How to Replace a Social Security Card in 3 Steps

One of the biggest worries of misplacing or losing your Social Security card is that someone might find it and use your SSN to open up new accounts in your name. Social Security fraud can affect your credit report and lead to a lengthy recovery process. To help mitigate the damage, it’s crucial to replace your Social Security card and enroll in an identity theft protection service. We’ll help you get started.

How do I apply for a replacement Social Security card online?

To apply for a replacement SSN card online, first check your eligibility options in your my Social Security account online portal. Most people located in the U.S. are eligible to use the online application and should be able to complete the online version of Form SS-5 and submit it directly to the Social Security Administration.

And regardless of whether you’re applying for a replacement Social Security card online or in person, the steps are similar.

Here’s what to do to apply for a replacement Social Security card:

1. Gather necessary documents

Before heading to the Social Security office or applying online, you need to collect official documents to verify your identity and eligibility for a replacement card. Here are a few examples of documents that can verify your identity when you need to get a new Social Security card:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship: A U.S. birth certificate or passport.
• Proof of identity: A U.S. driver’s license, a state-issued non-driver identification card, or a U.S. passport.
• Proof of immigration status: Either Form I-551, Form I-766 EAD, Form I-94, or a valid admission stamp on an unexpired foreign passport.

Having all the necessary documents on hand will help streamline the application process for your replacement Social Security card.

2. Access your Social Security account

In most cases, you may be able to replace your lost Social Security card online. To see if you're eligible for this option, go to the Social Security Administration's official website and create a my Social Security account. This online portal allows you to manage various aspects of your Social Security benefits, including requesting a replacement card.

After logging in, look for the option labeled Replace Your Social Security Card and follow the on-screen instructions.

Not everyone is eligible to replace their Social Security card online, but it's worth checking through your my Social Security account before proceeding with the in-person application process. If you’re eligible for online requests, it’ll save you a trip to the Social Security Administration offices.

3. Complete the replacement request form

Whether you apply online or in person, you'll need to complete the Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5). This form gathers essential information about you and the status of your Social Security card to help verify your identity and keep it safe during the replacement process.

If you can’t finish the application in one sitting, filing online allows you to save your progress and submit the application electronically.

If applying online isn't an option for you, download and print a copy of Form SS-5 to complete by hand. Bring the completed form and supporting documents to your local Social Security office.

How to replace your Social Security card in person

If you can’t or don’t want to apply online, you can visit your closest Social Security office to submit your replacement request in person—just be sure to prepare all of your important identity verification documents beforehand.

Here's what you'll need to do to get a Social Security card replacement in person:

1. Find your nearest Social Security office: Check out the SSA Office Locator tool to find a local office. Enter your ZIP code, and the locator will show you the nearest office and how to get there.
2. Prepare Form SS-5 beforehand: While you can obtain a copy of Form SS-5 at the office, it saves time to complete it before you visit.
3. Gather your supporting documents: Remember to bring all the necessary documents outlined in section 1, such as proof of citizenship, identity verification, and immigration status, if applicable.

By following these steps, you can replace your Social Security card in person at your local Social Security office. Although you won’t be able to get a replacement card immediately, you can report suspected identity theft the same day if you need to.

Key considerations when changing your Social Security card

Beyond replacing a lost or stolen card, there are other situations where you may need to update your Social Security card information —particularly when you change your legal name. Doing so will help safeguard against identity fraud or identity theft.

Here are a few scenarios when you need to change your Social Security card:

• Marriage or divorce: Provide an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree as proof of the name change.
• Adoption: Prepare the original or certified copies of the adoption decree and any other legal documents that establish the new legal name of the adoptee. This may include an amended birth certificate reflecting the adoptive parents' names.
• Court hearing: Bring a certified copy of the court order that legalized your new name. The order should explicitly state your previous legal name and your new legal name.

Of course, if you legally change any other information on your personal record, such as immigration status, citizenship, or gender marker, you also need to notify the Social Security administration—though you may not need a new Social Security card.

Help protect your identity with LifeLock

Losing your Social Security card can leave your sensitive information exposed. If someone uses that information fraudulently, it will damage your credit report and could lead to a lengthy recovery process.

LifeLock Standard can help provide peace of mind with its comprehensive identity theft protection services that monitor for suspicious activity involving your Social Security number and other personal information. Should the worst happen, LifeLock Standard also includes recovery assistance that can help you restore your identity.

FAQs about how to replace a Social Security card

Still have questions about how to replace a Social Security card? We’ve got answers.

How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?

Online processing times may vary, but it typically takes around two weeks if you have all the necessary documents and verifications prepared beforehand. If you need to supplement your application with more documents after the initial request, the processing time increases.

Can I get a replacement Social Security card at my local office?

Yes, you can visit your local Social Security office to submit a replacement request. Just ensure you have all the necessary documents prepared beforehand.

Can I request and get a new Social Security card on the same day?

No, you cannot get a replacement Social Security card on the same day you request a replacement. The process typically takes around two weeks if all necessary documents are submitted at the time of application.