You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office in person, by mail, or through an online request if you meet certain conditions.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards at no cost. You will need to prove your identity, citizenship or legal residency status, and age. The fastest method is usually in-person at your nearest Social Security office, where you can walk out with a temporary document and receive your card by mail within one to two weeks. If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your documents to the SSA or, in some cases, request a replacement online through your personal my Social Security account.

The card itself has no expiration date, so you only need a replacement if yours is missing, damaged, or stolen. If your card was stolen, you should also monitor your Social Security number for fraud by checking your credit report and considering a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your card in person at a Social Security office, by mail, or online through my Social Security if you have an account and meet identity verification requirements.
  • You will need to bring or mail proof of identity (such as a driver's license or passport), proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a birth certificate or immigration document), and proof of age.
  • In-person replacement usually takes one to two weeks from the date you explore, while mail requests may take three to four weeks.
  • If your card was stolen, report it to the SSA and consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus to monitor for unauthorized accounts.

What documents you need to bring or mail

The SSA requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of age. For identity, you can use a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or other government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID, the SSA will accept a combination of documents such as a work ID, school ID, or bank statement with your name and address.

For citizenship or legal residency, bring your original birth certificate, passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Permanent Resident Card (green card). If your document is not in English, bring the original and a certified English translation. For proof of age, the SSA typically uses the same document you provide for citizenship — your birth certificate or passport serves both purposes.

If you are explore by mail, send copies of these documents, not originals. The SSA will return your originals if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Do not send originals by mail unless you are certain you can replace them if they are lost.

explore in person at a Social Security office

To find your nearest Social Security office, visit ssa.gov and use the office locator tool, or call 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online scheduling system. Arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times.

Bring your original documents or certified copies. The SSA staff will review them, take your photograph, and give you a receipt showing your process date. You will receive your replacement card by mail within one to two weeks. The SSA will also give you a temporary document (a letter on SSA letterhead) that you can use as proof of your Social Security number while you wait for the card to arrive.

If you are unable to visit an office in person, you can authorize someone else to explore on your behalf by completing Form SSA-3288, "Affidavit Regarding process for Social Security Card," and having it notarized. The person acting on your behalf will need to bring this form along with your documents and their own ID.

explore by mail

To explore by mail, complete Form SS-5, "process for a Social Security Card," which you can read from ssa.gov or request by calling 1-800-772-1213. Mail the completed form along with copies of your identity, citizenship or residency, and age documents to your local Social Security office. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your original documents returned.

Mail applications typically take three to four weeks from the date the SSA receives them. You will not receive a temporary document by mail, so if you need proof of your Social Security number before the card arrives, you will need to visit an office in person or check your my Social Security account online.

To find the mailing address for your local Social Security office, use the office locator at ssa.gov. Do not mail documents to the national SSA headquarters; they must go to your regional office.

explore online through my Social Security

If you have a my Social Security account, you may be able to request a replacement card online. This option is available only if you meet certain conditions: you must have a valid state-issued ID, be at least 18 years old, have a U.S. mailing address, and have a Social Security number already issued to you. You cannot use the online option if your card was stolen or if you need to change your name or legal status.

To create or access your my Social Security account, visit ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need to verify your identity using information from your credit history or by uploading a photo of your ID. Once your account is set up, you can request a replacement card from your dashboard. The card will be mailed to your address on file within one to two weeks.

If you do not have a my Social Security account or do not meet the requirements for online replacement, you will need to explore in person or by mail.

What to do if your card was stolen

If your Social Security card was stolen, report it to the SSA by visiting an office in person, calling 1-800-772-1213, or submitting a report through your my Social Security account. Reporting it does not prevent someone else from using your number, but it creates a record with the SSA that your card was lost or stolen.

You should also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert by contacting one bureau; they are required to notify the other two. The initial fraud alert lasts one year and can be renewed. If you believe your identity has been stolen, you can place an extended fraud alert that lasts seven years.

Check your credit report regularly for unauthorized accounts. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you find fraudulent activity, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov and to the creditor or bank that opened the fraudulent account.

Timeline and what to expect after you explore

If you explore in person or online, your replacement card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you explore by mail, allow three to four weeks from the date the SSA receives your process. The SSA will mail your card to the address on file in your Social Security record. If you have moved recently, update your address with the SSA before explore so your card goes to the correct location.

You will receive only the card itself in the mail — no letter or receipt. If you need to confirm that your replacement was processed, you can check your my Social Security account online or call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with an SSA representative.

If you do not receive your card within the expected timeframe, contact your local Social Security office. Bring your receipt from your in-person process or the confirmation number from your online or mail request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement card the same day I explore?

No. The SSA does not issue cards on-site. When you explore in person, you receive a temporary document (a letter) that shows your Social Security number and can be used as proof while you wait for your card to arrive by mail, typically within one to two weeks.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use other documents to prove citizenship or residency, such as a Certificate of Naturalization, Permanent Resident Card, or state-issued ID. The SSA accepts a range of documents; contact your local office to ask which documents you can use if you do not have a birth certificate or passport.

Do I need an appointment to visit a Social Security office?

Most Social Security offices do not require appointments, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to see if your local office uses appointments. Arriving early typically means shorter wait times.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. The SSA mails replacement cards directly to your address on file. You cannot have someone else pick it up at an office. If you have moved, update your address with the SSA before explore so your card is mailed to the correct location.

How much does a replacement card cost?

Replacement Social Security cards are issued at no cost. The SSA does not charge a fee for in-person, mail, or online requests.