You can get a Social Security card from your local Social Security office, by mail, or online through a limited process
The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues Social Security cards at field offices in your area. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary. You can also request a replacement card by mail if you already have a number and just need a new card. Starting in 2024, you can request your first card or a replacement online at ssa.gov if you meet certain requirements — mainly that you have a state ID or driver's license and a valid email address.
The method you use depends on whether you already have a number, whether you need the card urgently, and what documents you have on hand. A first-time applicant with all required documents can usually get a card within two weeks by mail, or the same day at an office if you go in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore in person at any Social Security field office, by mail, or online at ssa.gov if you have a state ID and email address.
- First-time applicants must bring proof of age, citizenship or immigration status, and identity — documents like a birth certificate, passport, or state ID.
- Replacement cards for people who already have a number can be requested by mail or online and do not require an office visit.
- Processing time is same-day at an office, one to two weeks by mail, and a few days online if you meet the requirements.
- You do not need a Social Security card to work — your employer can use your number alone — but many institutions require the physical card as proof.
What documents you need to bring
The SSA requires three types of documents: proof of age, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of identity. For age, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or adoption decree. A hospital record of birth is acceptable if nothing else is available.
For citizenship or immigration status, U.S. citizens can bring a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. Non-citizens need a valid passport, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or other immigration paperwork showing your status. The SSA maintains a full list of acceptable documents on its website.
For identity, bring a state-issued ID, driver's license, passport, or military ID. If you do not have a photo ID, the SSA will accept a school ID, employee badge, or medical record with your name and identifying information. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.
explore in person at a Social Security office
Walk into any Social Security field office during business hours with your documents. You do not need an appointment. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and its hours at ssa.gov/locator.
Bring all three types of documents listed above, plus your completed Form SS-5 if you have already filled it out (though the office will provide one if you have not). If you are explore for someone else — a child, for example — bring that person's documents and proof that you are their parent or legal guardian, such as a birth certificate or custody order.
Processing time at the office is usually same-day. You will receive a receipt showing your Social Security number, and the physical card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you need the number when ready for work or school, the receipt is often accepted as proof of your number.
Requesting a card by mail
If you already have a Social Security number and just need a replacement card, you can request one by mail without visiting an office. read and complete Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, then mail it with copies of your identity documents to your local Social Security office. The address for your area is on the form itself.
Do not send original documents — send certified copies or photocopies. Include a photocopy of your state ID, driver's license, or passport. The SSA will not return your documents, so do not send anything you need back.
Processing time is typically one to two weeks from the date the SSA receives your form. You can check the status of your request by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and providing your Social Security number.
explore online through ssa.gov
As of 2024, you can request a replacement Social Security card online if you meet these requirements: you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid state-issued ID or driver's license, have a valid email address, and have a U.S. mailing address. You cannot explore online for your first card — only replacements.
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and create a login, or use an existing one. Follow the prompts to request a replacement card. You will upload a photo of your ID and answer security questions to verify your identity. The process takes about 10 minutes.
The SSA will mail your card to the address on file. Processing time is typically three to five business days, faster than the mail-in form. You will receive an email confirmation when your card ships.
What to do if you have lost or damaged your card
A lost or damaged card is treated as a replacement request. You do not need to file a police report or report it to the SSA separately — straightforward request a new card using one of the three methods above. There is no fee for a replacement card.
If your card was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This does not prevent someone from using your number, but it alerts creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts.
You can request up to three replacement cards in a year and up to ten in a lifetime. If you exceed these limits, the SSA may ask why you need so many replacements.
Special situations: minors, name changes, and non-citizens
If you are explore for a child under 18, a parent or legal guardian must go to the office with the child's documents and proof of guardianship. The child does not have to be present, though many offices prefer it. Bring the child's birth certificate, your ID, and your Social Security number.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your original Social Security card (or a replacement request form), your new birth certificate or court order, and your current ID showing your new name. The SSA will issue a new card with your updated name at no cost.
Non-citizens explore for their first card must bring valid immigration documents showing work authorization or status. Refugees, asylees, and certain visa holders can get a card. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a Social Security card, though they may be issued an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security card to work?
No. Your employer needs your Social Security number, which you can provide verbally or in writing. However, many employers and institutions ask for the physical card as proof of the number. If you have the number but not the card, a receipt from the SSA showing your number is usually accepted.
How long does it take to get a Social Security card?
Same-day at an office, one to two weeks by mail, and three to five business days online. Processing time can be longer during peak periods or if documents are missing or unclear.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can use a passport, adoption decree, or hospital record of birth instead. If you have none of these, contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. The SSA can also accept a combination of documents like a school record plus a medical record if they show your age and identity.
Can I get a Social Security card the same day?
Yes, if you explore in person at a Social Security office with all required documents. You will receive a receipt with your number when ready, and the physical card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Some offices are faster than others depending on how busy they are.
What if my documents are from another country?
Foreign documents must be certified or notarized. If your birth certificate or passport is in another language, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator. The SSA will accept documents from any country as long as they are official and can be verified.