What you need to do to get a replacement card

You can request a replacement Social Security card by mail or in person at your local Social Security office. The process takes about two weeks by mail and a few days in person, though times vary by location. You will need to prove your identity, citizenship or legal residency, and age — the exact documents depend on which route you choose.

Social Security does not charge a fee for a replacement card. You can request up to three replacement cards in a year and up to ten in your lifetime, though these limits reset if you report the card lost or stolen.

The fastest way is usually to visit a Social Security office in person with the right documents. If you cannot travel or prefer to stay home, the mail route works but requires you to gather documents and wait longer for processing.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a replacement card by mail using Form SS-5 or by visiting a Social Security office in person with proof of identity, citizenship or legal residency, and age.
  • In-person requests at a Social Security office typically take a few days to a week, while mail requests take about two weeks from the time Social Security receives your form.
  • You will need an original or certified copy of a document proving your age, such as a birth certificate, and a government-issued ID or other document proving your identity.
  • There is no fee for a replacement card, and you can request up to three replacements in a year without reporting the card lost or stolen.
  • If your card was lost or stolen, report it to Social Security when you request the replacement so they can flag your account.

explore by mail with Form SS-5

The mail route starts with Form SS-5, the official process for a Social Security Card. You can read it from the Social Security Administration website or pick up a copy at your local Social Security office. Fill out the form with your name, date of birth, place of birth, and citizenship status. You do not need to sign it yet — Social Security will ask you to sign it in front of a witness when they receive it, or they may accept your signature on the form itself depending on your situation.

Gather the documents Social Security requires. You need one document proving your age (an original or certified birth certificate is most common), one document proving your identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), and one document proving citizenship or legal residency (a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card). If you do not have these documents, Social Security has a list of acceptable alternatives on their website.

Mail the form and documents to your local Social Security office. You can find the address on the Social Security website by entering your zip code. Do not mail to the national office — send it to the local one. Include a note with your phone number so they can contact you if they have questions. Processing typically takes about two weeks from the date Social Security receives your envelope.

explore in person at a Social Security office

Visit your local Social Security office with the same documents: proof of age, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You can find your nearest office and check hours on the Social Security website.

You do not need to fill out Form SS-5 ahead of time. A Social Security representative will help you complete it at the office. They will verify your documents, take your signature, and process your request on the spot. Most offices issue a receipt showing when your card will arrive, usually within a few days to a week. Some offices can issue a replacement card the same day if you are replacing a card that was lost or stolen and you report it when ready.

Wait times at Social Security offices vary widely. Some offices have walk-in hours, while others require you to make an appointment. Check the office's hours and policies on the Social Security website before you go. Bringing all required documents the first time saves you a return trip.

Documents that prove your identity

Social Security accepts a U.S. driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or passport card as primary proof of identity. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents such as a school ID, employee ID, insurance policy, or bank statement with your name and address.

The document must be current or expired no more than five years ago. If you are explore in person, bring the original. If you are mailing your request, send a certified copy or the original — do not send a photocopy unless Social Security specifically tells you to.

Documents that prove your age

An original or certified copy of your birth certificate is the standard document for proving age. If you do not have a birth certificate, Social Security accepts a passport, passport card, adoption decree, or religious record created before age five. Hospital records and school records are also acceptable if they show your date of birth.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your foreign birth certificate along with proof that you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Social Security can help you understand which documents work for your situation if you call them or visit an office.

Documents that prove citizenship or legal residency

A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest proof of citizenship. If you do not have a passport, a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory, a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship all work. If you are a legal resident but not a citizen, bring your permanent resident card (green card) or an employment authorization document (EAD).

If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. State Department. Refugees and asylees can bring their approval notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

What to do if you lost or cannot find your documents

If you do not have the documents Social Security requires, you have options. You can order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born — this usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to three weeks by mail. You can also visit a Social Security office and ask a representative which alternative documents you can use instead.

If you are explore in person, bring whatever documents you do have. A Social Security representative can tell you on the spot whether they are acceptable or what else you need. If you are mailing your request and are unsure whether your documents meet the requirements, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 before you send anything.

After you submit your request

If you applied by mail, Social Security will contact you if they need more information or if there is a problem with your documents. Check the receipt or confirmation they send you for an estimated delivery date. Your new card will arrive by mail at the address you provided on the form.

If you applied in person, the office will give you a receipt showing when to expect your card. If your card does not arrive by the date on the receipt, call Social Security or visit the office again. Keep your receipt until your new card arrives.

Your new card will have the same Social Security number as your old one. You do not need to update anything with your employer or bank — your number stays the same for life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

By mail, processing takes about two weeks from the date Social Security receives your form and documents. In person at an office, you typically receive your card within a few days to a week. Some offices can issue a card the same day if you are replacing a lost or stolen card.

What if I need my card faster than two weeks?

Visit a Social Security office in person instead of mailing your request. In-person processing is faster. If you need the card urgently for work or another reason, explain that to the office representative — they may be able to prioritize your request or issue a temporary document while your card is being printed.

Do I need to report my card lost or stolen?

You do not have to, but Social Security recommends it. Reporting it flags your account so Social Security can watch for misuse. You can report it by phone at 1-800-772-1213, in person at an office, or by mail with your replacement request form.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. Social Security mails the card to the address you provide on the form. You cannot have someone else pick it up at an office. If you are concerned about mail theft, you can have the card mailed to a different address or ask Social Security about other options when you explore.

What if my name has changed since my last card?

You still use the same form and process. On Form SS-5, list your current name and your previous name. Bring a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Social Security will issue a new card with your current name and the same Social Security number.