves as both identity and address proof. If you use a different ID for identity, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. "Recent" means issued within the last 12 months. A government check or benefits statement also works.

A P.O. box does not count as a residential address, so if that is your only address on file, bring a document showing a street address. If you recently moved and your documents show an old address, bring a letter from your landlord, a utility company, or a government agency confirming your new address.

Replacing a card that was stolen

If your card was stolen rather than lost, you do not need to report it to the SSA — there is no "Social Security card theft" alert system. However, you should monitor your credit report for fraudulent accounts. You can order a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com.

If you see accounts you did not open, contact the credit bureau and the company that issued the account. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit file by calling one of the three bureaus — they will notify the others. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Order your replacement card the same way you would for a lost card. The new card will have a different number only if you request it, which is rare — most people keep the same number.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Cards ordered online or by mail arrive in 7 to 10 business days. A few states process online orders faster — check ssa.gov to see if yours is one. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so allow two to three weeks total if you are mailing the form.

Can I get a replacement card with a different number?

Yes, but it is rare and the SSA discourages it. You can request a new number only if you can show that someone else is using your number or that you have a religious or cultural objection to your current number. Most people keep the same number on their replacement card.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born — search "[your state] vital records" to find the office and fee. In the meantime, visit a Social Security office in person with whatever documents you have, and staff can tell you what alternatives they accept.

Do I need an appointment at the Social Security office?

No, you can walk in during business hours. Some offices let you schedule an appointment online, which usually means a shorter wait. Find your local office and check whether appointments are available at ssa.gov/locator.

Is there a fee for a replacement card?

No. The SSA sends replacement cards at no cost. You can order up to three per year and nine in your lifetime.