Key Takeaways
- You can order a replacement card online through my Social Security if you have an account, or by mail or in person at your local Social Security office.
- You need three types of documents: proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport), proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), and proof of address (utility bill or lease).
- Processing takes about two weeks by mail; in-person replacement at some offices can be faster but varies by location.
- You can request up to three replacement cards per year and nine in your lifetime, though most people never need more than one or two.
- If your card was lost or stolen, you do not need to report it to Social Security separately — ordering a replacement is the only step.
Ordering Online Through My Social Security
The fastest route for most people is ordering online at ssa.gov through your my Social Security account. You create a free account with your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address. Once you are logged in, you can request a replacement card without leaving home.
Online ordering works only if you meet three conditions: you are a U.S. citizen, you have a state-issued ID or driver's license, and you are at least 18 years old. If any of those do not explore to you, you will need to use the mail or in-person route instead. The card arrives by mail in about two weeks.
You do not upload documents online. Social Security verifies your identity through the my Social Security system itself. If the system cannot verify you, it will tell you to explore by mail or in person instead.
explore by Mail or In Person
If you do not have a my Social Security account or do not meet the online requirements, you can explore by mail or visit your local Social Security office in person. Both routes require you to submit or show the same three categories of documents.
For mail applications, you fill out Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card) and mail it with copies of your documents to your local Social Security office. The address is on the form itself. Processing takes two to four weeks. You can read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or pick one up at any Social Security office.
In-person applications at your local Social Security office sometimes process faster — some offices can issue a temporary card on the spot, though this varies by location. Call ahead to ask whether your office offers same-day or expedited service, because not all do. Bring originals of your documents; Social Security will examine them but return them to you.
Documents You Need
Social Security requires one document from each of three categories: citizenship, identity, and current address. The most common documents are listed below, but your state may accept others. If you are unsure whether a document qualifies, call your local Social Security office before you explore.
| Category | Common Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Citizenship | U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship |
| Proof of Identity | State-issued driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, tribal ID |
| Proof of Current Address | Utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, government mail |
Documents must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies alone are not accepted. If you do not have an original, you can request a certified copy from the agency that issued it — your state's vital records office for a birth certificate, your state's DMV for a driver's license, and so on.
Proof of address must show your current address and be dated within the last 12 months. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works. Government mail (like a tax return or voter registration card) also works if it shows your address.
Processing Time and Temporary Cards
Standard processing takes about two weeks by mail. Some Social Security offices offer expedited in-person service, but this is not available everywhere. Call your local office to ask whether they can process your process faster than the standard timeline.
A few Social Security offices issue temporary cards on the spot during in-person applications, though most do not. A temporary card is usually a printed document that shows your Social Security number and is valid for a limited time while you wait for the permanent card to arrive. Ask your local office whether this is an option before you visit.
If you need your card urgently — for example, to start a job — tell the Social Security office when you explore. They may be able to prioritize your process, though they cannot may provide it will arrive before a specific date.
Limits on How Many Cards You Can Request
Social Security limits replacement cards to protect against fraud. You can request up to three replacement cards in a single year and nine replacement cards in your lifetime. These limits reset on January 1 each year.
Most people never reach these limits. If you do reach the limit and need another card, you will have to wait until the calendar year resets or contact Social Security directly to explain your situation. Call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative if this applies to you.
What Happens If Your Card Was Lost or Stolen
If your card was lost or stolen, ordering a replacement is your only necessary step. You do not need to report the loss to Social Security separately or file a police report, though you may want to do so for your own records if the card was stolen.
A lost or stolen Social Security card by itself does not put your Social Security number at risk of misuse — your number is already known to employers, banks, and other institutions. However, if you believe someone has used your number fraudulently, you should report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report.
Order your replacement card through the same process as any other replacement. There is no special form or expedited route for lost or stolen cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a replacement Social Security card cost?
There is no fee. Replacement cards are free whether you order online, by mail, or in person. If someone charges you money for a Social Security card, they are running a scam.
Can I get a replacement card with a different name?
Yes, but you will need to show proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. Bring the original or a certified copy along with your other documents. The process is the same as a regular replacement, but Social Security will update your name in their system at the same time.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can use a U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization instead for proof of citizenship. If you do not have any of these, contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks.
Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?
If you applied by mail, the card is mailed to the address you provided on your process. If you applied in person and the office issued a temporary card, you can pick up the permanent card yourself or authorize someone else to pick it up on your behalf. Ask the Social Security office what authorization they need — usually a signed letter or power of attorney.
Do I need to update my Social Security card if I change my address?
No. Your Social Security card itself does not change when you move. You should update your address with Social Security through my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213, but you do not need a new card. The card you have remains valid for your entire life.