If you need to get, replace or correct a Social Security card, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides several ways to complete the request. Depending on your situation, you may be able to apply online through your my Social Security account, start the application online and finish it at an SSA office, or apply in person.
A Social Security card may be needed when you are applying for a Social Security number, replacing a lost or stolen card, changing your legal name, correcting information, or updating your citizenship or immigration status.
The replacement card itself is free. In many cases, you can complete the process online, although some applicants must provide original documents at a Social Security office or Card Center.
The basic process is:
- Go to the Social Security Administration’s Social Security Number and Card service.
- Answer the questions about your situation.
- If eligible, sign in to or create a my Social Security account.
- Complete the online request for a new or replacement card.
- If SSA requires an in-person visit, schedule an appointment.
- Take the required original documents or certified copies to the appointment.
- SSA processes the request and mails the card to you.
If you only lost your card, remember that you may not need a physical replacement. In most situations, knowing your Social Security number is enough.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to use the SSA service to:
- Get a Social Security card for the first time
- Replace a lost Social Security card
- Replace a stolen or damaged card
- Correct information associated with your Social Security record
- Change your name after marriage, divorce or another legal name change
- Update citizenship information
- Update immigration status
- Correct your date of birth
- Correct your place of birth
- Correct a parent’s name on your Social Security record
SSA explains that a replacement card can be used when information on the record needs to be updated or corrected.
If you have never had a Social Security card, the application process is different from simply replacing a lost card.
SSA will determine what documentation you need based on your circumstances, including your age, citizenship or immigration status and the reason for the application.
You generally need documents that establish your identity and, depending on your situation, citizenship or immigration status.
The documents must meet SSA’s requirements. SSA generally requires original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them rather than ordinary photocopies.
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For a U.S. Citizen
If U.S. citizenship has not already been established with SSA, acceptable citizenship evidence can include certain documents such as:
- U.S. birth certificate
- U.S. passport
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
The exact documents required depend on the applicant’s circumstances.
For a Noncitizen
Noncitizens may need documents showing immigration status and work authorization.
Examples listed by SSA include:
- Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)
- Certain I-94 records together with an unexpired foreign passport or admission documentation
SSA determines which documents are appropriate for the individual application.
If your Social Security card has been lost, you may be able to request a replacement online.
SSA says that, in most cases, knowing your Social Security number is enough and you may not actually need a new physical card. However, if you need one, you can apply online or in person.
Steps to Replace a Lost Card Online
- Access the SSA Social Security Number and Card service.
- Review the eligibility questions.
- Sign in to your my Social Security account if the online replacement option is available to you.
- Follow the instructions provided by SSA.
- Submit the required information.
- Complete any additional verification requested by SSA.
- If an office visit is required, schedule the appointment.
- Provide any required original documents.
SSA’s online account also provides access to other services, including requesting a replacement Social Security number card and uploading documents.
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Yes. A stolen Social Security card can be replaced through the SSA process.
However, replacing the card does not change your Social Security number. The replacement card generally carries the same SSN.
If your card was stolen, it is also important to be cautious about identity theft. Your Social Security number is sensitive personal information, so avoid giving it to people or websites that do not have a legitimate reason to request it.
If information connected with your Social Security record is incorrect, you can request a corrected card when applicable.
Depending on the correction, SSA may require documentation proving the correct information.
Examples include corrections to:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Parent’s name
- Citizenship
- Immigration status
SSA says some record corrections can be started through the online replacement-card process, but applicants may be required to bring original supporting documents to an SSA field office or Card Center.
If you legally change your name, you should update your Social Security record.
Common reasons include:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Court-ordered name change
- Another legally recognized name change
SSA states that a name change is handled by requesting a replacement Social Security card. Depending on the situation, the request may be completed online or may require an appointment at an SSA office.
Your Social Security number normally does not change because of a name change. The replacement card will show the updated name.
Why Should You Update Your Name With SSA?
If you are working, SSA recommends updating its records after a legal name change.
Keeping your name consistent with your Social Security record can help prevent problems with wage records and potential delays when filing taxes.
How to Correct Your Date of Birth
If your date of birth is incorrect in your Social Security record, you can request a correction.
SSA lists several documents that may be accepted as evidence, including:
- Birth certificate
- U.S. hospital record of birth
- Certain early religious records
- Valid passport
- Final adoption decree showing information from the original birth certificate
- Tribal identification card
The document requirements can vary according to the applicant’s circumstances.
How to Correct Your Place of Birth
If your place of birth is incorrect, SSA may require documentation supporting the correct information.
Examples of documents SSA lists include:
- Birth certificate
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Federal or state census record
- Foreign birth certificate
- Certain religious records established before age 5
You may need to present original documents or certified copies as required by SSA.
How to Correct a Parent’s Name
SSA also allows certain corrections involving a parent’s name.
Documents that may be accepted can include:
- Birth certificate showing the correct name
- Final adoption decree
- Court determination of paternity
- Foreign passport
The appropriate evidence depends on the specific correction being requested.
How to Update Citizenship or Immigration Status
If your citizenship or immigration status has changed, you should update your information with SSA.
For example, a person who becomes a U.S. citizen may need to update the citizenship information on the Social Security record.
SSA says this is done by requesting a replacement Social Security card. Depending on the situation, you may be able to start the process online and then attend an appointment to provide proof of your identity and new status.
Naturalized citizens may be able to request a replacement card online when SSA has already verified and recorded their citizenship.
What Documents Do You Need?
The documents required depend on what you are trying to do.
| Situation | Examples of documents SSA may require |
|---|---|
| Prove identity | U.S. driver’s license, state ID or U.S. passport |
| Prove U.S. citizenship | U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport |
| Prove naturalization | Certificate of Naturalization |
| Prove immigration status | Permanent Resident Card or Employment Authorization Document |
| Correct date of birth | Birth certificate, passport or other qualifying document |
| Correct place of birth | Birth certificate, passport or other qualifying record |
| Correct parent’s name | Birth certificate, adoption decree or other qualifying document |
| Change legal name | Appropriate legal name-change documentation |
SSA has specific rules about acceptable evidence, and the documents must generally be current. Ordinary photocopies and notarized copies may not be accepted in situations where original or certified documents are required.
In many cases, yes.
SSA says eligible applicants may request a replacement Social Security card online using a personal my Social Security account. One current SSA pathway is for adults who meet the online eligibility requirements, including having a U.S. mailing address.
However, not everyone can complete the entire process online.
If online completion is not available for your particular situation, SSA may allow you to start the application online and then schedule an appointment at a Social Security office or Card Center.
A personal my Social Security account is SSA’s online gateway for many Social Security services.
Depending on your circumstances, the account can be used to:
- Request a replacement Social Security number card
- Change your name
- Upload documents
- Submit online forms
- View your Social Security Statement
- Check your earnings record
- Obtain certain benefit letters
- Manage other Social Security services
A replacement Social Security card is free.
You should be cautious of websites or individuals asking you to pay a fee simply to replace your Social Security card. SSA’s replacement-card service does not charge a fee.
How Many Replacement Cards Can You Get?
For a U.S.-born adult, SSA generally limits replacement Social Security cards to:
- 3 replacement cards per year
- 10 replacement cards during a lifetime
Certain situations are not counted toward these limits, including legal name changes and some other qualifying circumstances. SSA also says an individual may not be affected by the limits when they can establish a significant hardship requiring the card.
How Long Does It Take to Receive a Replacement Card?
After SSA completes the request and verifies the necessary information and documents, the replacement card is mailed to you.
For certain updates, SSA states that the replacement card is received by mail in approximately 5 to 10 business days after the information has been updated and the request is completed.
Actual processing can depend on the type of request and whether additional verification or an office appointment is required.
What If You Cannot Apply Online?
If the online service is not available for you, you can still pursue the request through SSA.
You may need to:
- Start the application online, if available.
- Schedule an appointment.
- Visit your local Social Security office or Card Center.
- Complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, when required.
- Bring the required original documents or certified copies.
- Complete the identity and eligibility verification process.
SSA says applicants who do not begin the application online can complete and print Form SS-5 before visiting an office.
Not necessarily.
Some applicants can complete their request online. Others must visit an SSA office because their particular request requires documents or verification that cannot be completed through the online service.
For example, an online request involving a correction that cannot be electronically verified may result in an appointment being scheduled.
Do not simply request another copy without addressing the incorrect information.
Instead, tell SSA what information is wrong and provide the documentation required to prove the correct information.
For some corrections, the updated information belongs to your Social Security record and may not necessarily appear on the physical card. SSA specifically notes that certain corrections to information such as place of birth or a parent’s name will not appear on the Social Security card itself.
Normally, replacing a lost, stolen or damaged card does not mean receiving a new Social Security number.
A replacement card is generally issued with your existing SSN.
Similarly, a legal name change normally results in a corrected card showing your new name rather than a new Social Security number.
Losing the physical card does not necessarily mean you have lost your Social Security number.
SSA points out that, in most situations, knowing your SSN is sufficient and you may not need a replacement physical card.
If you cannot remember your SSN, your situation is different from simply requesting a replacement card, and SSA may require additional verification.
Important: Use the Official SSA Website
Because Social Security numbers are highly sensitive, use the official Social Security Administration website when applying for or replacing a card.
Avoid websites that imitate government services or request unnecessary personal information or payment.
SSA provides its own online Social Security card service and my Social Security account for eligible users.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply through the Social Security Administration. Depending on your situation, you may be able to complete the request online or may need to visit an SSA office with the required documents.
If your card was lost, stolen or damaged, you may be eligible to request a replacement through your my Social Security account. If online replacement is unavailable, you may need to complete the application at an SSA office or Card Center.
Request a replacement or corrected card and provide documents supporting the correction. SSA may require an office appointment for certain changes.
No. SSA states that replacement Social Security cards are free.
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to request a replacement online through a personal my Social Security account. Eligibility depends on your circumstances.
Yes. A legal name change can be handled by requesting a replacement Social Security card and providing the required evidence.
Yes. SSA provides a process for correcting a date of birth and lists acceptable documents that can be used to support the correction.
After SSA completes the request and verifies the required information, the card is mailed to you. For certain completed updates, SSA says delivery can take about 5 to 10 business days.
Generally, no. A replacement card normally carries the same Social Security number.
What if I cannot replace my card online?
You can still apply through SSA. Depending on your situation, you may be asked to schedule an appointment and provide original or certified documents at a Social Security office or Card Center.
If you need to get, replace or correct a Social Security card, start with the official Social Security Administration card service. Eligible applicants may be able to complete a replacement request online through my Social Security, while other applicants may need an appointment and supporting documents.
The process is free, and the documents you need depend on whether you are applying for a first Social Security card, replacing a lost or stolen card, changing your name, or correcting information on your Social Security record.