Need a replacement Social Security card? Whether you lost it or it was damaged, here's how to get a new one quickly and easily.
In this article, we'll cover:
- When you need a replacement
- How to apply online
- How to apply in person
- Required documents
1. When You Need a Replacement
Common reasons:
- Lost card
- Stolen card
- Damaged/worn card
- Name change
- Citizenship status update
When you don't need one:
- You just need your number (can get online)
- Employer verification (number is enough)
- Most situations don't require physical card
Limits on replacements:
- 3 replacement cards per year
- 10 replacement cards per lifetime
- Exceptions for legal name changes
- Exceptions for other special situations
2. How to Apply Online
Use my Social Security:
- Go to ssa.gov/myaccount
- Sign in or create account
- Select "Replacement Documents"
- Choose "Social Security Card"
- Complete application
- Card mailed to you
Requirements for online:
- U.S. citizen age 18+
- Have a my Social Security account
- Have a U.S. mailing address
- Not requesting name change
- Some states only
Benefits of online:
- No office visit needed
- Quick and convenient
- Available 24/7
- Track status online
Important: Online replacement is only available in participating states. Check if your state participates at ssa.gov.
3. How to Apply in Person or by Mail
By mail:
- Complete Form SS-5
- Gather required documents
- Mail to local SSA office
- Card mailed back to you
In person:
- Visit local Social Security office
- Bring Form SS-5 (or complete there)
- Bring required documents
- May get faster processing
Finding your local office:
- Use ssa.gov/locator
- Call 1-800-772-1213
- Some offices require appointments
- Check current procedures
Processing time:
- Usually 2-4 weeks
- Sometimes faster in person
- Check status if delayed
- Don't apply multiple times
4. Required Documents
Proof of identity (one of these):
- U.S. passport
- Driver's license
- State ID card
- U.S. military ID
For U.S. citizens:
- Identity document only
- No citizenship proof needed if records already show it
- May need birth certificate if not in SSA records
For name change:
- Legal document showing old and new name
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order
For non-citizens:
- Immigration documents
- Work authorization
- Passport
- I-551 (green card)
Documents must be:
- Original or certified copies
- Not photocopies
- Unexpired (for IDs)
- In good condition
Special Situations
Name change:
- Need document showing both old and new names
- Social Security will update records
- New card with new name
- Free of charge
Child's card:
- Parent can apply for child
- Need child's birth certificate
- Need parent's ID
- May need proof of relationship
No ID available:
- Contact SSA about alternatives
- May accept combination of documents
- Explain your situation
- They can work with you
Protecting Your Card
Once you receive it:
- Store in safe place
- Don't carry in wallet
- Memorize the number
- Don't share unnecessarily
If stolen:
- Report identity theft
- Place fraud alert with credit bureaus
- Monitor credit reports
- Get replacement card
Preventing theft:
- Keep card at home
- Shred old documents with SSN
- Be careful where you share number
- Check credit regularly
How Purple Helps
Purple keeps your financial identity safe:
- Secure account management
- Clear transaction tracking
- Early access to benefits
- No need to show physical card often
- Direct deposit of SSI/SSDI