Replace a Social Security Card

Can you do this online?

In most cases you don't actually need the physical card back — simply knowing your Social Security number is enough for almost every organization that asks for it, and most can verify your number without seeing the card at all. If you do want a replacement, you may be able to request one online: if you're 18 or older, have a U.S. mailing address, and already have a mySocial Security account, you can apply through SSA's online service in most states, as long as you're requesting a straight replacement and not correcting or updating information like your name, date of birth, or citizenship status.

When you must apply in person

If you don't meet the online criteria, you can still start your application online and self-schedule an in-person appointment to finish it — SSA will help you book a visit to your local Social Security office or Card Center, typically within 45 days. You can also skip straight to an in-person visit: download and print the paper Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) ahead of time to save a step at the office. If you must apply in person, you'll need to visit a Social Security field office — find your nearest one below.

Documents you'll need

Whatever route you take, your documents must be originals or copies certified by the agency that issued them — photocopies aren't accepted — and each document must be current, not expired, and show your name and date of birth. Exactly which documents you need depends on your citizenship and immigration status: U.S. citizens typically show one piece of identification, such as a driver's license, state-issued ID, U.S. passport, or military ID, while non-citizens may need to show immigration or work-authorization documents as well.

Replacing a child's card

Replacing a child's card works a little differently. You'll need to provide evidence of your own identity, the child's identity, your custody of or relationship to the child, and the child's U.S. citizenship if it isn't already on file with SSA. Primary identification — a driver's license, state ID, or passport — is preferred for the child, but SSA will accept secondary identification if the child doesn't have any of those yet. One document that will not work as proof of identity, despite seeming like the obvious choice, is a birth certificate.

How many you can get

SSA limits how often you can request a replacement: three replacement cards per calendar year and ten over your lifetime, with some exceptions (such as a legal name change or a state requiring a new card number). None of this changes the cost — a replacement card is free no matter how you apply or how many you've requested before.

How long it takes

Once your documents are verified, expect your card in the mail — SSA doesn't issue cards on the spot, even at an in-person appointment. Most replacement cards arrive within 7 to 10 business days after all the necessary information is confirmed. If you mailed in your application and documents rather than applying online or in person, processing can take longer, typically 2 to 4 weeks, since SSA has to receive, verify, and mail your original documents back to you.

What to bring, at a glance

• Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or military ID)
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status, if not already on file
• Completed Form SS-5 (print ahead to save time)
• For a child's card: proof of the child's identity and your custody or relationship — not a birth certificate
• Originals or agency-certified copies only — no photocopies