How Do I Get a Replacement Social Security Card?

Whether you lost your Social Security card, it was destroyed, or you need to replace your old card with a new one due to a name change or other change, in most cases you can submit an application for a replacement card online. When you do not meet the eligibility criteria to apply for a replacement online, you will have to visit your local Social Security Administration office to submit a replacement application.

Your Social Security card is an official form of identification, and each person has a unique Social Security number listed on his or her card. It is important to keep your card in a secure location, but there may be times you need to get a replacement card. How do you get a replacement Social Security card? You can contact the Social Security Administration here for information, and below are steps you can take to replace your Social Security card.

Getting a Replacement Social Security Card

There are two ways you can get a replacement Social Security card: online and in person.

Online

In some instances, you can request a replacement Social Security card online by doing the following:

  1. Open "my Social Security account" online.
  2. Log into your account.
  3. In the menu on the screen, select "Replace Your Social Security Card."
  4. Confirm your email address.
  5. Select whether you have a state issued driver's license or identification card.
  6. Click on the state that issued your license or ID.
  7. Select whether you are requesting a social security card for someone else.
  8. Click on the correct response to the question regarding name change.
  9. Confirm your date of birth.
  10. Answer the question regarding your mailing address.
  11. Select the correct response to the question regarding change your date of birth, place of birth, citizenship or parents' names.
  12. Click "Next."
  13. Input your information in the form that opens.
  14. Read and accept the "Electronic signature" information.
  15. Click "Submit."
  16. You will receive an email with the status of your request and any additional information you may need to complete your request.

In Person

If you need to get a replacement card for someone you are legally responsible for, or if you are ineligible to get a replacement card via the online portal, you will have to visit you local Social Security Administration office and request a replacement in person. To get a replacement card, you will need to show the following documents:

  1. United States driver's license or identification, or
  2. US Passport.
  3. You may also need to provide a certified copy of your birth certificate, adoption paperwork, marriage license or other official government document that can confirm identity.

At the SSA office, you will fill out an application for a replacement card. New cards are mailed to your home address and arrive in 7-10 business days in most cases.

If you need a replacement Social Security card, and need more information, contact the Social Security Administration here.

Further questions?

Ask a followup or related question and we will try to provide an answer in seconds.
Christian has been writing about long hold times and customer service call center experiences since 2010. He's been featured in Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe.

Help from Real People

We partner with a US-based company with live tech support experts available 24/7. Take advantage of a $5 one-week trial membership and chat with an expert now.
Chat with an expert

Why does GetHuman Write How-to Guides for Social Security Problems?

GetHuman has been working for over 10 years on sourcing information about big organizations like Social Security in order to help customers resolve customer service issues faster. We started with contact information and fastest ways to reach a human at big companies. Particularly ones with slow or complicated IVR or phone menu systems. Or companies that have self-serve help forums instead of a customer service department. From there, we realized that consumers still needed more detailed help solving the most common problems, so we expanded to this set of guides, which grows every day. And if you spot any issues with our How Do I Get a Replacement Social Security Card? guide, please let us know by sending us feedback. We want to be as helpful as possible. If you appreciated this guide, please share it with your favorite people. Our free information and tools is powered by you, the customer. The more people that use it, the better it gets.

Social Security

Asked 3 years ago
Updated 2 years ago
Viewed 988,151 times
Social Security
Social Security card
replacement Social Security card

Speak to An Expert Now

We partner with a US-based expert help site to provide you with tech support 24/7. Enjoy a $5 one-week trial membership and chat with a live expert now.
Get Live Expert Help
Was this page helpful?YesNeeds work
Sharing is what powers GetHuman's free customer service contact information and tools. You can help!