How To Get a Replacement Social Security Card

The process to request a Social Security card replacement varies, depending on your intent. If you simply misplaced your card, or accidentally damaged it, you can request your replacement card entirely online on the Social Security Administration’s website.

However, if you need to change information on your Social Security card, the replacement process cannot be completed entirely online. You’ll need to fill out Form SS-5 and then mail or drop off the completed form at a local Social Security office. You’ll also need to supply documents to verify your identity.

If you’re trying to get a replacement Social Security card for your spouse or elderly parents, you will need additional documentation. You’ll need to provide your own proof of identity, along with evidence of your relationship for the individual needing the replacement card. For example, you could provide your U.S. driver’s license and marriage certificate if you’re trying to replace your spouse’s Social Security card.

Be aware of factors in your life that could impact the steps you take to replace your Social Security Card.

Login to your My Social Security account to order a replacement card online. Remember that this is only an option for those needing a simple replacement. Fully online services aren’t for individuals looking to change their name or sex on their Social Security card.

There are several qualification requirements you must meet to order a replacement Social Security card online.

If you are not qualified to request a replacement card online, you might need to fill out Form SS-5. Form SS-5 has 18 sections that must be fully filled out for the SSA to accept your request for a Social Security card replacement. If you’re using a pen to fill out the form, the SSA only accepts black or blue ink.

Failure to fill out the form correctly will delay your replacement Social Security card. Luckily, the form is straightforward, and shouldn’t provide much difficulty.

You can find further details about the application process, as well as the form itself, on this informational PDF provided by the Social Security Administration.

You must provide documents that prove your identity, age and U.S. citizenship.
Generally, you will need to provide your birth certificate and your U.S. driver’s license. If you don’t have these documents readily available, the SSA will accept alternatives. Some documents, like your U.S. passport, proves both your identity and U.S. citizenship.

If you’re an immigrant or international student, you will need to include additional documents with your Form SS-5. Contact Social Security’s customer service to verify what forms you may need.

All documents must be originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. The SSA does not accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents with a Form SS-5.

The SSA requests that you don’t mail original primary documents that should be kept secure in your possession, like your driver’s licenses, passports or immigration documents. These should be dropped off at a local Social Security office. This way, you don’t risk losing them in the mail.

If you’re submitting your application for a replacement Social Security card online, it’s a simple click of a button. But if you need to make changes to your Social Security card, the submission process is more complex.

You’ll need to turn in your completed Form SS-5, along with original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, age and U.S. citizenship.

You can give the Form SS-5 and required documents to the SSA through the mail or drop it off at a local Social Security office.

You can mail your Form SS-5 and required documents to any Social Security office. To get the quickest approval, mail your documents to a Social Security office near you.

The SSA has an online tool to help you locate their nearest office. You’ll need to type in your zip code to find your designated office.

Once you send your documents, the SSA doesn’t keep them forever. After your information has been verified and approved, the SSA will return any important documents you send to them.

If you want to avoid the wait time that comes with mail or skip the risk of losing important documents in the mail — you can always submit your replacement card request in-person.

You can drop off your Form SS-5 and required documents to any Social Security office near you. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to set up an appointment beforehand to avoid a wait.

If your Social Security card was stolen, you should take several other precautions before requesting a replacement card from the SSA. Social Security fraud is on the rise in 2023, with many scammers opening new bank accounts and stealing older adults’ identities.