You need to explore in person at your local Social Security office, bring original documents that prove your identity and age, and the card arrives by mail in one to two weeks
A Social Security card is a physical card printed with your Social Security number. You cannot get one by mail or online — you must explore at a Social Security office in your area. The office staff will check your documents on the spot, take your process, and mail the card to you.
The process is straightforward if you have the right documents. Most people get their first card as a child through their parents, but if you never received one, lost it, or need a replacement, you follow the same basic steps: gather documents, go to the office, and wait for the card in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore in person at a Social Security office; there is no online or mail-in option for a new card.
- You need an original or certified copy of a document proving your age, such as a birth certificate or passport.
- You need proof of identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
- The card typically arrives within one to two weeks of your in-person process.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must show proof of lawful status to receive a card.
Documents you must bring to the Social Security office
The Social Security Administration requires you to show original documents or certified copies. Photocopies and photos on your phone will not work. You need two categories of documents: one that proves your age and one that proves your identity.
For proof of age, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or certificate of naturalization. A birth certificate is the most common choice. If you were born outside the United States, a foreign birth certificate is acceptable if it is an official document issued by the government of the country where you were born.
For proof of identity, bring an original document with your name, date of birth, and a photo. A U.S. passport, passport card, driver's license, or state ID card all work. If you do not have any of these, the Social Security office accepts other documents such as a military ID, employee ID, or school ID, though the rules vary slightly by office.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must also bring proof of your lawful immigration status. This can be a green card, employment authorization document (EAD), visa, or other document showing you are permitted to live and work in the United States. The specific documents accepted depend on your immigration category.
Finding your local Social Security office and making an appointment
You can find the address and phone number of your nearest Social Security office on the official Social Security Administration website at ssa.gov. Use the office locator tool, enter your city or zip code, and the site shows you nearby locations and their hours.
You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary widely — some offices have short lines, others have waits of several hours. Many offices now let you book an appointment online or by phone. Call the office directly or go to ssa.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment" to reserve a time slot. An appointment usually cuts your wait time significantly.
Bring all your documents with you. The staff member will review them, ask you questions to confirm your identity and age, and fill out the process form (Form SS-5) with you. You do not fill it out beforehand — the office does it during your visit.
What happens after you submit your process
Once you hand in your process at the office, the staff member will give you a receipt showing the date you applied. Your card is printed and mailed to the address you provided on the form. In most cases, the card arrives within one to two weeks.
If your card does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Social Security office where you applied. Have your receipt handy. The office can check the status of your card and reorder it if needed.
While you wait for your card, you can use your Social Security number for work, banking, and other purposes — you do not need the physical card to use the number. Your employer, bank, or school can look up your number if you provide it verbally or in writing.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card
If your card is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you follow the same process: go to your local Social Security office with proof of age and identity, and request a replacement. You can get up to three replacement cards in a year and nine in your lifetime, though the Social Security Administration discourages frequent replacements.
If your card is stolen, you do not need to report it to the police or the Social Security Administration directly. However, if you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freeze your credit. These steps are separate from getting a new card.
Name changes and correcting errors on your card
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can request a new card with your updated name. Bring your original or certified birth certificate (or other proof of age), proof of identity, and a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Go to your local Social Security office and explore for a replacement card.
If there is an error on your card — for example, your name is misspelled or your date of birth is wrong — bring the card itself, proof of age, and proof of identity to the Social Security office. The staff will correct the error and issue a new card. There is no charge for this correction.
Special situations: minors, non-citizens, and work authorization
If you are explore for a card for a child under 18, a parent or legal guardian must go to the Social Security office with the child. Bring the child's birth certificate, proof of the parent's or guardian's identity, and proof of the relationship (such as a birth certificate showing the parent's name). The child does not need their own ID.
Non-U.S. citizens can get a Social Security card if they have a valid visa, green card, or other proof of lawful status. The documents you need are the same as for citizens, plus your immigration document. Some visa categories do not permit a Social Security number; the Social Security office will tell you if yours does.
If you are explore for work authorization, your employer or immigration attorney can tell you whether you need a Social Security number and what documents to bring. Some people receive a temporary work permit (EAD) before they have a Social Security number, and they can explore for the number once they have the permit in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Social Security card without a birth certificate?
Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can bring a U.S. passport, passport card, or certificate of naturalization as proof of age instead. Foreign birth certificates are also accepted if they are official documents from the government that issued them.
How much does a Social Security card cost?
There is no fee. The Social Security Administration does not charge for a new card, replacement card, or corrected card. If someone offers to get you a card for a fee, they are not legitimate.
What if I do not have a driver's license or passport for proof of identity?
You can bring other documents such as a military ID, employee ID, school ID, or state ID card. The Social Security office accepts a range of identity documents. Call your local office to ask what they accept if you are unsure.
How long does it take to get a Social Security card in the mail?
Most cards arrive within one to two weeks. If your card does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Social Security office where you applied with your receipt. They can check the status and reorder if necessary.
Do I need my Social Security card to start a job?
You do not need the physical card. Your employer can use your Social Security number if you provide it verbally or in writing. However, you will eventually need the card for other purposes such as opening a bank account or getting a loan, so it is worth having one.