Since most people have their Social Security numbers memorized, the card you're issued holds slightly less importance. You don't need the physical card to apply for a credit card, loan or other credit-checking means, but it doesn't mean you don't need one. If you've lost your Social Security card, you can request a new one.
Surprisingly, it's not too hard to get a new Social Security card as long as you have all of the information to verify your identity available for the Social Security Administration. Below, we'll take you through the steps of requesting a new card.
For more, don't miss how to change your Social Security number if you need to and the Social Security and SSDI cheat sheet.
What documents do I need to get a new Social Security card?
While there are multiple ways for you to request a new Social Security card, you'll always need to provide the same information to prove your identity. Here's the list of what you'll need:
Evidence of US citizenship:
- Birth certificate
- US Passport
- Consular Report of Birth
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
Evidence of age:
- Passport
- US hospital record of birth (created at the time of birth)
- Religious record established before the age of five showing age or date of birth
- Final Adoption Decree
Evidence of Identity:
- US driver's license
- US state-issued ID card
- US Passport
What are the ways I can get a new Social Security card?
The short answer is it depends on your situation and whether you're requesting changes to the original card. In total, there are three ways you can get a new Social Security card: by mail, by visiting a local office or online.
Here's the TLDR: If you're requesting a replacement card with no changes, you can probably do it by mail or online. If you want to make any change at all, expect that you'll have to visit a local Social Security office.
The Social Security Administration doesn't even mention submitting by mail as an option on its website, but for replacement cards with no changes, you should be able to fill out the Form SS-5 and send it to any Social Security office.
While any documents you provide will be returned to you, it would be best to not send in your original documents, like your passport, ID or immigration papers. The SSA will not accept photocopies of original documents, either. Instead, it will accept documents certified by the custodian of the original record. "Notarized copies or photocopies which have not been certified by the custodian of the record are not acceptable," according to the SS-5 form.
Requesting a replacement card without changes
If you don't live near a Social Security office and you don't have changes to make on your replacement card, the easiest way to make your request is online.
If you haven't already, you'll need to create a my Social Security account. Expect to spend some time confirming your identity, but once your account has been activated and you're logged in, there should be a Replace your Social Security Card link at the top of the page.
It will then ask you a series of questions to see if you're eligible to formally request your replacement online. If you are, you will need to confirm your identity once more through additional questions, and then electronically sign your name to submit the request.
This option is available for most people in the US, but not all. If you live in one of the following states or have a driver's license issued by a US territory, you will need to complete your request by mail or by visiting a local office.
- People who live in Alaska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma or West Virginia
- People with a driver's license issued by a US territory, such as American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands.
Requesting a replacement card with information changes
If you need information changed on your replacement Social Security card, you'll need to go to a local office to complete the task. There are some instances where the SSA site will allow you to get your application started online and finish it at the office, but how much time it will save you is anyone's guess.
In addition to the SS-5 form and accurate identity, age and citizenship information, you'll need to bring up to date information for anything you need to change on your replacement card. If you've requested to change your name, the updated card will reflect the new name but your number will stay the same.
How long does it take to get a new Social Security card?
After you've submitted your application for a replacement Social Security card, it typically takes 7-10 business days to receive it. However, the SSA acknowledges that there's currently a delay processing mail-in replacement cards, and it could take between 2-4 weeks to process the application and return your documents to you.
Social Security replacement card limits
There's a limit to how many Social Security card replacements you can get. Public Law 108-458 places a maximum of three replacement cards per calendar year and 10 replacement cards in a lifetime. Replacement cards due to name change or work authorization don't count toward the limits.
In certain situations, the SSA may grant exceptions to the card replacement limit if you can provide evidence from an official source that a Social Security card is required.
For more, check out the Social Security payment schedule and what the 2025 Social Security COLA increase means for you.
