Form SS-5 is the official document you submit to Social Security to request a replacement card, correct your name or number, or get your first card

The process for a Social Security Card, officially called Form SS-5, is a one-page form you complete and bring to your local Social Security office. It is the only way to request a new Social Security card from the Social Security Administration. You cannot order a replacement online, by mail, or through a third party — you must appear in person with the form and supporting documents.

Form SS-5 serves three main purposes: replacing a lost or stolen card, correcting information on your existing card (such as a name change after marriage or legal name change), or obtaining your first card if you have never had one. The form asks for your name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship status, and the reason you are requesting the card. You also declare whether you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a noncitizen authorized to work.

The form itself is free. There is no fee to submit it or to receive a replacement card. Social Security processes most requests within two weeks, though the exact timeline depends on how busy your local office is and whether your supporting documents are complete.

Key Takeaways

  • Form SS-5 must be completed in person at a Social Security office — you cannot submit it by mail or online.
  • You need to bring the form plus original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, age, and citizenship or work authorization status.
  • The form is free, and there is no charge for a replacement card or for correcting information on an existing card.
  • Social Security typically processes your request within two weeks, and you can receive your new card by mail at the address you provide on the form.

What documents you must bring with Form SS-5

Social Security requires you to bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You need proof of three things: your identity, your age, and your citizenship or work authorization status.

For identity, acceptable documents include a valid driver's license, passport, state ID card, or employee ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.

For age, you must bring your birth certificate, passport, or baptism record. The document must show your full name and date of birth.

For citizenship or work authorization, U.S. citizens typically bring a birth certificate or passport. Lawful permanent residents bring their green card (Permanent Resident Card). Noncitizens authorized to work bring their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or visa. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your I-94 or I-131 document showing your status.

If you cannot locate an original document, you can request a certified copy from the issuing agency — for example, your state's vital records office for a birth certificate. Bring that certified copy to your Social Security appointment.

How to fill out Form SS-5

Form SS-5 is straightforward and takes about five minutes to complete. You can fill it out at home before your appointment or at the Social Security office. The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, place of birth (city and state or country), and your mother's maiden name.

You must select your citizenship status: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or noncitizen authorized to work. You also indicate the reason you are requesting the card — for example, "replacement of lost card," "name change," or "first card."

At the bottom of the form, you sign and date it. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign on your behalf. The form does not require notarization or witness signatures.

You can read Form SS-5 from the Social Security Administration website, or you can pick up a copy at your local Social Security office when you arrive for your appointment. Either way works — the office will have blank copies available if you need one.

Where to submit Form SS-5 and what to expect

You must submit Form SS-5 in person at a Social Security office. To find your nearest office, visit the Social Security Administration's office locator on their website or call 1-800-772-1213. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now require one. Call ahead or check the office's website to confirm whether you need to schedule a time.

Bring the completed form, your supporting documents, and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk, and a representative will review your documents to make sure everything is there. If anything is missing, they will tell you what you need to bring back.

If your documents are complete and in order, the representative will take your process and issue you a receipt. Your new card will be mailed to the address you provide on the form within two weeks in most cases. You do not need to return to the office to pick it up.

Correcting your name or Social Security number on Form SS-5

If you are requesting a card because your name has changed — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must bring proof of the change along with your other documents. For a name change due to marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order.

If you believe your Social Security number is incorrect or was issued in error, you can use Form SS-5 to request a correction. This is less common than replacing a lost card or changing a name, but the process is the same: bring the form, your documents, and proof of the error (such as a Social Security statement showing the wrong number, or a letter from Social Security acknowledging the mistake).

Correcting your number is more complex than correcting your name because Social Security must investigate the error. The office will submit your request and you may need to follow up after a few weeks to check on the status.

Getting your first Social Security card as an adult

If you have never had a Social Security number and are explore for one as an adult, you still use Form SS-5. The process is the same, except you will select "first card" as your reason for requesting one.

You must bring proof of identity, age, and citizenship or work authorization, just as you would for a replacement. If you are a noncitizen, you must also show that you are authorized to work in the United States — this is required before Social Security will issue you a number.

Adult applicants sometimes face longer processing times because Social Security may conduct additional verification. If you are explore for a number because you need it for employment, tell the office representative when you submit your form — they can sometimes prioritize your request.

What happens if your documents are incomplete or missing

If you arrive at the Social Security office without all the required documents, the representative will tell you what is missing and will not process your form that day. You will need to gather the missing documents and return to the office for another appointment.

If you cannot locate an original document, you have two options. First, you can request a certified copy from the issuing agency — for example, your state's vital records office for a birth certificate, or your county clerk for a marriage certificate. Second, you can ask Social Security whether they will accept an alternative document. For example, if you do not have a birth certificate, Social Security may accept a baptism record, school record, or hospital record showing your date of birth.

Do not bring photocopies or notarized copies unless Social Security specifically tells you to. The office needs original documents or certified copies issued by the government agency that created them.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Social Security requires you to appear in person with your original documents. You cannot mail the form or submit it online. The only exception is if you are unable to leave your home due to a serious medical condition — in that case, you can call Social Security to request a home visit, though this is rare and requires documentation of your condition.

How long does it take to get a replacement card after I submit Form SS-5?

Most replacement cards arrive within two weeks. Processing time varies depending on how busy your local office is and whether your documents are complete. You will receive your card by mail at the address you provide on the form.

Do I need an appointment to submit Form SS-5 at my local Social Security office?

It depends on your office. Some locations accept walk-ins, while others now require appointments. Call your local office or check their website before you go. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to find out whether an appointment is needed.

What if I changed my name but do not have a marriage certificate or divorce decree?

You need proof of the name change. If you do not have a marriage certificate, you can request a certified copy from the county clerk in the county where you were married. If you do not have a divorce decree, request a certified copy from the court that issued it. Social Security will not process a name change without this documentation.

Is there a fee to submit Form SS-5 or to get a replacement card?

No. There is no fee for the form, for submitting it, or for receiving a replacement card. Social Security cards are always free.