How to book a Social Security card appointment
You can book a Social Security card appointment in three ways: online through the Social Security Administration website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person. The online method is usually fastest — you can schedule an appointment for a specific date and time without waiting on hold. The phone line operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. If you visit an office without an appointment, you will receive a number and wait your turn, which can take several hours.
When you book online, you will need to create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. This requires your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a U.S. state-issued ID or passport. The website will show you available appointment times at your nearest office. You can choose a date and time that works for you, and you will receive a confirmation number by email.
If you call or visit in person, have your Social Security number ready and know which office location is closest to you. You can find your local office by entering your zip code on the Social Security Administration's office locator tool on their website. Tell the representative what you need — a replacement card, your first card, a name change card, or a corrected card — because the documents you bring will depend on your reason for the appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Online scheduling through the Social Security Administration website is the fastest method and lets you choose your appointment date and time.
- You can also call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time, or visit your local office without an appointment and wait your turn.
- You will need to bring specific documents depending on whether you are getting your first card, replacing a lost card, or correcting information on an existing card.
- Appointments typically take 10 to 15 minutes, and you will receive your new card by mail within 1 to 2 weeks after your appointment.
What documents to bring to your appointment
The documents you need depend on why you are getting a card. For a first-time card, bring your original or certified birth certificate, a photo ID (state ID, passport, or driver's license), and proof of your Social Security number if you have one. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a school record, medical record, or insurance document.
For a replacement card (if your card is lost or stolen), bring a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of your number can be a W-2 form, tax return, bank statement, or a letter from your employer showing your number. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents showing your name and date of birth.
For a name change card (after marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring a photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and the document that shows your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must be an original or certified copy.
For a corrected card (if information on your card is wrong), bring a photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and the document that proves the correct information — such as a birth certificate if your name or date of birth is wrong.
What happens during your appointment
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the representative your confirmation number if you scheduled online. You will be called when it is your turn. The representative will review your documents, ask you to sign an process form (Form SS-5), and take your photograph if you are getting your first card or if your photo ID has expired. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
The representative will tell you when to expect your card in the mail. Standard delivery takes 1 to 2 weeks. If you need your card sooner, you can pay for expedited delivery at the office, though this is not always available. Ask the representative about your options before you leave.
You will not receive your card at the appointment — it is mailed to the address on file with Social Security. If you have moved recently, update your address before your appointment through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. If you update your address at the appointment itself, the representative can do this for you.
Preparing your documents before you go
Make copies of all your documents before your appointment. Bring the originals or certified copies to the office — the representative will need to see them. Do not bring only photocopies; the Social Security Administration requires originals or certified copies to verify your information. If you have a certified copy (a copy stamped and signed by the issuing agency), that is acceptable.
If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, bring the original and an English translation certified by a translator. If you were born in a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or Northern Mariana Islands), bring your original birth certificate from that territory.
Organize your documents in the order you will present them: photo ID first, then proof of Social Security number, then any documents showing name changes or corrections. This makes the appointment move faster and reduces the chance you will forget something.
If you cannot attend your appointment
If you scheduled an appointment online and need to cancel or reschedule, log into your my Social Security account and change your appointment. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to cancel or reschedule. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may have to wait longer to get another one, especially during busy times of year.
If you are sick or have an emergency on the day of your appointment, call the local office directly as soon as you can. The phone number for your office is on your confirmation email or on the Social Security Administration website office locator. Explain your situation and ask to reschedule. Most offices will work with you to find another time.
Differences between in-person and online scheduling
| Method | Time to Schedule | Wait Time at Office | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (my Social Security account) | when ready; choose your date and time | Usually 5 to 10 minutes | People who know their appointment date in advance and want to avoid phone hold times |
| Phone (1-800-772-1213) | Same day or next business day | Usually 5 to 10 minutes | People without internet access or who need to ask questions before booking |
| Walk-in (no appointment) | None; arrive anytime during office hours | Often 1 to 3 hours, depending on how busy the office is | People with urgent needs or who cannot plan ahead |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Social Security card the same day as my appointment?
No. Social Security cards are mailed to you after your appointment, not given to you in person. Standard delivery takes 1 to 2 weeks. Some offices offer expedited delivery for an additional fee, but this is not available everywhere. Ask the representative at your appointment if expedited delivery is an option.
What if I do not have a photo ID?
You can bring two documents that show your name and date of birth instead, such as a school record, medical record, insurance document, or utility bill. The documents must be originals or certified copies. Call your local Social Security office before your appointment to confirm which documents they will accept.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
You can walk in without an appointment, but you will wait your turn and may spend several hours at the office. Scheduling an appointment online or by phone usually means a much shorter wait. Walk-in visits work best if you have an urgent need and cannot schedule ahead.
What if my documents are in another language?
Bring the original document and an English translation certified by a professional translator. The translator must sign and stamp the translation. The Social Security Administration will not accept translations done by friends or family members.
How do I update my address if I have moved?
Update your address through your my Social Security account before your appointment, or call 1-800-772-1213. You can also tell the representative at your appointment, and they will update it for you. Make sure your address is correct so your new card is mailed to the right place.