Replace a Social Security Card · United States

Bring these documents

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or current immigration status[2]Required

  U.S. birth certificate (long-form), valid U.S. passport, or USCIS document (e.g., green card, EAD, valid immigration paperwork).

• Proof of identity (current, unexpired)[1]Required

  U.S. driver's license, state ID, or U.S. passport. SSA does NOT accept Social Security cards, expired IDs, or photocopies as identity proof.

• Form SS-5 — Application for a Social Security Card[2]Required

  If applying online via my Social Security, the form is generated for you. If by mail / in person, download from ssa.gov.

• my Social Security account (for online application)[3]If applicable

  Most states now let you replace your card online if you have a my Social Security account with a valid state-issued ID and U.S. address.

Step by step

1. 1

   Check if you actually need a replacement card[1]

   Most agencies (DMV, employers, banks) only need your SSN, not the physical card. If you remember the number, you may not need to replace the card at all. The card itself is just a paper record.

   Open official page Source: ssa.gov
2. 2

   Try online first — check eligibility[1]

   Online replacement is available in most states for U.S. citizens 18+ with a state-issued ID. Sign in to my Social Security and look for 'Replace your Social Security card'. If your state isn't supported or you don't qualify, you'll be guided to in-person / mail options.

   Sign in to my Social Security → Source: ssa.gov
3. 3

   If online isn't available, gather documents and visit an SSA office[6]

   Fill out Form SS-5 ahead of time. Bring original documents (or certified copies — notarized copies are NOT accepted). Make an appointment at ssa.gov/locator to avoid 1–2 hour walk-in waits.

   Find your SSA office → Source: ssa.gov
4. 4

   Or mail Form SS-5 with original documents (least preferred)[2]

   Mail Form SS-5 plus originals to your local SSA office. SSA returns originals separately — typically within 60 days. Mail is the slowest option; in-person or online is faster.

   Open official page Source: ssa.gov
5. 5

   Watch for your replacement card[1]

   Cards arrive by U.S. Mail within 10–14 business days. SSA does not expedite for any reason. If it doesn't arrive within 4 weeks, call 1-800-772-1213.

   Open official page Source: ssa.gov

Common reasons this gets rejected

• Bringing notarized copies or photocopies of documents

  SSA accepts only originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Notarized copies are explicitly NOT accepted. Bring the originals — they're returned at the counter.

• Hitting the lifetime replacement limit

  SSA limits replacements to 3 per year and 10 in your lifetime (with exceptions for name changes, etc.). Don't request a replacement just because you can't find it — search first.

• Paying a third party

  Replacement cards are FREE. Any site charging a fee for SSA card replacement is reselling a free service. Always go directly to ssa.gov.

• Sending originals to the wrong address

  Mail to your LOCAL SSA office, not SSA headquarters. Use ssa.gov/locator to find the right address before mailing originals.

Talk to a human

Sources

1. [1]Replace your card — SSA
2. [2]Form SS-5
3. [3]my Social Security online
4. [4]SSA office locator
5. [5]Documents we accept
6. [6]https://www.ssa.gov/locator