Social Security Number and Card

A New – and Faster – Way to Request a Social Security Card

June 3, 2022 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: June 3, 2022

Senior couple reviewing information onlineDo you need to apply for an original or replacement Social Security Number card?

We now have a new – and faster – way for you to start online.

When you go to our Social Security Number and Card webpage, we now ask you a series of questions to determine whether you can:

 

  • Complete the application process online.
  • Start the application process online, then bring any required documents to your local office to complete the application, typically in less time.

Once you complete your application (online or in-person), we will mail the card after we process the application. Please understand that we don’t issue cards at our offices.

Check your local office’s status

If you need to visit an office, we encourage you to first check the office’s status at our Office Closings and Emergencies page. Our offices tend to be the busiest in the morning, early in the week, and during the early part of the month. You may want to plan to visit at other times. 

Finish your application in the office

If you need to visit an office, please follow these steps to complete the application:

  1. Learn what types of documents you need to bring to your local office.
  2. Print and save the online control number shown once you complete the online application.
  3. Bring the online control number – along with the documents – to your local office within 45 days to finish your application. Find your local office using our Office Locator.
  4. Check-in at the kiosk when you arrive.
  5. Meet with one of our employees to verify the information that you completed online, and to review the documentation.

That’s it! You’ll receive the card in the mail, usually within 7 – 10 business days.

We’re continuously expanding our services to put you in control and help you secure today and tomorrow for you and your family. Please share this information with your friends and family – and post it on social media.

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About the Author

Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

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Comments

  1. Brandon

    I requested Social Security card replacement on 10/18/2022. I received an email on 10/22/2022 stating that I would receive my replacement card within the next 5-7 business days. I still have not received my card. It has been over 4 weeks.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Brandon. We are sorry to hear that. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this is resolved soon. 

  2. Amanda

    My daughter got married recently. She went to the local office and had her name changed and received her social security card in the mail. Her new last name is spelled incorrectly. Does she have to go back to the local office to have this corrected?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Amanda. We are sorry to hear that. Please have your daughter contact her local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this is resolved soon. 

  3. Ida

    Why don’t you provide digital versions of the card? That way, I can download it to my phone or computer and not worry about losing the paper copy! And you can stop spending money printing and mailing them.

  4. Sherry A.

    My husband passed away 1 year ago and I was told to mail his social security card with the death certificate to the Social Security Office. I now find I need the card for other government applications. Can I apply online to get a copy and how long does it take? Thank you

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Sherry. We are sorry to hear about your loss. You cannot make this request online. First, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. For assistance, please contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  5. Teresa K.

    I’m trying to request a replacement social security card online for my child. I don’t know her social security number. Can I submit the application online but filling out the SSN question with zeroes?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Teresa. Thanks for your questions. First, you cannot submit an application for a child online. Second, for information on how to obtain a replacement Social Security card, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. You will need to present documents proving your identity, your child’s identity and citizenship status (if not already established), and evidence of your relationship to, or responsibility for, your child. Keep in mind the submitted documents must be originals. You can use birth certificates to prove your child’s age or citizenship; however, you cannot use it as proof of identity. We hope this helps.

  6. MELISSA R.

    I WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR A NEW Social Security Number card?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Melissa. Thank you for visiting our blog. First, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. We hope this helps. 

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