If you lose your Social Security card, you can request a free replacement.
In most cases, you can start or complete the request online with a Social Security account. But for more complicated requests, you might need to make the request in person.
Once the Social Security Administration (SSA) verifies your documents and approves your request, you can expect to receive your replacement Social Security card in the mail within 14 business days.
To find out whether you’re eligible to apply online, even in part, go to the SSA’s website and answer a brief questionnaire.
How to apply for a new Social Security card online
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At the top of your profile, select the header titled “Replace your Social Security Card.” From there, you’ll have to complete a short questionnaire to determine whether you can complete the full application online.
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Complete the form provided. If you can complete your request online, the site will take you to the online form. If you need to complete part of the request in person, you can follow the link to a different online form before visiting an office with the documentation needed to complete your request.
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When does your online application need to be completed in person?
For more complicated replacement card requests, it’s possible to start a request online, but you’ll need to finish the process by visiting a Social Security office with the necessary documents. Some examples of when an office visit is required include:
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If you’re applying for a replacement card for your child.
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If you’re not a U.S. citizen.
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If you’re changing your name.
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If you don’t have an unexpired driver’s license or non-driver’s state-issued ID.
In rare cases — for example, if you don’t have a U.S. mailing address — it’s not possible to start your request online. Instead, you’ll need to visit a Social Security office.
How to apply for a new Social Security card in person
Everyone can apply for a new Social Security card in person. For more complicated requests where an online request form isn’t available, this might be the only option. Here’s what to do:
Documents you’ll need
For a replacement Social Security card, you will need the following documents:
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Proof of U.S. citizenship. This could be a U.S. birth certificate or a U.S. passport.
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Proof of identity. Acceptable proof of identification must be current and show your name, date of birth or age and a recent photograph. This could be a U.S. driver’s license, a state-issued non-driver identification card or a U.S. passport.
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If you don’t have one of these three specific documents and you can’t get a replacement for one within 10 days, Social Security will ask to see other documents that can be used as secondary identification. These include employee identification cards, school identification cards, health insurance cards (not a Medicare card) or U.S. military identification cards.
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Proof of immigration status if not a U.S. citizen. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must prove your U.S. immigration status via one of the following:
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The SSA notes that “generally, only noncitizens who have permission to work from DHS (Department of Homeland Security) can apply for a Social Security number.”
If you’re making changes, you’ll also need supporting documents
In addition to the documents that are always required, there are certain situations in which you will need secondary documentation to finish your application for a replacement card.
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If you are changing your name because of marriage or divorce: You’ll need an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree.
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If you’re changing your place of birth: You’ll need a birth certificate, federal or state census record, or religious record established before age 5 showing age or date of birth.
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If you need to change the name of the parent listed on a child’s record: You’ll need a supporting document, like an amended birth certificate or a final adoption decree.
If you do not have any of the required documents listed above, you will need to visit your local Social Security office to ask about potential alternatives.
How often can I request a new Social Security card?
How do I contact Social Security?
How long does it take to receive my new card in the mail?
Can I complete the entire process by mail without visiting a Social Security office?