You can order a replacement Social Security card online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office
A duplicate Social Security card costs nothing and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. You do not need to prove you lost the original — the Social Security Administration (SSA) treats a replacement request the same way. The fastest route is the online process at ssa.gov if you have a My Social Security account and a state-issued ID that matches your SSN records. If you cannot use the online form, you can mail an process or walk into any Social Security office with the right documents.
The card itself has no expiration date, so you only need a replacement if yours is lost, stolen, damaged, or if your name has changed. The SSA will not issue you more than three cards in a year or more than ten in your lifetime, but this limit almost never affects people who genuinely need replacements.
Key Takeaways
- You can order online at ssa.gov without visiting an office, and the card arrives in about two weeks if you have a state ID that matches your SSN records.
- By mail, you fill out Form SS-5, include proof of identity and citizenship, and mail it to your regional SSA office — the address is on the form itself.
- In person, bring your original documents to any Social Security office; no appointment is needed, but wait times vary by location.
- You do not need to report a lost or stolen card to the SSA first — you can request a replacement directly.
- The replacement card is free and has the same number as your original; only the physical card is replaced.
Ordering online through My Social Security
The online process at ssa.gov is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You must have a My Social Security account (you can create one on the spot), be at least 18 years old, have a state-issued ID, and have a U.S. mailing address. The system checks your identity against SSA records and state DMV records in real time.
Go to ssa.gov, sign in or create a My Social Security account, and select "Replace your Social Security card" from the menu. Answer questions about your identity, confirm your mailing address, and review the process. The SSA mails the card to the address you provide — usually within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take up to two weeks. You will receive a confirmation number on screen; save it in case you need to check the status later.
If the online system cannot verify your identity — for example, if your state ID does not match SSA records or you are under 18 — you will be told when ready and directed to mail an process or visit an office instead.
Mailing an process with Form SS-5
Form SS-5 is the official Social Security card process. You can read it from ssa.gov, pick one up at any Social Security office, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for it to be mailed to you. Fill it out by hand or type it, sign and date it, and mail it with copies of your documents.
You must include proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed, include the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The address to mail to depends on your state. Form SS-5 lists the correct mailing address for your region on the back. Mail everything together and keep a copy for your records. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the SSA receives your process. There is no tracking number for mail applications, so if you do not receive the card after four weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.
explore in person at a Social Security office
You can walk into any Social Security office with your documents and request a replacement card on the spot. Bring your original identity document (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address. If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change.
No appointment is required, but wait times vary. Some offices have short lines in the morning; others have waits of an hour or more. Call ahead to your local office at 1-800-772-1213 and ask about typical wait times. The SSA will process your process on the day you visit and mail the card to you within 7 to 10 business days.
What documents you need
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Driver's license, passport, state ID, military ID, or tribal ID | Must be current or expired no more than 5 years ago |
| Proof of Citizenship | Birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization papers, or consular report of birth | Original or certified copy; photocopies are not accepted |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement | Must be dated within the last 60 days; only needed for mail or in-person applications |
| Name Change Document | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order | Only if your name has changed since your original card was issued |
The SSA accepts originals or certified copies of citizenship documents. Photocopies of birth certificates or naturalization papers are not accepted. For identity and address documents, photocopies are fine. If you do not have a birth certificate, the SSA will accept other citizenship documents — call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what else you can provide.
If your card was stolen or used fraudulently
Ordering a replacement card does not change your Social Security number — the new card has the same number as the original. If you believe someone is using your number fraudulently, order the replacement card first, then report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. The FTC will create a report you can share with banks, creditors, and other agencies.
You should also check your credit report for accounts you did not open. You can order free credit reports from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at annualcreditreport.com. If you find fraudulent accounts, contact the creditor and the credit bureau in writing to dispute them.
The SSA does not issue a new Social Security number unless you can show ongoing misuse that causes you serious harm — this is rare and requires a separate process. Start with the replacement card and the fraud report; that will resolve most situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
Online applications usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail applications take two to four weeks from the date the SSA receives them. In-person applications are processed the same day, and the card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. The exact timeline depends on mail delivery in your area.
Do I need to report a lost card to anyone before ordering a replacement?
No. You can order a replacement directly without reporting the loss to the SSA first. If you believe the card was stolen and used fraudulently, report that to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov after you order the replacement.
Can I get a replacement card if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. The SSA accepts other citizenship documents if you do not have a birth certificate — such as a passport, naturalization papers, or a consular report of birth. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what documents you can use in your situation.
What if I have changed my name since my original card was issued?
Include the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — with your process. The replacement card will show your current legal name and the same Social Security number.
Can I get more than one replacement card at a time?
No. The SSA limits you to three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime. This limit is in place to prevent fraud, but it rarely affects people who genuinely need replacements.