You can get a replacement card by mail, in person, or online depending on your state
The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards at no cost. You do not need to visit an office in person — most states now let you order by mail or through an online portal. The fastest route depends on where you live and whether you have a state ID or driver's license that matches your current legal name.
A replacement card takes about 7 to 10 business days by mail, or up to two weeks if you order online through your state's portal. In-person replacement at a local Social Security office typically takes the same time, though you may wait in the office itself. If you need the card urgently, calling your local office to ask about expedited processing is worth trying, though the SSA does not may provide faster service.
Key Takeaways
- You can order a replacement card by mail, online through your state's portal, or in person at a Social Security office — all three routes are free.
- You will need proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), and proof of age if your ID does not show your date of birth.
- If your legal name has changed since your card was issued, bring the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- The card arrives in your name at the address on file with the SSA, so update your address before ordering if you have moved.
Ordering by mail: what documents to send
To order by mail, you need to complete Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card), which you can read from ssa.gov or pick up at a local Social Security office. You will also need to send certified copies of three documents: one for citizenship, one for identity, and one for age.
For citizenship, the SSA accepts a birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. For identity, send a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. For age, most driver's licenses and state IDs show your birth date, so a second age document is not required if your identity document includes it. If it does not, send a birth certificate or passport.
Mail the completed form and copies to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Do not send original documents — the SSA will not return them. Make copies instead, and keep the originals for your records. The card will arrive at the address the SSA has on file for you within 7 to 10 business days.
Ordering online through your state's portal
Fourteen states currently offer online replacement card ordering through their own portals: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, and Ohio. The process varies slightly by state, but all require you to upload digital images of your documents rather than mailing physical copies.
To use your state's portal, you will need a valid driver's license or state ID from that state, and you must be at least 18 years old. You upload images of your citizenship document (birth certificate or passport), your state ID or driver's license, and proof of your current address if the ID is more than five years old. The portal verifies your identity electronically and sends your order to the SSA. The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If your state is not on this list, you cannot order online yet. The SSA continues to expand the program, so check ssa.gov periodically to see if your state has been added.
explore in person at a Social Security office
You can walk into any Social Security office with your documents and request a replacement card on the spot. Bring your original citizenship document (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), your original identity document (driver's license, state ID, or passport), and proof of your current address if your ID is more than five years old. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for address proof.
You do not need to fill out Form SS-5 before you arrive — the office staff will help you complete it. The office will make copies of your documents and send your process to the processing center. The card will arrive at your address within 7 to 10 business days. Wait times at offices vary widely by location; calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit.
What to do if your legal name has changed
If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your card was issued, you must send proof of the name change along with your other documents. Bring or mail a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The SSA will not issue a new card under a different name without this document.
If you are explore by mail, include the name-change document with your other copies. If you are explore online, upload an image of it. If you are explore in person, bring the original or a certified copy. The processing time remains the same — 7 to 10 business days.
Replacing a card that was lost, stolen, or damaged
The process for a replacement card is identical whether the card is lost, stolen, damaged, or straightforward worn out. You do not need to report the loss or theft to the SSA before ordering a replacement — just submit your process through whichever method you choose (mail, online, or in person).
If your card was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This step is separate from getting a replacement card and is not required by the SSA.
Updating your address before ordering
The replacement card will be mailed to the address the SSA has on file for you. If you have moved since your last contact with the SSA, update your address before you order. You can update your address online at ssa.gov if you have a my Social Security account, or you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to update it by phone. If you are explore in person, you can update your address at the office while you are there.
If you order a replacement and realize afterward that your address on file is wrong, call the SSA when ready at 1-800-772-1213 to update it. The card will be reissued to the correct address, which may add a few days to the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?
There is no cost. The SSA issues replacement cards at no charge. If a website or service charges you to order a replacement card, it is not affiliated with the SSA.
Can I get a replacement card if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. The SSA accepts a U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship as proof of citizenship instead of a birth certificate. You will still need proof of identity (driver's license or state ID) and proof of age if your identity document does not show your birth date.
What if I do not have a state ID or driver's license?
You can still get a replacement card. For identity, the SSA accepts a passport, military ID, or other government-issued ID. If you have none of these, call your local Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213 to ask what other documents they will accept in your situation.
Do I need to bring my old Social Security card when I explore in person?
No. You do not need to bring the old card. Bring your citizenship document, identity document, and proof of address instead. If you have the old card and want to bring it, you can, but it is not required.
Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?
No. The SSA mails replacement cards directly to the address on file in your name. You cannot have someone else pick it up in person. If you are concerned about mail theft, update your address to a find location (like a PO box) before you order, or ask the SSA about holding the card for pickup at your local office.