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. Halet

    To get a replacement is it a must that you go in person to the office or can I mail or fax the documents? By the time I get off work y’all’s office is closed. Thanks.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Halet. 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. Keep in mind 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. 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.

  2. Lamar G.

    Your system is ass and does not work I’ve been trying for a year to get a son card replacement after mine was stolen and NOBODY there did there job do better.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Lamar. We are sorry to hear about your experience. 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.

      • Lamar G.

        no I need to hop the phone to talk to someone not a email I paid for a social security card and never got it

        • Ann C.

          Hi, Lamar. There is no cost for an original or replacement Social Security card. To follow up on your application for a replacement Social Security card for your son, please contact your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak to a manager on your next call or visit. We hope this is resolved soon. 

  3. Patricia M.

    This seems awful easy??

  4. Mirza

    We are active duty military and living overseas. Need to apply for infants social security card. Can we mail application and documents to a stateside address and have it returned to our APO address here?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Mirza. First of all, we want to thank you for your service to our country. 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.

  5. Kevin O.

    My wife needs a replacement social security card tried to do online couldn’t do we need to make a appointment or can we just go to a office and request a replacement? Also what documents do we need to bring she does not work so no w-2 she has a license birth certificate and marriage certificate

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Kevin. Thanks for your questions. First, realize that your wife may not need a replacement card. She will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To learn what documents she will need to get a card 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.

  6. SANDRO R.

    Good afternoon my girlfriend was born in San Diego has a birth certificate but was raised in Mexico been here since she was 10 I believed and was schooled but never got a social security number she tried in her 20’s but they keep denied her now 35 still has no luck just been taken advantage of people saying they will help her she has 3 kids and what can we do. I’m a America Citizen if I marry her will that help. Thank you

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Sandro. Thanks for visiting our blog. Unfortunately, your question is a bit more complex than we can answer in this forum. For your girlfriend’s security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. She can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. She can also contact her local Social Security office. She can ask to speak to a supervisor on her next call or visit. We hope this helps.

  7. Jay18

    I have received my Employement Authorisation card but not Social Security card.

    1. How to track SSN status
    2. Moved to New Address and updated the same with USPS and it gonna take 1-2 weeks for update.
    3. If i need to visit near by office as per zipcode, how to make appointment (is there any website to book an appointment)

    • Ann C.

      Hi. Thanks for visiting our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. 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. 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.

  8. Brian K.

    How do I disenroll from Medicare Part A

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Brian. To terminate your enrollment, we will help you submit a signed request for termination or Form CMS-1763. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires, when possible, a personal interview be conducted with everyone who wishes to terminate entitlement. Therefore, we do not offer form CMS-1763 online. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps.

  9. John F.

    Trying to get a replacement for a new social security card please

    • Ann C.

      Hi, John. 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. 

  10. Mary

    Why is it so hard to find office to go to pick up replacement cards

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Mary. 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, you should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days, after we verify your documents and process your application. For additional specific questions, you can contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps. 

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