How to Apply for a Replacement Social Security Card

To apply for a replacement Social Security card, most U.S. adults can do it online in about 15 minutes through a free my Social Security account, with no documents to mail.¹²³

Apply Online If You Qualify

The online service is the fastest way. You sign in to a free my Social Security account and request the card without printing, signing, or mailing anything.¹ It’s available in most states and the District of Columbia. A few states can’t participate because their DMV systems don’t share data with the SSA.

You can use the online route if you are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older, have a U.S. mailing address (military APO, FPO, and DPO addresses count), hold a driver’s license or state ID from a participating state, and are not requesting a name change or any other correction to your record.⁴

If any of those conditions don’t fit, the system will tell you and point you to an in-person or mail application. Parents replacing a child’s card can’t use the online service either, because the applicant must be 18 or older.⁵

Apply In Person or By Mail Using Form SS-5

Anyone who can’t use the online service files Form SS-5, available on the SSA website or at any local office. The same form covers original cards, replacements, and information changes. Print legibly in black or blue ink.⁶

Documents You’ll Need

The SSA requires original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. Photocopies, notarized copies, and receipts showing you applied for a document are not accepted. Every document must be current and unexpired.⁷

For identity, the SSA prefers a U.S. driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or U.S. passport. If you don’t have any of those, acceptable alternatives include an employee ID, school ID, military ID, or health insurance card (not a Medicare card). A birth certificate or a Social Security card stub is not accepted as proof of identity.⁷⁶

If you were born outside the United States, you also need to document your citizenship or work-authorized immigration status. U.S. citizens born abroad can use a U.S. passport or a certificate of naturalization. Non-citizens need a current immigration document from the Department of Homeland Security, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766), or a Form I-94 with an admission stamp in an unexpired foreign passport.⁷

In Person

Going in person is the safer choice if you’d rather not mail original documents like your passport or driver’s license. Use the SSA’s office locator at ssa.gov to find the nearest office and schedule an appointment. Bring your completed Form SS-5. An in-person visit also handles situations the online service can’t, such as correcting a name or updating your record.²

By Mail

You can mail the signed Form SS-5 with your original documents to your local Social Security office. The SSA returns your documents by mail after processing. Because of the round trip, a mailed application can take two to four weeks from the day you send it to the day your documents come back.⁸ That’s a meaningful stretch to be without a passport or driver’s license, so weigh whether an in-person visit fits better.

Replacing a Child’s Card

A parent or legal guardian can request a replacement for a child under 18, but only in person or by mail. The online service is limited to adults applying for themselves. You’ll need identity and citizenship documents for the child plus evidence of your relationship or legal custody; a birth certificate listing you as a parent typically covers the relationship. Either you or the child may sign Form SS-5 on behalf of a minor.⁹⁶

Correcting Information at the Same Time

If your name, date of birth, or citizenship status needs updating, you can fix it while requesting the card. Name changes require proof of the new legal name (such as a court order or marriage certificate) along with an identity document in either the old or new name. A date-of-birth correction requires evidence supporting the correct date.¹⁰ These changes can’t be made online. Visit a local office or call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 for guidance on what to bring.

When Your Card Will Arrive

The SSA mails the replacement to the address on your application. Plan on 5 to 10 business days after the SSA has everything it needs.² There is no same-day card and no office pickup. If the card hasn’t arrived within that window, call 1-800-772-1213.

Limits on Replacement Cards

Federal law caps replacement cards at three per calendar year and ten over your lifetime.¹¹ Cards issued for a legal name change, cards that add, change, or remove an immigration-related work legend, and original cards (including those from the Enumeration at Birth program) don’t count toward either limit.

If you’ve hit the cap and still need a card, the SSA can grant a hardship exception. You’ll need a letter from a third party, such as an employer or a state benefits agency, stating that you must present the physical card to receive employment or a benefit.¹² Simply saying you lost the card isn’t enough.

Do You Actually Need a New Card?

Many situations where someone asks for your Social Security number don’t require the physical card. Employers, banks, and government agencies often accept the number itself. If you only need to confirm your SSN, logging into your my Social Security account may be enough without ordering a replacement.

If Your Card Was Stolen

A stolen card carries a risk beyond the inconvenience. Someone with your SSN can open credit accounts, file fraudulent tax returns, or claim benefits in your name. Replacing the card doesn’t address those risks on its own.

Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov, which will create a personalized recovery plan.¹³ If you suspect someone has already used your number for employment, report that to the SSA so it can review your earnings record.¹⁴

Place a security freeze on your credit reports with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A freeze blocks new creditors from accessing your report, which prevents most fraudulent account openings. Placing and lifting a freeze is free, and online or phone requests must be processed within one business day.¹⁵ Free credit reports are available at annualcreditreport.com. If you think your SSN may have been used for tax fraud, contact the IRS Identity Protection unit at 1-800-908-4490.¹³

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Social Security Administration. How Do I Apply for a Replacement Social Security Number Card Online
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Social Security Administration. Replace Social Security Card
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Social Security Administration. What Does It Cost to Get a Social Security Card
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Social Security Administration. Request a Replacement Social Security Card Online
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Social Security Administration. Request Your Replacement Social Security Card Online
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Social Security Administration. Application for Social Security Card Form SS-5
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Social Security Administration. Learn What Documents You Will Need to Get a Social Security Card
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Social Security Administration. How Long Will It Take to Get a Social Security Card
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Social Security Administration. What Documents Are Required to Request a Replacement Social Security Number Card for a Child
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Social Security Administration. Correct Date of Birth
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Social Security Administration. POMS RM 10205.400 – Limits on Replacement SSN Cards
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Social Security Administration. POMS RM 10205.425 – Exception to SSN Card Limits Due to Hardship
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Social Security Administration. Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number
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Social Security Administration. Report Stolen Social Security Number
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USAGov. How to Place or Lift a Security Freeze on Your Credit Report