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. Victoria L.

    What if I can’t show up within the 45 days with the paper work because I do not live near the office. How would I go about to getting a replacement social security card?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Victoria. 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. 

      • Richard A.

        I’m trying to get a replacement of my card

        • Ann C.

          Hi, Richard. 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. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps. 

  2. Guillermo

    Cómo puedo solicitar un número de seguro social

  3. Michelle

    My local office must not be aware of this new process. After submitting an application for replacement cards for my two sons online, I was instructed to bring the paperwork to my local office. After waiting 1.5 hours, when I went to the window with my documents, I was told “you can not submit an application for replacement cards for your children on line. It clearly says that.” I was told to step out of line and fill out applications. By that time, I had to leave for another appointment. I returned later that day and waited another 2.5 hours. Four hours just to get replacement cards.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Michelle. We are sorry to hear you did not receive the level of customer service you expected and we can understand your frustration. You can submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this helps.

  4. Bikash B.

    Do every one gets a card in 7-10 days?If some has to wait longer what could be the reason.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Bikash. Thanks for visiting our blog. We are required to verify the documents you submit when you apply for your Social Security card. If you are referring to a replacement Social Security card, you should receive your Social Security card by mail within 10 business days after we received your application. If you applied for a first time Social Security card, it may take longer. To follow up on your application for a Social Security number, wait 30 days after you applied and return to the Social Security office where you filed your application. When you go, take the documents you originally presented as evidence. We hope this helps.

  5. Holly B.

    In need of verification of social security card same day as applying for one. . .is that possible ?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Holly. 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. Once you’ve submitted all the needed documents, it can take up to 10 business days from the date we received the application to mail a replacement card. We hope this helps.

      • Willie M.

        Is there anyway I can show proof that I have a card while I wait.

      • Bikash B.

        USCIS forcefully changed my 3 word name to 2 word name in my green card.My new name without middle name still carries the old SSN?

    • Vickie P.

      Can I get a social security card in 1 day

      • Ann C.

        Hi, Vickie. 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. Once you’ve submitted all the needed documents, it can take up to 10 business days from the date we received the application to mail a replacement card. We hope this helps.

        • Lori S.

          Tell the license branch that I dont need a card for a minor. Crazy circle of red tape.

  6. Michael P.

    I am trying to get a Replacement Social Security card online however the website tells me “We’re sorry. You cannot complete a replacement card request via this application.” All the information on the website indicates I should be able to do this without having to go to my local social security office. Why is this happening?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Michael. We are sorry to hear that. For your security, we do not have access to information about your account in this venue. Please 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.

  7. PPN

    YOUR WEBSITE INFERS THAT YOU CAN HAVE A REPLACEMENT SS CARD DONE ONLINE. IT IS A LIE. AT THE END OF THE ONLINE QUESTIONS IT STATES THAT YOU CANNOT GET THE SS CARD ON LINE. IT REFERS YOU TO YOUR LOCAL OFFICE. YOU CALL YOUR LOCAL OFFICE AND THEY SAY YOU CAN DO IT ALL ONLINE. ARE YOU AWARE OF THIS CLOSED LOOP????

  8. Edgar. L.

    My child was born in Mexico. I recently, got him his us citizenship and his us passport
    Can I get his social security card in your office ?
    And if I can what paper work do I need

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Edgar. Thanks for your question. To see how to obtain a new Social Security card for your child and what documents you need, please visit our Learn What Documents You Will Need To Get A Social Security Card page. Most local offices have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn more, including what to know if you need to visit an office. We hope this helps.

  9. Patricia A.

    I am needing my name changed on my social security card and I have mailed the application and materials in twice and have been denied both times and the office seems to be closed in ownesboro Kentucky what do I need to do to get this situation changed

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Patricia. We are sorry to hear that. To check the specific operation status for your office, please visit here. Most local offices have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn more, including what to know if you need to visit an office. We hope this helps.

  10. Holly R.

    I never received my daughter (now 7) ss card ever I have her number that dss gave me but need a card out local office is too far to travel w/o car how do I order one this is the 7 th year I have tried they made me change her middle name and I still have not received one her father hasn’t either

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Holly. We are sorry to hear that. For information on how to replace your daughter’s Social Security card and what documents you need, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps. 

Comments are closed.