The Social Security Administration issues Social Security cards

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency that issues Social Security cards. You cannot get a Social Security card from any other government body, private company, or financial institution. The SSA is part of the executive branch and operates field offices in most cities and towns across the United States.

To receive a card, you work directly with the SSA. You cannot explore through a bank, employer, or state agency, though some of those organisations may help you understand what documents you need. The SSA processes your request, verifies your identity and citizenship or immigration status, and mails the card to you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Social Security Administration is the only organisation that issues Social Security cards; no private company or other government agency can issue one.
  • You must visit an SSA field office in person to request a card, bring original or certified documents proving your identity and age, and provide proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status.
  • The SSA mails your card to the address you provide, usually within two to four weeks after your visit.
  • You can find your nearest SSA office by visiting ssa.gov or calling 1-800-772-1213, and you do not need an appointment at most locations.

Where to find your local SSA office

The SSA operates a field office locator on its website at ssa.gov. Enter your city and state or zip code, and the tool shows you the nearest office, its hours, and its phone number. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours.

You can also call the SSA's national customer service line at 1-800-772-1213 to find your nearest office and ask questions about what documents to bring. The line is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.

Documents you need to bring to the SSA office

The SSA requires you to show original documents or certified copies. Photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted. You will need to prove three things: your identity, your age, and your citizenship or lawful immigration status.

For identity, bring a state-issued driver's license, passport, or other government photo ID. For age, bring your birth certificate, passport, or adoption decree. For citizenship or immigration status, bring your U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a valid immigration document such as a Permanent Resident Card (green card) or Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

If you do not have an original document, you can bring a certified copy issued by the government agency that created it — for example, a certified birth certificate from your state's vital records office. The SSA office staff can tell you which documents they will accept in your specific situation.

Who can request a Social Security card

You must be a U.S. citizen or a noncitizen with lawful immigration status to receive a Social Security card. This includes people with a green card, temporary protected status (TPS), asylum, or an employment authorization document. You must also have a valid reason to need the card, such as employment, opening a bank account, or obtaining a loan.

Parents can request a card for a newborn by bringing the child's birth certificate and proof of the parents' identity and citizenship or immigration status. Children can receive a card at any age. If you are explore on behalf of someone else, you must show your relationship to that person and bring their documents as well as your own.

How long it takes to receive your card

After you visit the SSA office and submit your documents, the agency processes your request and mails your card to the address you provided. This usually takes two to four weeks. The SSA does not issue cards on the spot; you must wait for it to arrive by mail.

If you need your Social Security number before the card arrives, the SSA office can provide it to you in writing at the time of your visit. You can use this written number for employment or other purposes while you wait for the physical card.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by visiting your local SSA office with the same documents you would bring for a new card. You can also request a replacement by mail or online through ssa.gov if you meet certain requirements — you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid state-issued ID, and have a Social Security number already on file.

The SSA limits the number of replacement cards you can receive. You can receive up to three cards per year and ten cards in your lifetime, though exceptions exist if you can document a specific need. Replacement cards are mailed to you and arrive within two to four weeks.

What the SSA does not do

The SSA issues the card itself, but it does not create your Social Security number — that number is assigned to you when you are born or when you first enter the country with lawful status. The SSA maintains the record of your number and the name associated with it, but you cannot change your number without proving that someone else is using it fraudulently or that you have a religious or cultural objection to your current number.

The SSA also does not verify employment, issue work permits, or determine immigration status. Those functions belong to other federal agencies. If you need an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or other immigration-related document, you must contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), not the SSA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security card without visiting an office in person?

No, you must visit an SSA field office in person for a new card. However, you can request a replacement card by mail or online if you are at least 18, have a valid state ID, and already have a Social Security number on file. The SSA website explains which method works for your situation.

What if I do not have an original birth certificate?

Contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy. The SSA office staff can also tell you which documents they will accept in place of a birth certificate, such as a passport or adoption decree. Bring whatever original or certified documents you have.

Do I need an appointment to visit the SSA office?

Most SSA offices do not require appointments. You can walk in during business hours and take a number. However, some offices in large cities may have appointment systems. Call your local office or check ssa.gov to see whether appointments are needed in your area.

How much does a Social Security card cost?

There is no fee to request or replace a Social Security card. The SSA does not charge for this service. Be cautious of websites or services that charge money to help you get a card — you can do it yourself for free at your local SSA office.

Can someone else pick up my card for me?

No, you must pick up your card yourself or arrange for it to be mailed to your address. The SSA mails cards directly to the applicant, not to a third party. If you have a disability or other reason you cannot visit an office, call your local SSA office to discuss options.