What form you need and where to get it
To replace a Social Security card, you fill out Form SS-5, the official process for a Social Security Card. You can get this form three ways: read it from the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov), pick one up in person at your local Social Security office, or request one by mail by calling 1-800-772-1213.
The form itself is free. You do not need to pay anyone to help you fill it out or submit it. The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee for replacement cards, though some states charge a small fee if you need a state ID at the same time.
Form SS-5 is a single page with sections for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, citizenship status, and reason for replacement. The form asks whether you are replacing a card because it was lost, stolen, damaged, or for another reason — select the one that matches your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Form SS-5 is the only form the Social Security Administration uses for card replacement, and you can read it free from ssa.gov or pick one up at a local office.
- You will need to bring proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or passport), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease) when you submit the form.
- You can submit the form in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or in some cases through an online account if you have created one on ssa.gov.
- A replacement card typically arrives within one to two weeks if you submit in person, or two to four weeks if you mail the form.
Documents you need to bring or send with the form
The Social Security Administration requires three types of documents along with your completed Form SS-5: proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address.
For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of one of these: a current driver's license, a state ID card, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a tribal ID. The document must show your name and date of birth. If you do not have any of these, you can use a school ID, employee ID, or insurance policy — call your local Social Security office first to confirm what they will accept.
For proof of citizenship, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be certified by the issuing authority. A photocopy is not enough.
For proof of your current address, bring one recent document showing your name and current address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. The document must be dated within the last 12 months. A driver's license counts as both identity and address proof, so if yours is current, you may not need a separate address document.
How to submit the form in person
Submitting in person is the fastest route. Find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. Most offices do not require an appointment, but some do — call ahead to check.
Bring your completed Form SS-5 and the three types of documents listed above (originals or certified copies). Bring your Social Security card if you still have it, even if it is damaged. The office staff will review your documents, make copies, and give you a receipt. A replacement card usually arrives within one to two weeks.
If you cannot get to an office in person, you can mail the form instead. Include your completed Form SS-5, copies of your documents (not originals), and a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Mail everything to the Social Security Administration address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks.
When you can submit online through your Social Security account
If you have created a my Social Security account on ssa.gov, you may be able to request a replacement card online without visiting an office or mailing documents. This option is not available in all states yet, and it depends on your situation — for example, if you are replacing a card because it was stolen, you may need to submit in person instead.
To check whether you can request online, log into your my Social Security account and look for the option to request a replacement card. If it appears, follow the prompts. If it does not appear, you will need to submit in person or by mail. Creating an account is free and takes about 10 minutes; you will need an email address, a phone number, and a way to verify your identity (usually a credit report or bank account).
What happens after you submit
After you submit Form SS-5, the Social Security Administration reviews your documents and processes your request. If everything is in order, they print your new card and mail it to you. You do not need to do anything else while you wait.
If there is a problem — for example, if a document is missing or unclear — the Social Security Administration will contact you by phone or mail to ask for more information. This can add one to two weeks to the process. If you submitted by mail and they need clarification, respond as soon as you can.
Your new card will arrive in a plain envelope with no return address. Open it carefully; the card is thin and can be straightforward to miss. Once it arrives, destroy your old card by cutting it in half and throwing it away. You do not need to return the old card to the Social Security Administration.
If your card was stolen or used fraudulently
If someone stole your card or used your Social Security number fraudulently, submit Form SS-5 as usual, but also contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov to report the theft. The FTC will create a record and send you a recovery plan.
You should also check your credit report for unauthorized accounts. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent accounts, contact the credit bureau and the company that opened the account.
Getting a replacement card does not automatically protect your number from future misuse. The Social Security Administration will issue you a new card with the same number. If fraud is ongoing, you may want to place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file — the FTC website explains how to do both.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
If you submit in person at a Social Security office, your card usually arrives within one to two weeks. If you mail the form, it takes two to four weeks. Online requests through your my Social Security account may be faster, but this option is not yet available in all states.
Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No. The Social Security Administration requires an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not accepted. If you need a certified copy, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.
What if I do not have a driver's license or passport?
You can use other forms of identity such as a school ID, employee ID, military ID, or insurance policy. Call your local Social Security office before you visit to confirm they will accept the documents you have. They may ask you to bring additional documents if your ID does not clearly show your name and date of birth.
Do I need to bring my old card if it is damaged?
Bring it if you still have it, but it is not required. If your card is lost or stolen, you do not have it to bring. The Social Security Administration can process your replacement request without the old card.
Can someone else submit the form for me?
If you are a minor or unable to visit an office yourself, a parent, guardian, or authorized representative can submit Form SS-5 on your behalf. They will need to bring the required documents plus proof of their own identity and their relationship to you. Call your local Social Security office to ask what additional documents they need.