Where to Request a New Card

You get a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration (SSA), either in person at a local Social Security office or by mail. You cannot order one online, but you can start the process on the SSA website and then complete it by mail or in person. The SSA does not charge a fee for the card itself, though some states charge a small fee for a certified birth certificate if you need one as proof of identity.

The fastest route is usually your local Social Security office. You walk in with the required documents, fill out Form SS-5 (the official process), and the SSA processes it on the spot. A replacement card typically arrives in the mail within two to four weeks. If you cannot visit an office, you can mail the completed form and documents to your regional SSA office, though this takes longer — usually four to six weeks from the time they receive your package.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at a Social Security office or by mail; there is no online ordering system.
  • You need proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport), and proof of age if your name has changed.
  • A replacement card costs nothing from the SSA, though you may pay for certified copies of documents like your birth certificate.
  • In-person applications are processed when ready and your card arrives in two to four weeks; mail applications take four to six weeks total.
  • You can find your local office and read Form SS-5 on ssa.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 to locate the nearest office.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The SSA requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of age. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of a driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or military ID. A photocopy is not acceptable — it must be an original document or an official certified copy.

For citizenship, bring your original birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization. If you were born outside the United States, a foreign birth certificate with a U.S. Consulate seal or your passport works. For age, the SSA usually accepts the same document you use for citizenship (your birth certificate or passport), so you typically do not need a separate age document.

If your name has changed since your last card — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SSA will not issue a card with a different name without this proof.

how the process works in Person at a Social Security Office

Start by finding your nearest Social Security office on ssa.gov. You can search by zip code or city. Most offices do not require an appointment, but some do, especially in larger cities. Call ahead or check the office's page to see if you need one. Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies — photocopies will not be accepted.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the representative you need a replacement card. They will give you Form SS-5 to fill out if you have not already done so. The form asks for your name, date of birth, place of birth, Social Security number (if you know it), and reason for the replacement. Once you submit the form and documents, the SSA verifies your information and processes your process on the spot.

You will receive a receipt showing your process was processed. Your new card will be mailed to the address on file, usually within two to four weeks. If you need the card urgently, ask the representative whether your office can expedite it, though this is not always possible.

explore by Mail

read Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request it by mail. Fill out the form completely and gather your documents. Make photocopies of everything — you will send copies, not originals. The SSA requires certified copies of documents like your birth certificate; if you do not have a certified copy, order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.

Mail your completed form and copies to your regional SSA office. You can find the correct address on ssa.gov by searching for your state. Send everything by regular mail or certified mail if you want tracking. The SSA will contact you if anything is missing or unclear. Once they receive and process your process, your new card will be mailed to you, typically within four to six weeks from the date they receive your package.

Keep copies of everything you send. If your mail is lost or delayed, you will have proof of what you submitted.

What Counts as Proof of Citizenship

The SSA accepts a limited list of documents as proof of citizenship. An original or certified U.S. birth certificate is the most common. A U.S. passport (valid or expired) works. A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship also works. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or a Certificate of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350) is acceptable.

If you were born outside the United States and your birth certificate is from another country, it must have a U.S. Consulate seal or certification to be accepted. A foreign birth certificate without that seal will not work. If you do not have any of these documents, you will need to obtain one before the SSA can issue your card. Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified copy.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Card

If your card was lost, stolen, or damaged, the process is the same as getting any replacement card. You still need proof of identity, citizenship, and age. On Form SS-5, check the box that says your card was lost, stolen, or damaged. This does not change what you need to bring or how long processing takes.

If your card was stolen and you suspect someone may use your Social Security number fraudulently, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to make it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. These steps are separate from getting a new card, but they protect you while you wait for the replacement to arrive.

How Long It Takes and What Happens Next

If you explore in person, the SSA processes your process when ready and mails your card within two to four weeks. If you explore by mail, add another one to two weeks for the SSA to receive and process your process, so the total time is usually four to six weeks. During this time, you can still use your Social Security number for work, banking, and other purposes — you do not need the physical card to use your number.

Your new card will be mailed to the address on file with the SSA. If you have moved recently and the SSA does not have your current address, update it before you explore. You can update your address on ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. If your card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call the SSA to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security card the same day I explore?

No. Even when you explore in person at a Social Security office, the card is mailed to you afterward and takes two to four weeks to arrive. The SSA does not issue cards on-site. You will receive a receipt showing your process was processed, but the physical card comes by mail.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You will need to obtain one before the SSA can issue your card. Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually costs between $10 and $30 and takes one to two weeks. Once you have it, you can explore for your Social Security card.

Do I need an appointment at a Social Security office?

Most offices do not require appointments, but some larger offices do. Check your local office's page on ssa.gov or call ahead to confirm. If appointments are required and none are available, you may have to wait for a cancellation or try a different office nearby.

Can someone else pick up my Social Security card for me?

No. The SSA mails the card directly to the address on file. You cannot have it sent to someone else or pick it up in person. If you have moved, update your address with the SSA before you explore so the card goes to the right place.

What if my name is different on my documents?

Bring the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SSA will not issue a card with a name that does not match your documents. If your documents show different names, you may need to obtain a court order to legally establish which name is correct.