What the Alexandria Social Security Office Does
The Social Security Administration maintains a field office in Alexandria, Virginia where you can handle in-person transactions related to your Social Security account. This office processes requests for replacement Social Security cards, helps you understand your benefits, answers questions about your account, and handles certain updates to your record. You do not have to visit in person — many tasks can be done by phone or online — but the Alexandria office is the local place to go if you prefer to work with someone face-to-face or if your situation requires it.
The Alexandria office serves residents in Alexandria and surrounding areas of Northern Virginia. If you live outside that region, you may have a different local office, though you can still contact Alexandria if it is more convenient for you.
Key Takeaways
- The Alexandria Social Security office is located at 520 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, and you can reach it by phone at 1-800-772-1213.
- You can handle many Social Security tasks online through your personal my Social Security account or by calling the national number without visiting an office.
- If you visit in person, bring a photo ID and your Social Security card, and expect to wait; arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times.
- The office handles replacement cards, benefit questions, address changes, and other account updates, but some complex situations may require scheduling an appointment in advance.
The Alexandria Office Address and Phone Number
The Social Security office in Alexandria is located at 520 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. This is in Old Town Alexandria, near the King Street corridor. Street parking is available in the area, though it can be tight during business hours; there is also paid parking in nearby garages and lots.
You can reach the office by phone at 1-800-772-1213, which is the national Social Security customer service line. When you call, you can ask to be routed to the Alexandria office or handle your question over the phone. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. If you call outside those hours, you can leave a message and someone will call you back, or you can use the automated menu to check on your account.
What You Can Do at the Alexandria Office
The Alexandria office handles a range of in-person transactions. You can request a replacement Social Security card if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged. You can update your address or name on file. You can ask questions about your benefits, your earnings record, or how much you will receive at retirement. If you are explore for benefits and need to submit documents in person, you can do that at this office.
The office also helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing through a video relay service, and staff can information with questions in languages other than English. If your situation is complex — for example, if you are explore for benefits based on someone else's record, or if you have a question about a notice you received — the office staff can often resolve it on the spot or schedule a follow-up appointment if needed.
When to Visit in Person Versus Using Phone or Online Options
You do not need to visit the Alexandria office for most tasks. You can create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov and handle many requests there: you can check your earnings record, see an estimate of your future benefits, change your address, request a replacement card, and manage your account settings. This is often faster than visiting an office or calling.
You should visit or call if you prefer to work with someone directly, if you need to submit original documents that cannot be mailed or uploaded, or if you have a question that is not answered by the online tools. Some people also visit because they want to confirm information or discuss their specific situation before making a decision about when to claim benefits.
What to Bring and What to Expect
If you visit the Alexandria office in person, bring a photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Social Security card if you have it. If you are there to request a replacement card, bring your ID and any documents that show a name change if you have had one. If you are updating your address, your ID is usually enough.
Expect to wait. The Alexandria office is busy, especially mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Arriving early — shortly after the office opens — usually means a shorter wait. You will check in at the front desk, receive a number, and wait to be called. The staff will direct you to the right window or desk for your task. Most straightforward transactions (a replacement card, an address change) take 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, though the wait itself can be longer.
Office Hours and Holiday Closures
The Alexandria Social Security office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. It is closed on weekends and federal holidays. During federal holidays, the office is closed and the phone line operates on a reduced schedule. If you need to reach Social Security on a holiday, you can use the online my Social Security account or call the national number and leave a message.
Hours can change, so if you are planning a visit, call ahead at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm the office is open and to ask about current wait times. Some offices also offer limited evening or Saturday hours at certain times of year; the Alexandria office does not currently, but it is worth asking when you call.
Alternatives to Visiting the Alexandria Office
If you cannot visit in person or prefer not to, you have several options. The my Social Security online account (ssa.gov) lets you handle many tasks without leaving home. You can call 1-800-772-1213 and speak with someone over the phone. You can also mail documents to the Social Security Administration, though this takes longer — the office will provide you with a mailing address for your specific request if you call and ask.
If you are explore for benefits and need to submit documents, you can often upload them through your my Social Security account. If you cannot upload them, you can mail them or bring them in person. The staff at the Alexandria office can tell you which method is fastest for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the Alexandria office?
No appointment is required for most visits. You can walk in during business hours, check in at the front desk, and wait to be called. However, if you have a complex situation or need to meet with a specific person, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to schedule an appointment, which may reduce your wait time.
Can I get a replacement Social Security card the same day I visit?
No. When you request a replacement card at the Alexandria office, the staff will process your request and mail the card to you. It typically arrives within 1 to 2 weeks. You will receive a receipt showing your request was submitted. If you need proof of your Social Security number before the card arrives, you can print a statement from your my Social Security account.
What if I do not speak English?
The Alexandria office has staff who speak languages other than English, and you can request an interpreter when you call or visit. Call 1-800-772-1213 and let them know what language you speak, and they will help you or schedule a time when an interpreter is available.
Can I handle my Social Security business by mail instead of visiting?
Yes. You can mail documents and requests to the Social Security Administration. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the mailing address for your specific request. Mailing takes longer than visiting or using the online account, but it is an option if you cannot visit in person.
What if the wait time is very long when I arrive?
If you arrive and see a long line, you can ask the staff how long the wait is expected to be. If it is too long, you can leave and come back another day, or you can handle your task by phone or online instead. Calling 1-800-772-1213 before you visit can give you a sense of how busy the office is.