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

Comments

  1. Jacqualyn M.

    I’m an expat living in Germany. I’ve lost my Social Security Card and would like to replace it via normal mail (since I don’t have a state-side address). Must I put my original passport and birth certificate in the in the envelope along with the application form? I really don’t feel comfortable doing this. Notaries are expensive.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Jacqualyn. Thanks for visiiting our blog. Since you are living outside of the U.S., please contact your local  Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.

  2. Michael P.

    My driver’s licences is expired and it suposed to take year get it replaced

  3. William E.

    How can recover the social security number for a client if they do not remember the first 5 numbers of it, born in Cuba and stated they received a work permit for 2 years if that will help

    • Ann C.

      Hi, William. Thanks for visiting our blog. Your client should contact his local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps. 

  4. Hemlata

    I applied for new SSN on 7th March and still I did not got one. Each time I call SSA office for status they mention that your application is with DHS for verification and verification is pending, you need to wait.
    Its almost more that 3 months now I am waiting. Any help will be appreciated.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Hemlata. We are sorry to hear about your situation. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  5. Keith H.

    Great

  6. San P.

    I would like to be enroll or apply for my SSA card as a Son of a deceased US Veteran and a NY former Hastings on Hudson resident ,a US citizen of the Philippines Island USA of those years was a US colony of the USA 1900-1945 as well living in the NY, USA since his travel in 1926-1954 às a Honorable Discharged US Veteran…
    As a son born in the Philippines in August 31,1959 is seeking to apply my SSA card and also for I may avail if of the SSI or if for old age.my father died in June 1975 seeking for us the children to go for the NY but we were denied for USA travel of the time Martial law was in proclamation the Philippines 1972 that thereby he was on to his early age of death1975 and also his NY Hastings residence was Adversed Trespassed untill was sold for case that eventually lose our ownership by his tenants who did was on as a trespasser of those time seeking to buy or own it by adverse possession which also of his denied US travel with all of us Mother Florentine and children on his application for a Returning resident visa though a US veteran citizen but to his death and made my Mother mentally ill of her early death and loss
    though also she was on receipt of my fathers SSS Old Age Disability Pension up to her old age death in 1985 …
    I as his Son is seeking of what I may be entitled as a Son of his SSA name was
    San Delacruz Padayao and her wife ,my mother is Florentine Esplana Padayao.
    Can I hear as to seek what are to be if now my age is 62 born in August 31,1959…
    What I may seek to apply of Benefits?
    I look forward to hear to do from you this all I seek inquiry …

    • Ann C.

      Hi, San. Since you are living outside of the U.S., please contact your local  Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.

  7. Sanita R.

    Someone has access to my account and stolen identity theft. What will I need to do find out whose using it.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Sanita. We are sorry to hear that. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance with your account. As far as the identity theft issues, generally, those are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, check out our publication, Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number. We hope this helps.

  8. Keith B.

    I meet all of the stated requirements however the website says “you cannot complete a replacement card request via this application”. the “helpdesk” also claims that they have no way to determine why I don’t meet whatever secret criteria it is using. checking the link you provided says I can.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Keith. 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. If you are unable to apply online for a card, please visit our Social Security Number and Card page to learn about more options on how to apply. We hope this helps. 

  9. Miguel A.

    So since you’re the kid has a social security numbers check again Miguel Angel Pacheco

  10. Mohammed S.

    Hello,
    I was trying to update my name as one letter is missing on my SSN card. While trying to update my name, it was not accepting that last letter.
    What steps should I follow?
    Please advise.
    Thank you in advance.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Mohammed. Thanks for visiting our blog. For more informationa about how to correct your name on your Social Security card, please visit our Frequently Asked Quesions. We hope this helps. 

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