A New – and Faster – Way to Request a Social Security Card
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: June 3, 2022
Do 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:
- Learn what types of documents you need to bring to your local office.
- Print and save the online control number shown once you complete the online application.
- 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.
- Check-in at the kiosk when you arrive.
- 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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Tags: social security, Social Security benefits, Social Security card
See CommentsAbout the Author
Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
Comments
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Nazar G.
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Maria H.
Hi, I had received my green card two weeks ago, how can I know if USCIS has already sent my information to SSA for aplying a Social Security Card?
A.C.
Hi, Maria. Thanks for your question. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. Please call us to discuss your specific question.. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Bruce E.
Does the social security administration. Have any thing to do with the bank us.directexpress . They shut my card off and won’t turn it back on so I can pay my bills Exctra. Please advise .brleewright@gmail.com or 402-992-1481 my name is Bruce Wright
Jamika M.
I can’t get in the building with a “Real” I.D because our SS office is in the Federal building.
Also, every time I try to do it online, it sends me back to the log in screen so how is it possible to get cards for me and my kids if I can’t get through???
A.C.
Hi, Jamika. We are sorry to hear that. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hpoe this is resolved soon.
A.C.
Hi, Bruce. We’re sorry to hear about the issues you are experiencing. We can only advise you to contact Direct Express Customer Service at 1-888-741-1115. If that’s the number you already called, and you are still having problems, you can log into your card account by visiting their website or you can call their customer service department number on the back of your card.
For your security, we do not have access to information about your account in this venue. To discuss the activity on your account you’ll need to continue contacting your financial institution. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media.We hope your situation is resolved soon.
Nanoy B.
What should I do when I did not received my social security within the promised duration of 5-10 business? I had call social security officeI and the agent said that it was mailed to my current given address on the form. After 22 days, I went to my assigned local office and applied for another one.
Is there a way that I can track the mail? I would like to know what happen to my first social security card that was send out to me that I never received. I am afraid that someone might have my social security card and use my idenity. What should I do?
A.C.
Hi, Nancy. We are sorry to hear about your experience. If you ever suspect someone is using your Social Security number, you should go to http://www.idtheft.gov and report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). For more information, check out our publication, Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number. Thanks, we hope this helps.
Cary c.
It is sad that the social security card replacement online service is all catered to folks living in the U.S. with U.S. addresses. For us living abroad are out of luck. Even though we are paying Social Security Taxes or withdrawing from our social security retirement, i.e. have active social security accounts. Sure is a lots of red red tape still in the system.
richard c.
I don’t understand the having to go to the office. If a person has a social security account and you can verify who it is then reguardless of where they live there is no reason to go to a office. Yet there are states that mandate you go to the office. Lets set rules that work for everyone.
Sami A.
How I can renew my social security card because my card it’s damaged
A.C.
Hi, Sami. Thanks 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.
Jean C.
My SSN card was stolen.. so how can I get a new card? Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Jean. We are sorry to hear that. 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.
Virginia
Thank you for the information. The instructions sound so easy however the Twin Cities (TC), MN have only ONE Social Security office listed. Since the process is so easy shouldn’t other offices in more secure areas with easier access in the TC’s be able to provide a replacement social security card?
Steve m.
I have set up one of these ID info. To ID me in regards to have my Social Security card replaced due to the hurricane Harvey back in 2017 here in Houston Texas. Destroyed my Social Security card or certificate but I receive my first certificate not long ago so I’m meeting my Social Security card and very difficult to get online to request a Replace my new card
joni b.
How is this faster? They still have to GO to the office and often times, forget the control number and still don’t have the right proofs!!! This really wastes EVERYONEs time!
John J.
A lot of what you’re saying is true. The 5 step process would I believe turn one off. The form is easy to complete. A service rep filled it out at the front window in a couple of minutes. Just call ahead to find out the proofs you need especially for a name change. The birth certificate is only used to have the number assigned, not used for a replacement card ever.
Dawn
I think I have to agree with you.