You can request a replacement Social Security card by mail, in person, or online depending on your situation and state

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards when yours is lost, stolen, damaged, or when your name changes. You do not need to visit an office if you have a state ID or driver's license — you can mail in your request or use the online portal if you live in a participating state. The process takes about two weeks by mail and is free.

Which method works for you depends on whether you have a current government-issued ID, whether your state participates in online requests, and how quickly you need the card. Each route has different document requirements, so knowing your options upfront saves time.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a replacement card by mail, online (in some states), or in person at a Social Security office without paying a fee.
  • The online option is fastest if your state participates — you can complete the request in minutes and receive your card in one to two weeks.
  • By mail, you need a completed Form SS-5, proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of age; the process takes about two weeks.
  • In-person requests at a Social Security office require the same documents as mail but may be faster if you need the card urgently.
  • If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must provide the legal document proving the change.

Request a card online if your state participates

The fastest route is the SSA's online portal, which is open to residents of most states. You create an account, answer identity verification questions, upload photos of your ID and other documents, and submit your request — the whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You do not need to print anything or visit an office.

The online system works only if you have a current state driver's license or state ID card. The SSA uses that ID to verify your identity through the state's records. If you do not have a state ID, you must use the mail or in-person route instead. You can check whether your state participates and start a request at ssa.gov/myaccount.

Once you submit online, the SSA mails your card to the address on file. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks. You will receive a confirmation email, but there is no tracking number — the card arrives in a plain envelope.

Mail your request with Form SS-5 and supporting documents

If you cannot use the online portal or prefer to mail your request, you need to complete Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), gather your documents, and mail the packet to your local Social Security office. The form is free and available at ssa.gov or at any Social Security office.

You must include:

  • A completed Form SS-5 signed and dated by you
  • Proof of identity: a current driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship: a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card
  • Proof of age: typically your birth certificate (if not already used for citizenship)

If your name has changed, include the legal document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SSA will not process your request without it.

Mail the packet to the Social Security office that serves your area. You can find the address at ssa.gov/locator by entering your zip code. Do not mail original documents — send copies. The SSA will not return them. Processing takes about two weeks after the office receives your packet.

Visit a Social Security office in person

You can walk into any Social Security office with your documents and request a replacement card on the spot. Bring the same documents you would mail: proof of identity, proof of citizenship, proof of age, and (if applicable) proof of a name change. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some now require one.

Call ahead to confirm your local office's hours and whether it accepts walk-ins. You can find the phone number at ssa.gov/locator. If you call, ask how long the wait typically is — some offices have waits of an hour or more during peak times.

The office will review your documents on the spot and tell you whether anything is missing. If everything is in order, they will submit your request and give you a receipt. Your card will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. In-person requests are useful if you need confirmation that your request was received or if you are unsure whether your documents are acceptable.

What counts as proof of identity, citizenship, and age

The SSA has strict rules about which documents it accepts. For proof of identity, you need a current government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. An expired ID does not work. A Social Security card itself cannot be used as proof of identity for a replacement.

For proof of citizenship, the SSA accepts a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Permanent Resident Card. A birth certificate from a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands) counts only if you were born there and it is an official certified copy.

For proof of age, a birth certificate is the standard document. If you do not have one, the SSA may accept a baptism record, hospital birth record, or family Bible record — but these are less common and the office will tell you if yours is acceptable. You cannot use a driver's license as proof of age; it is only proof of identity.

All documents must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted. If you mail your request, send copies, not originals — the SSA will not return them.

Name changes require legal documentation

If your name has changed since your current Social Security card was issued, you must provide the legal document that proves it. For a marriage, send a certified copy of your marriage certificate. For a divorce, send the divorce decree. For a court-ordered name change, send the court order.

The document must be an official certified copy from the issuing agency — a county clerk, court, or vital records office. A photocopy or a document you printed from an online database will not work. If you do not have a certified copy, you can request one from the agency that issued it; most charge a small fee and mail it within one to two weeks.

If you are changing your name and your Social Security card at the same time, the SSA will update both your name in their system and issue a new card with the correct name. You do not need to request the name change separately.

Replacement cards are free, but watch for scams

The SSA never charges a fee for a Social Security card. If a website, phone number, or person offers to send you a card for a fee, it is a scam. The only official way to request a card is through ssa.gov, by mail to your local Social Security office, or in person at an office.

Scammers often pose as the SSA and call or text claiming your card has been suspended or that you need to "verify" your information. The real SSA does not call, text, or email unsolicited. If you receive a suspicious call or message claiming to be from the SSA, hang up or delete it and report it to the Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

If your card was stolen and you are worried about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). This is separate from requesting a new card but is a useful step if theft occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Online requests and in-person requests typically result in a card arriving within one to two weeks. Mail requests take about two weeks after the Social Security office receives your packet, plus mail delivery time. If you need a card urgently, visiting an office in person is usually fastest because you get confirmation that day.

Can I use a temporary ID or expired ID as proof of identity?

No. The SSA requires a current, valid government-issued photo ID. An expired driver's license or temporary ID does not work. If your ID is expired, renew it first through your state's DMV before requesting a Social Security card.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. Most offices mail copies within one to two weeks for a small fee. If you were born outside the U.S., you may use a passport or other citizenship document instead. Contact your local Social Security office if you are unsure which documents will work.

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

Most offices accept walk-ins, but some now require appointments due to staffing or capacity limits. Call your local office before visiting to confirm their current policy. You can find the phone number at ssa.gov/locator.

What if my documents are in a language other than English?

You must provide a certified English translation along with the original document. A certified translation is one prepared by a professional translator and stamped as accurate. The SSA will not accept a translation you did yourself or one from a friend.