It can be frustrating to realize that you need a to replace your Social Security card. However, getting a new card can be fairly straightforward; you just need to have the right documentation for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to issue you a new one.
You may also go to a Social Security branch to present your documents in person. To find your local office, enter your zip code using the Social Security office locator. The agency recommends that you first check the Office Closings and Emergencies site before you visit one.
Here are four things you need to know about getting a Social Security replacement card.
1. You can apply for a Social Security replacement card online
Applying for a Social Security replacement card online through your my Social Security account is usually the most convenient option.
You can complete a new card request online if you:
- Have an online Social Security account
- Are a U.S. citizen who's at least 18 years old
- Don't need to make changes to your name, date of birth, place of birth or gender
- Have a driver's license or state-issued ID card from or from the District of Columbia
- Have a U.S. mailing address (including APO, FPO and DPO addresses)
Your card will typically arrive within two weeks if you apply online. The online application can be found here.
A my Social Security account is easy to set up and will allow you to manage your benefits from the comfort of your home. Once your my Social Security account is set up, you can easily correct errors in your earnings record, estimate your future benefits and apply for Social Security and Medicare benefits when you're ready.
Sponsored Content
2. You can apply for a Social Security replacement card by mail
To apply for a replacement card by mail, you will need to mail an application (Form S-55 PDF) along with one piece of evidence to prove your identity. You can send a non-driver ID, driver’s license or passport to prove your identity to the SSA. These forms of ID are considered to be “primary” evidence of your identity.
If you don't have any of those documents and a replacement will take more than 10 days to arrive, the SSA may accept some "secondary" forms of evidence of identity, including: an employee identification card; a school identification card; a health insurance card (not a Medicare card); or a U.S. military identification card. Preferably, these secondary documents should include a recent photograph.
For any documentation to work, it must be current, show your name and birth date or age, and be an original or certified copy. Social Security will return any documents you send them. This is similar to applying to renew your passport by mail. I've always received my documents back.
In most cases, you can take or mail this signed application with your documents to any Social Security office. Use the Social Security office locator to find the Social Security office or Social Security Card Center that serves your area.
It could take two to four weeks for your application to be processed and your documents returned.
Sponsored Content
3. Getting a new Social Security card because of a name change
To change your name online, go to the Social Security "change name" site and answer a few basic questions to see which documents you need.
To change your name on a Social Security card, you must submit proof of your identity — this can be either a primary or secondary document described above — and documentation showing your name change. This can include a marriage certificate, a court order approving the name change, a divorce decree or a Certificate of Naturalization.
You may be able to send the Social Security Administration just one document if it shows your previous name, age, birth date or parents’ names. This information must then match your Social Security records.
Again, the Social Security Administration will return any documents you mail to it.
Sponsored Content
4. Getting help over the phone or in person
Fill out the Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and bring it to your local office along with unexpired identification. Documents must be original or have a signature, stamp, or raised seal from the issuing agency. The SSA doesn't accept photocopies.
You can find the Social Security location nearest to you here. With an in-person visit, you will generally receive your replacement Social Security card in about two weeks.
You can also speak with someone over the phone if you have a question about getting a replacement card. The office locator provides each office's phone number. Otherwise, you can call the national phone number at 1-800-772-1213.