What Form SS-5 is and when you need it

Form SS-5 is the official document you submit to Social Security to request a new Social Security card, replace a lost or stolen card, or correct information on an existing card. You fill it out and bring it to your local Social Security office in person — Social Security does not accept it by mail or online.

You need this form if you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and you want a card for the first time, your card is damaged or worn, your name has changed, or your card was lost or stolen. If you are not yet a citizen but have work authorization, you may also use this form.

The form itself is free. There is no fee to request or replace a Social Security card.

Key Takeaways

  • Form SS-5 must be completed and brought in person to a Social Security office; you cannot submit it by mail or online.
  • You will need to bring original or certified documents proving your age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status.
  • The form asks for your name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship status, and reason for the card request.
  • Processing typically takes one to two weeks, and Social Security will mail your new card to the address you provide on the form.
  • You can read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or pick up a copy at your local Social Security office.

What documents to bring with Form SS-5

Social Security requires you to show original documents or certified copies. Photocopies, faxes, and notarized copies are not accepted. You must bring proof of three things: your age, your identity, and your citizenship or immigration status.

For age, bring a birth certificate, passport, or baptism record. For identity, bring a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. For citizenship or immigration status, bring a U.S. passport, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, permanent resident card (green card), or employment authorization document (EAD).

If you are replacing a lost or stolen card and have your old card, bring it. If you are changing your name, bring the document that shows the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Social Security staff will review your documents at the office and return them to you.

How to fill out Form SS-5

The form has sections for personal information, reason for the request, and citizenship details. You will enter your full legal name, date of birth, place of birth (city and state or country), and current mailing address. Print clearly in black or blue ink.

In the section marked "Reason for this request," you will check one box: original card, replacement of lost card, replacement of stolen card, correction, or name change. If you are correcting information on your card, describe what is wrong in the space provided.

You will also indicate your citizenship status by checking whether you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or have work authorization. If you have a Social Security number already, write it on the form. If you do not, leave that line blank.

Where to submit Form SS-5 in person

Find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. The office locator shows hours, phone numbers, and whether you need to make an appointment. Many offices now require appointments, especially after the pandemic, so call ahead or check online before you go.

Bring the completed Form SS-5, your original documents, and your current mailing address. You do not need to bring payment — there is no cost. Social Security staff will review your form and documents, take your photograph if you are requesting your first card, and tell you when to expect your new card in the mail.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you may be able to request a card through a third party in limited situations. Call your local office to ask whether someone else can submit the form and documents on your behalf.

How long it takes and what happens next

After you submit Form SS-5 at the office, Social Security typically mails your new card within one to two weeks. The card is sent to the mailing address you wrote on the form. If you do not receive it within three weeks, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

Your Social Security number does not change when you get a replacement card. If you are correcting your name on the card, the number stays the same but the name on the card will match your legal name. If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that proves the change.

Once you receive your new card, keep it in a safe place. You do not need to carry it with you every day — most employers and financial institutions only need your number, not the physical card.

Getting Form SS-5 before you go to the office

You can read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov/forms. Search for "SS-5" on the Social Security website and you will find the PDF. Print it at home and fill it out before you go to the office, or fill it out by hand at the office if you prefer.

You can also pick up a blank Form SS-5 at your local Social Security office. Call ahead to confirm they have copies available, or ask the staff member at the front desk when you arrive.

The form is available in English and Spanish. If you need it in another language, call your local office to ask what options are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit Form SS-5 by mail instead of going to the office?

No. Social Security requires you to submit Form SS-5 in person at a local office. You must bring original documents and be present when staff review them. Mailed forms are not accepted.

What if I do not have an original birth certificate?

You can bring other documents that prove your age, such as a passport, baptism record, or school record. Call your local Social Security office to ask which documents they will accept in your situation. You may also be able to order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.

Do I need an appointment to submit Form SS-5?

Many Social Security offices require appointments. Check ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to find out whether your local office takes walk-ins or appointments only. If appointments are required and none are available soon, ask about the wait list.

What if my name is different on my documents?

Bring all the documents that show your name changes — for example, a birth certificate with one name and a marriage certificate showing a new name. Social Security staff will review them and determine which name should appear on your card based on your legal documents.

How much does it cost to get a replacement card?

There is no cost. Social Security does not charge a fee for original cards, replacements, or corrections. If someone offers to charge you money for a Social Security card, that is a scam.