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. Cal

    I have a new employee who has applied for a replacement card online. She needs to show the card to meet federal regulations and we believed that getting a replacement SS card would be the quickest, as there is only 3 days allowed before she must stop working.

    Based on what I have read her best option for her to get her replacement card is to go to a field office. If she does go to a field office will she leave with her card this day?
    Thank you for your assistance.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Cal. Thanks for visiting our blog. Social Security cards are mailed from a central location based on the information entered into the enumeration processing system at the local Social Security office, card center, or online. Typically, individuals should receive their replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days, after we verify their documents and process their application. For additional specific questions, your employee can contact their local Social Security office. We hope this helps. 

  2. LRN

    HI,
    I just got my EAD card or work permit from USCIS and I would like to apply for ssn. Will you accept my application or will you issue me SSN if I only have my ead card and birth certificate? Thank you!

  3. Dan V.

    If a SSA Card is not required from others except in rare cases, which I have such a situation, then why do we have to go into the SSA office after completing the online form, having facial recognition, etc to have the documents valided? The lines are very long at the nearby office and it will take me 4 hours waiting time at a minimum.
    Make the process fully online. The online application does not make things much faster.
    Also, it’s very misleading to say that you can get a SSA Card online. That’s not true.

  4. MAURICIO

    hola. he tenido problemas con mi tarjeta de seguro social y me informan en el banco que la fecha nacimiento esta mal en la tarjeta de seguro social. que debo hacer para verificar la información que reposa en el SSI

  5. B W.

    I lost all my documents in a fire. I do not work, I don’t have any medical records or anything. How can I get my social security card without identification?

    • Shawna A.

      You should be able to call any medical office to get a copy of your medical records. It is illegal for them to withhold that with request.

    • Carie

      I just went through the same issue and had to get a letter signed by my Dr that stated my Name, my SSI number and that I was who I am to get my SSI Card. It also helped that I had info from the Red Cross, who had come to the Fire to offer assistance with getting everything. They also gave me a copy of the Report that there was a fire and if the Red Cross didn’t help you, you should call them The report can also be acquire at the Fire Department that came to put the Fire out Yet the Red Cross will not only help you get all of your ID’s again, they should assist with getting any medications or anything else including even giving you a debit card to pay for some things. Mine was for only $515,00, but every little bit helps, whether monetary or someone physically bring the necessities needed for daily life like even toothbrushes and other such supplies in a care package. I didn’t get that but was able to use the debit card to pay for those items. They also help with a place to temporarily stay, if needed. I hope this helps you as it did me Try and have a Happy Holiday. I know it’s not easy but just take one day and do one thing that you need to do every day. The Red Cross should have or should be helping you and I hope they are or will be. Good luck. 🎭

      • Bj

        How fast did your SSI Card come in the mail

        • Susan M.

          I’ve been waiting 7 months. Am still waiting. Been lost in the mail twice. Can’t get anybody in the phone.. .. It cuts you off because you can’t find right automated question and it doesn’t offer “other question” category.

          Came in person. Number was certified. Bit they didn’t give me a card.How many more times do I have to fill out the application and submit right documents.l? You already have them.
          All I got from email sent was proof no person had read the mail. The computer scanned and gave inappropriate unhelpful answer.

          • Robert A.

            its a nightmare
            they ask you questions, then say thats wrong, how do I get my name and birthday wrong

          • A.C.

            Hi, Susan. We are sorry to hear about your experience. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak to a manager on your next call or visit. You can also 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.

    • A.C.

      Hi. 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. If you have additional questions, please contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

    • Linda

      Go online to Vital Records and complete the requirements to receive your birth certificate. If you’ve had a Passport you can request a replacement.

  6. Julia J.

    How do I make an appointment to bring in my social security card documents to submit.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Julia. Thanks for visiting our blog. Generally, appointments are not needed to apply for Social Security cards. 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.

  7. Sharon H.

    Your login/password process is much too complicated. I’m looking for a phone number to contact you. There is no need for this much security!

    • Pamela L.

      I would like to appeals my case I’m only work three days that’s about stop I’m have surgery on my back three. My Pamela Lancaster I can be reached at 2159643229

    • A.C.

      Hi, Sharon. We are sorry to hear that. 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.

  8. Dionna

    Hello-
    I spent an hour waiting to get a replacement card due to a name change (marriage). The clerk said they were unable to take the marriage license as proof of marriage. What are other documents that can be used? I submitted my passport with my married name…

    • Mrs. M.

      I need a replacement card

      • Mrs. M.

        What do I need for a replacement card?

      • Pamela L.

        My wallet was stolen my ID and social security card and birth certificate

        • A.C.

          Hi, Pamela. We are sorry to hear about your situation. 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. If you 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. 

      • A.C.

        Hi, Mrs. Marlene. 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. 

      • Diane D.

        I lost my s.s. card and need a new one

        • A.C.

          Hi, Diane. 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. 

    • A.C.

      Hi, Dionna. We are sorry to hear about your experience. To see what documents are needed to correct your name on your Social Security card, please visit here. We hope this helps. 

      • Shayla G.

        How are you supposed to mail in your license, if you have to use it to be able to drive? It also states that you do not accept photocopies of anything. But I’ve seen some people who were accepted with the copies and some who weren’t? What’s going on here? There’s also no way that I’ve seen to make an appointment online. You have to wait more than an hour on the phone to just be hung up on. This place is worse than the DMV! What is going on here?

        • A.C.

          Hi, Shayla. 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. All submitted documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency and must (unless otherwise indicated) have been issued within the last two years. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Keep in mind 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.

      • Sharon

        The list of items you want does not help anyone who needs to get their child a drivers license. They have no photo ID. The school doesn’t have school IDs. The insurance is medicaid. Literally everything you want, we do not have. So. How do we replace their cards???
        We used to be able to bring in a notarized birth certificate.
        Why is this such a difficult process now??? They can’t get driver’s licenses and jobs now.
        This is ridiculous.

        • A.C.

          Hi, Sharon. We are sorry to hear about your frustration. While you can use a birth certificate to prove age or citizenship, you cannot use it as proof of identity. Social Security needs evidence that shows the child continues to exist beyond the date of birth. We generally can accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify the child (such as the child’s name and age, date of birth or parents’ names). We prefer to see the child’s U.S. passport. If that document is not available, we may accept the child’s:

          • State Issued non-drivers identification card;
          • Adoption decree;
          • Doctor, clinic or hospital record;
          • Religious record;
          • School daycare center record; or
          • School identification card.

          For more information, please visit our Learn what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card page. We hope this helps. 

  9. Jeremy H.

    Hello I lost my social security card along with my ID but to get my ID I have to have my social security card just wondering what all I would have to have to get a new social security card

    • A.C.

      Hi, Jeremy. Thanks for visiting our blog. We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If you do not have one or you cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as:  

      •Employee identification card;

      •School identification card;

      •Health insurance card; or

      •U.S. military identification card.

      Any documents you submit, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age). 

      Also, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your 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 Learn What Documents You Will Need To Get A Social Security Card page. We hope this helps. 

  10. Ricardo M.

    How do I know if my SS card has been sent. My wife received her a month ago.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Ricardo. Thanks for your question. To check the status of your Social Security card, please contact your local Social Security office.  We hope this helps. 

       

      • Starr e.

        Need my social secretary card

        • A.C.

          Hi, Starr. Thanks for your comment. To see how to apply and what documents you will need to get a Social Security card, please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. We hope this helps. 

      • Shawn P.

        Payneshawn@gmail.com

Comments are closed.