Documents required to get a Social Security card

To get a Social Security card, you need to bring proof of your age, citizenship or immigration status, and identity to a Social Security office. The exact documents depend on whether you were born in the United States, are explore for your first card, or are replacing a lost one. Social Security publishes a list of acceptable documents for each category, and you can bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.

You do not need an appointment at most Social Security offices, though some locations now require one. You can find your local office and check its current hours on the Social Security Administration website. Bring your documents in person; you cannot complete this process by mail or online.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original or certified copies of documents proving your age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status — photocopies are not accepted.
  • U.S. citizens born in the United States typically need a birth certificate, state ID or driver's license, and one additional identity document.
  • Non-citizens and people born outside the United States need immigration documents such as a passport, visa, or I-94 arrival record in addition to age and identity proof.
  • Social Security offices do not require appointments in most locations, but some have moved to appointment-only hours, so check your local office before visiting.
  • Processing usually takes one to two weeks; Social Security will mail your card to the address you provide.

Proof of age for a Social Security card

A birth certificate is the primary document Social Security accepts to prove your age. It must be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born, not a hospital birth certificate or a photocopy. If you do not have a birth certificate, Social Security accepts other documents such as a passport, baptism record, or adoption papers — the full list is on the Social Security Administration website under "Proof of Age".

If you were born outside the United States, your passport serves as both proof of age and proof of citizenship or immigration status, so you may need fewer documents overall. Religious records and school records are also accepted if they show your date of birth and were created before you turned five years old.

Proof of identity for a Social Security card

Social Security requires a current, government-issued photo ID to prove your identity. A state driver's license or state ID card is the most common choice. If you do not have either, Social Security accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID card.

If you cannot obtain a government photo ID, Social Security has a secondary list of documents that can serve as proof of identity. These include a school ID, employee ID, medical record, insurance policy, or bank statement — but you will need two of these secondary documents instead of one primary document. All documents must be current or recently issued; expired documents are generally not accepted.

Proof of citizenship or immigration status

U.S. citizens born in the United States do not need a separate citizenship document if they bring a birth certificate, because the birth certificate itself proves citizenship. However, if you were born outside the United States or are not a U.S. citizen, you must bring immigration documents.

Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card (green card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), visa, I-94 arrival record, or I-94W arrival/departure record. Non-citizens must bring the original or certified copy; photocopies will not be accepted. If you have a visa, bring the visa itself along with your passport.

What to bring if you were born outside the United States

If you were born outside the United States, your passport typically covers both age and citizenship proof, so you need fewer documents overall. Bring your passport (original), a government photo ID, and one additional identity document if your passport does not have a photo or is expired. If you do not have a passport, bring a birth certificate certified by the vital records office of the country where you were born, plus your immigration documents and photo ID.

Some countries do not issue certified birth certificates in the same way the United States does. If you cannot obtain one, Social Security will accept other age documents such as a baptism record, school record, or medical record, provided they were created before you turned five years old. Ask your local Social Security office which documents from your country of birth they have accepted in the past.

Replacing a lost or stolen Social Security card

If you are replacing a card rather than getting one for the first time, you still need proof of age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status. The documents are the same as for a new card. You do not need to bring the old card itself, and you do not need to report it lost or stolen to Social Security — the agency does not track lost cards separately.

If your card was stolen as part of identity theft, you may want to report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov, which creates a record you can use with creditors and banks. However, this is separate from replacing your Social Security card and is not required by Social Security.

What happens after you submit your documents

After you bring your documents to a Social Security office, staff will verify them and take your process. You will receive a receipt showing the date you applied. Social Security then mails your new card to the address you provided, usually within one to two weeks. During this time, you can use the receipt as proof that you have a Social Security number if you need it for employment or other purposes.

If Social Security needs more information or has questions about your documents, the office will contact you. Keep your receipt until your card arrives. If more than three weeks pass and you have not received your card, contact your local Social Security office with your receipt number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. Social Security requires an original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. Hospital-issued birth certificates and photocopies are not accepted. You can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office, usually for a small fee.

What if I don't have a government photo ID?

You can bring two secondary identity documents instead of one photo ID. These include a school ID, employee ID, medical record, insurance policy, or bank statement. All documents must be current or recently issued. Ask your local Social Security office which secondary documents they prefer if you are unsure.

Do I need an appointment to get a Social Security card?

Most Social Security offices do not require appointments, but some locations have moved to appointment-only hours. Check the Social Security Administration website for your local office to see whether appointments are required. You can also call ahead to confirm current hours and whether walk-ins are accepted.

How long does it take to get a Social Security card in the mail?

Social Security usually mails your card within one to two weeks of your process. You can use your receipt as proof of your Social Security number during this time if you need it for employment or other purposes. If you have not received your card after three weeks, contact your local Social Security office with your receipt number.

Can I get a Social Security card if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a valid visa, green card, Employment Authorization Document, or other immigration status that allows you to work in the United States. You must bring your immigration documents along with proof of age and identity. Bring the original documents; photocopies are not accepted.