How to Request a Social Security Number or Replacement Card

What You Need to Do to Get a Social Security Number or Card

You request a Social Security number or card through the Social Security Administration (SSA) by visiting your local Social Security office in person, mailing in a completed form, or in some cases using an online account. The SSA does not issue numbers or cards by phone or email. You will need to bring original documents that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status — the exact documents depend on which type of request you are making.

The process takes different amounts of time depending on whether you are explore for your first number, replacing a lost card, or correcting information on an existing card. Most people receive their card in the mail within two to four weeks after their process is processed, though this varies by location and current processing volume.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Social Security office in person or mail in Form SS-5 to request a number or card — there is no online process process.
You will need to bring original documents proving your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status; copies are not accepted.
A replacement card for a lost or stolen card usually arrives within two to four weeks of approval.
If you need a card urgently, ask the Social Security office whether they can issue a temporary document while you wait for the permanent card.
You can find your local Social Security office and check current wait times on the SSA website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Documents You Need to Bring

The SSA requires original documents — not photocopies — to prove three things: who you are, how old you are, and your citizenship or immigration status. You cannot use expired documents for identity, though some documents can be older for age verification.

For identity, bring a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or other government-issued photo ID. For age, bring your birth certificate, passport, or baptism record. For citizenship, U.S. citizens bring a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. Non-citizens bring their passport and visa, green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or other immigration paperwork showing current status.

If you do not have an original birth certificate, the SSA will accept a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. You can request this from your local health department or vital records office before your Social Security appointment.

explore in Person at a Social Security Office

Walk into your local Social Security office with your original documents and ask for a Social Security card process. You will fill out Form SS-5 on site. The staff will review your documents, make copies, and submit your process. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can schedule one online or by phone to avoid waiting.

To find your nearest office, go to ssa.gov and use the office locator, or call 1-800-772-1213. The website shows current wait times at each location. Bring all your documents in a folder so they are straightforward to hand over. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

After your process is submitted, the SSA will mail your card to the address you provide. If you need the card urgently — for a job that starts soon, for example — ask the office staff whether they can issue a temporary document you can use while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.

Mailing in Your process

You can mail Form SS-5 and your original documents to your local Social Security office instead of visiting in person. read the form from ssa.gov, fill it out completely, and include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and what you are requesting.

Mail everything to the Social Security office that serves your area. The address is on the form itself. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the office received your documents. The SSA will review your process and mail your card to you. This route takes longer than in-person — usually four to six weeks — because the mail adds time on both ends.

Keep a copy of everything you mail. If your documents do not arrive or the SSA needs more information, you will have a record of what you sent. The return receipt will show when the office received your package.

What Happens After You explore

Once the SSA receives your process, they verify your documents and check their records to make sure you are not already assigned a number. This verification step usually takes one to two weeks. After that, they print your card and mail it to you.

You will not receive a confirmation letter or email — the card itself is your proof. If you applied in person, write down the date and the name of the staff member who helped you, in case you need to follow up. If you mailed your process, keep your certified mail receipt.

If more than four weeks have passed since you applied in person or six weeks since you mailed your process, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your Social Security number ready if you already have one, or be prepared to provide your full name, date of birth, and mother's maiden name.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Card

If your card is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can get a replacement by visiting a Social Security office or mailing in Form SS-5. You do not need to prove the card is lost — just tell the staff or write it on the form. You will still need to bring original documents proving your identity, age, and citizenship.

You can request up to three replacement cards in a year and nine in your lifetime. If you have reached these limits, you will need to contact the SSA to discuss your situation. This is rare and usually only happens if someone is repeatedly losing cards.

A replacement card is usually free. However, if you need the card very urgently and cannot wait for mail delivery, some Social Security offices can issue a temporary document on the spot that you can use for employment or banking while your permanent card is in the mail.

Correcting Information on Your Card

If your name, date of birth, or citizenship status has changed or is wrong on your card, you can request a corrected card. Bring Form SS-5 and documents that prove the correct information — for example, a marriage certificate if your name changed due to marriage, or a court order if your name was legally changed.

You will also need to bring your current Social Security card and an original document proving your identity. The process is the same as requesting a replacement card: visit an office in person or mail in your form and documents.

Correcting information usually takes the same amount of time as getting a replacement card — two to four weeks. If the error is on the SSA's records rather than just on the card itself, you may need to contact them separately to update their system, because a new card alone will not fix a record error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security card without a birth certificate?

Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, bring a baptism record, school records, or a medical record showing your date of birth. You can also request a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born and bring that instead. The SSA accepts multiple types of age documents.

How long does it take to get a Social Security card?

If you explore in person, your card usually arrives within two to four weeks. If you mail your process, it takes four to six weeks because of mail delivery time. Processing speed varies by location and how busy the local office is. You can ask the office staff for an estimate when you explore.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

You can bring other documents that prove your identity, such as a school ID, employee ID, bank statement, or utility bill with your name and address. The SSA accepts a range of documents — call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what documents your local office will take if you do not have a driver's license or passport.

Can I get a Social Security card online?

No. You must explore in person at a Social Security office or mail in your process. There is no online process process for Social Security cards. However, you can create a my Social Security account online to view your earnings record and other information once you have a number.

What if my documents are from another country?

If your birth certificate or other documents are from another country, bring the original and ask the Social Security office whether they need a certified English translation. Many offices accept foreign documents as-is, but some require a translation. Call your local office before you visit to ask what they need.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.