You can order a replacement Social Security card through ssa.gov without visiting an office

The Social Security Administration lets you request a replacement card online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you meet certain conditions. You need a Social Security number already, a valid state-issued ID, a U.S. mailing address, and a phone number on file with Social Security. The online process takes about 15 minutes, and your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Not everyone can use the online route. You cannot order online if you are under 18, if your name has never been officially recorded with Social Security, if you need a card with a different name than what Social Security has on file, or if you were not born in the United States. If any of those explore, you will need to visit a Social Security office or mail in a paper form.

Key Takeaways

  • You order a replacement card through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, which requires you to create a login if you do not have one already.
  • The online process works only if your current information matches what Social Security has on file and you have a valid state ID to verify your identity.
  • Your replacement card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days at the address Social Security has for you.
  • If you cannot use the online method, you can mail Form SS-5 to your local Social Security office or visit in person with your documents.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you log in to ssa.gov. You will need your Social Security number, a valid state-issued driver's license or ID card, and your phone number. Social Security will text or call you during the verification step, so make sure the phone number you have on file is one you can access right now.

Your state ID must not be expired, and it must be from a U.S. state or territory. If your ID is expired, you will need to use the mail-in or in-person route instead. You also need a current mailing address where you can receive mail — Social Security will not hold the card for pickup.

Steps to order online through my Social Security

Go to ssa.gov and select "Create an account" if you do not already have a my Social Security login. You will enter your Social Security number, name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. Social Security will send you a verification code by email or text — enter it to confirm your account is real.

Once you are logged in, look for the option to order a replacement card. You will confirm your current name, date of birth, and mailing address. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your state ID — take a clear picture of the front and back. After you submit, Social Security will text or call the phone number on file to confirm it is really you.

If verification succeeds, you will see a confirmation screen with a reference number. Write this down or take a screenshot. Your replacement card will be mailed to the address you confirmed, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Social Security does not send tracking numbers, so check your mail regularly.

When you cannot order online

If you are under 18, you cannot order online — a parent or guardian must visit a Social Security office in person with your birth certificate and their ID. If your name has never been recorded with Social Security (for example, if you were born abroad and this is your first card), the online system will not let you proceed.

If you need your card to show a different name than what Social Security currently has — because of marriage, divorce, or a legal name change — you must visit an office or mail in Form SS-5 with a certified copy of the document that changed your name. The online system only replaces cards with the name already on file.

Mailing in a replacement card request

If you cannot use the online method, read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or pick one up at your local Social Security office. Fill in your information, sign and date the form, and gather the documents Social Security requires. For a straightforward replacement (same name, same number), you typically need your birth certificate or passport and a state ID.

Mail the form and documents to your local Social Security office. You can find the address at ssa.gov/locator. Include a cover letter with your phone number so Social Security can contact you if they have questions. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks by mail, longer than the online method.

Keep copies of everything you mail. Do not send original documents unless Social Security specifically asks — send certified copies instead. If you are concerned about mail, you can also visit your local office in person with the same documents and hand them to a representative.

What to do if your online request is denied

If the online system rejects your request during verification, you will see a message explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch between your ID and Social Security's records, an expired ID, or a phone number that does not match what Social Security has. If this happens, you can try again with updated information, or you can switch to the mail-in or in-person method.

If your state ID is the problem, you may need to visit Social Security in person with a different form of ID — a passport, military ID, or tribal ID may work. Call your local Social Security office before you visit to ask what documents they will accept.

Tracking your replacement card

Social Security does not provide tracking numbers for replacement cards sent by mail. After you receive your confirmation number, check your mail regularly. Cards typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but weather, holidays, or postal delays can add time.

If your card does not arrive after 15 business days, contact your local Social Security office with your confirmation number. They can check the status and reissue the card if it was lost in the mail. Keep your confirmation number and the date you ordered until the card arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create a my Social Security account if I do not have one?

Yes. The online replacement process requires you to log in to ssa.gov/myaccount. Creating an account takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, email, and phone number. You will use this same account for other Social Security services in the future.

Can I order a replacement card if I have a name change?

Not online. The online system only replaces cards with your current name on file. If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or legal action, you must mail Form SS-5 with a certified copy of the document that changed your name, or visit an office in person.

What if I do not have a state ID?

You cannot order online without a valid state-issued ID. You can visit your local Social Security office with a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Call ahead to confirm what documents they will accept.

How long does it take to get a replacement card by mail?

Online orders arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Paper forms mailed to Social Security take 2 to 4 weeks. Neither method includes tracking, so check your mail regularly and contact Social Security if your card does not arrive after 15 business days.

Can someone else order a replacement card for me?

No. You must order it yourself using your own my Social Security account and verify your identity with your own ID and phone number. If you are unable to do this, a representative payee or legal guardian can visit a Social Security office in person on your behalf.