Replace Your Social Security Card Online (2026 Guide)

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Which situation are you in?

The Social Security Administration issues cards for three situations, and which one you are in decides how you apply.

• Original card. You have never had one, you are a new United States citizen or eligible non citizen, or you are starting your first job.
• Replacement card. Yours was lost, stolen, damaged or has worn unreadable.
• Name change card. You married, divorced and resumed a previous name, or changed your name by court order.

Can you apply online?

Online applications are for replacement cards only. You qualify if all of the following are true:

• You are a United States citizen aged 18 or older
• You have a driver’s license or state identification card from a participating state
• You are not requesting a change to your name, date of birth, place of birth or gender
• You have a United States mailing address, which includes APO, FPO and DPO addresses
• You have an active “my Social Security” account

Check whether your state participates at ssa.gov/ssnumber before you start. Most states do, but verifying takes a minute and saves a wasted application.

You must apply in person or by mail if you need an original card, you are changing your name, you are not a citizen, you live in a non participating state, or you are under 18.

What documents you need

Proof of identity

Choose one primary document: a valid United States driver’s license, a state issued identification card, a United States passport or passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship.

If you cannot produce a primary document, secondary documents include a military identification card, an employee identification card with photograph, a school identification card with photograph, a health insurance card that is not Medicare, or a military dependent’s identification card. You may need to provide more than one.

For children without photo identification, acceptable records include a certified copy of a medical record from the birth hospital, a religious record established before age five, a final adoption decree, or a school record.

Proof of citizenship or immigration status

United States citizens: birth certificate, original or certified copy; United States passport; Consular Report of Birth Abroad; Certificate of Naturalization; or Certificate of Citizenship.

Non citizens: Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card, Form I-94 Arrival and Departure Record, Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document, a Machine Readable Immigrant Visa, or Form I-327 Permit to Reenter.

International students and exchange visitors: Form I-20, Form DS-2019, an employment authorization letter from your sponsoring agency, and a current unexpired foreign passport with a valid United States visa.

Proof of a name change

One of the following, original or certified by the issuing agency: a marriage certificate, a divorce decree that specifically mentions the name change, a court order for a name change, a Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name, or an adoption decree. You may need documents showing both your old and new name.

What the agency will not accept

Photocopies of any kind, notarized copies, expired documents apart from limited name change exceptions, and laminated documents apart from certain military identification. Originals and agency certified copies only.

How to apply

Online, for replacements

1. Verify eligibility. Confirm your state participates at ssa.gov/ssnumber and that you are requesting a replacement with no changes.
2. Create your account. Set up a “my Social Security” account at ssa.gov. You need your Social Security number, your driver’s license or state identification, and an email address. Identity verification can take up to 24 hours.
3. Complete the application. Log in, select Request a Replacement Social Security Card, verify your information and submit.
4. Save your confirmation number. Your card is mailed within 14 days and no signature is required for delivery.

By mail

1. Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov/forms, then complete and sign it.
2. Gather your original documents, and photocopy them for your own records before mailing.
3. Send the form and your original documents by certified mail with return receipt to your local office. Keep the tracking number.
4. Processing takes 10 to 14 business days after receipt. Your original documents come back by mail.

In person

1. Find your office with the locator at ssa.gov/locator and schedule an appointment if you can, which cuts the wait considerably.
2. Complete Form SS-5 but do not sign it. You sign in front of the employee.
3. Bring all required original documents and allow 30 to 60 minutes.
4. Your originals are returned immediately and the card is mailed within 14 days.

Fees and processing times

Every one of these is free. Original cards, replacement cards up to three per year and ten per lifetime, name change cards, and corrections to your record all cost nothing. Processing can run longer during busy periods or when extra verification is needed.

Scams, and how to spot them

Because the service is free and widely needed, it attracts fraud. Hang up if a caller threatens to suspend your Social Security number, demands payment by gift card, wire transfer or cash, asks for your number or bank details, claims there is a warrant for your arrest, or pressures you to act immediately.

The Social Security Administration will never call to threaten you or demand immediate payment. Fake websites also charge fees for “expedited” service that does not exist. Only ssa.gov is official.

Report suspected fraud to the fraud hotline on 1-800-269-0271, Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern, or online at oig.ssa.gov, which is available at any time.

Mistakes that cause delays

1. Using unofficial websites. Many fake sites charge for free services. Only ssa.gov.
2. Inconsistent name spelling. Different spellings across documents cause delays. Make them match exactly.
3. Submitting photocopies. Originals or agency certified copies only.
4. Not using certified mail. You are mailing original documents. Use certified mail with return receipt.
5. Bringing expired documents. Check dates before you go.
6. Assuming any secondary document works. Check the acceptable list first, and bring backups.
7. Not scheduling an appointment. Walk in waits can be long.
8. Applying after moving states. Update your address with the agency before applying online.
9. Waiting too long. Delays can push back an employment start date.

Special situations

Children under 18

Both parents must appear in person if both are listed on the birth certificate. A single parent needs evidence of sole custody or the other parent’s death. The child must be present if they are 12 or older. Bring the child’s birth certificate, proof of both parents’ identities, and a completed Form SS-5 for the child. Adoptive parents need the final adoption decree, guardians need court appointment papers, and divorced parents need custody documentation.

Non citizens

Lawful permanent residents, temporary workers with valid work authorization, international students with work authorization, and asylum seekers and refugees are eligible. Bring current immigration documents, a valid foreign passport where applicable, and your work authorization. Some cards are marked valid for work only with Department of Homeland Security authorization.

Name changes, in the right order

Update the Social Security record first, then your driver’s license, then your passport, then banks, credit cards and your employer. Doing it in that order keeps your name consistent everywhere and avoids repeat visits.

Your card and starting a new job

When you start a job your employer verifies your identity and work eligibility on Form I-9. Your Social Security card can be part of that, but it is not always needed.

If you provide a List A document, such as a United States passport or Permanent Resident Card, it establishes both identity and work authorization and no other document is required. If you provide List B and List C documents instead, an unrestricted Social Security card serves as the List C document proving work authorization.

Extra help if you need it

Interpreters are available in over 200 languages, and you can request one when scheduling. Offices are accessible, sign language interpreters are available, and alternative format documents are provided on request. If getting to an office is difficult, your local Area Agency on Aging, Community Action Programs and legal aid organizations may be able to help.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace a Social Security card?

Nothing. Original, replacement and name change cards are all free. Anyone charging you a fee is running a scam.

How many times can I replace my card?

Three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime. Corrections to your record and name change cards are handled separately.

Can I replace my Social Security card online?

Yes, if you are a United States citizen aged 18 or over, hold a driver’s license or state identification from a participating state, are not changing any details, and have a United States mailing address. Check your state at ssa.gov/ssnumber.

How long does it take to get the card?

Roughly 14 days from approval regardless of method. Online is approved immediately, mail takes 10 to 14 business days to process, and in person is processed the same day.

Will the agency accept a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. Only originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Notarized copies are not accepted either.

Do I have to sign Form SS-5 before going to the office?

No. Complete it but leave it unsigned, because you sign it in front of the employee. For mail applications you do sign before sending.

Do I get my original documents back?

Yes. In person they are returned immediately. By mail they are returned to you by post, which is why certified mail with return receipt matters.

Official resources

• Main website: ssa.gov
• Check state participation: ssa.gov/ssnumber
• Your online account: ssa.gov/myaccount
• Office locator: ssa.gov/locator
• Forms including SS-5: ssa.gov/forms
• General information: 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778, Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time
• Fraud reporting: 1-800-269-0271 or oig.ssa.gov

Details as of November 2025. Procedures and processing times change, so verify at ssa.gov before applying. GovClarity is not a government agency and cannot process applications.