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. Adolfo

    I applied for SSN online; I’m a TN Visa holder/I-94; after submitting the online application, I’m required to visit a local SS field office and take my original documents.

    -Can I visit any SS field office to complete the process?

    -Is this a process that should be completed in one day or requires more visits to SS offices?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Adolfo. Thanks for visiting our blog. We encourage you to visit your local Social Security office. However, you can visit any Social Security office. 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.

  2. H

    Hello, I started the online process to receive a new card with a name change due to divorce. It says I have 45 days to go in person to complete. Now my CPA has asked me to wait because our joint taxes for 2021 have not been filed yet and she does not want the IRS to be confused. What happens if I cannot go in person within 45 days? Would I just start the online app again? Not sure how long to allow after submitting taxes before getting my new card.

    • A.C.

      Hi. Thanks for visiting our blog. You can submit another application if the 45 days expire. For all tax preparation and progress questions, you may want to talk to your tax preparer. We hope this helps. 

  3. Liz

    I used the online system, and it seemed fairly user friendly. I appreciate you trying to make the process better.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Liz. Thanks for your feedback! Your thoughts are important to us and we’re pleased when feedback is positive. We try hard to provide the best possible service to our customers and your satisfaction is our reward.

  4. Rachel B.

    I applied for a replacement card and did not receive a confirmation message or email receipt. My employer is requiring that before they’ll pay me. How do I get the receipt?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Rachel. Thanks for visiting our blog. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps. 

  5. Anne

    I’ve been trying to schedule an appointment at my local office for a name change request. However, I’ve not been able to get a hold of anyone to schedule. Is there somewhere online I secure a spot?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Anne. Thanks for visiiting our blog. 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. Zach

    I have had one problem after another trying to get a replacement card! On the online system, it asks me for certain information I just don’t have (or don’t have access to)- there is no “I don’t know” option. So, I’m unable to continue with the process. How can I find an SS5 form so I can visit the office in person with my supporting documents?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Zach. Thanks for visiting our blog. If you cannot complete the application online, you will need to provide the required documents. We need to see different documents depending on your citizenship and the type of card you are requesting. If you do not begin the application online, you will need to fill out and print an Application for a Social Security Card and bring it to 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.

      • Zach

        Thank you!

  7. SAN D.

    I want to ask if I can apply for a # for me my name San D.Padayao II or could I use my Fathers official sss# as his name is same and name to me …I am his Son so only added to my name as same is the “II” as the second because I am his Son born on August 31,1959…
    Was born in the Philippines as us citizen but not filed yet a us passport band filing if for a #. Looking forward for a reply on this.

    • A.C.

      Hi, San. Thanks for visiting our blog. You cannot use another individual’s Social Security number. This is considered fraud. If 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.

  8. Marcin

    Hello I’m looking for any help with replacement my ssn card my wallet was stolen and I try have new card but nobody want help me I was calling to different places I was in office in Greensboro but still no help I’m about start new job but they need ssn card I have only pic so far is any chance to help me ..

    • A.C.

      Hi, Marcin. We are sorry to hear about your situation. 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.

  9. JFSem

    Hi! I applied for a new SSN last July 20 in one of the branches of SSA here in Las Vegas, NV, particularly the Buffalo branch. Submitted documents such as foreign passport and DS-2019. Sadly, up until today, I still do not receive my card in our mailbox, while some of my friends who applied the same day as mine got theirs after 4 working days. I got to call several numbers (national and local SSA office) and told me to further wait because the application is still in the immigration. I would just like to ask your assistance to know if there should still be another thing I need to accomplish in order for the application to push through. Will it take more than a month? I am to work as HS teacher and our school is already waiting for me, they are already doing subs in my behalf and I do not want to cause more burden on them, unless I have my new SSN card to start working. Thank you for your assistance I appreciate your help!

    • A.C.

      Hi, JFSem. We are sorry to hear about your situation. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. Generally, the time it takes to process a new Social Security card can vary. 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 continue to work with your local Social Security office. We hope this is resolved soon. 

  10. Lily

    Last year my mother got her info stolen during the winter storm. She is now trying to get her SSN card replace, she filed for her IDs and everything and took forever to get must of her documents. She did all her application with an old address, now that we had moved we are trying to update the address so she can get her SSN cards. We had called and every single agent keep telling us they cannot update the address over the phone and has to go online. We tried several times and the site does not give the option to update her address since she does not get benefits. So can update the address so she can get her SSN to the new address. All of this was unexpected and this is so stressfull for us who have to work 8hrs and the only time we are able to get someone on the phone is after 5pm and when we do they are rude and keep telling us call the local office, local office is busy and we get routed to the main office and main office says do it online, don’t call again unless is important, all your answers are online. But online account says IF YOU ARE NOT A CITIZENT OR GETTING BENEFTIS YOU CANNOT UPDATE INFO CALL OFFICE!!!

    • A.C.

      Hi, Lily. We are sorry to hear about your experience and your mother’s situation. First, realize that she may not need a replacement card. She will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if she’s eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents she 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.

      • Sammie W.

        How can I tell if this is a true site . My social Security card burned in a house fire now I need a replacement card . I called my Local office and said they would send papers to fill out and mail my hard copy license in. Its been way bbn over a month.

        • A.C.

          Hi, Sammie. Thanks for visiting our blog. The Social Security Administration is committed to keeping the public informed about Social Security programs and the services we offer. Our goal is to provide helpful information to as many people as possible. Our blog allows us to share this information with millions of people and provide you quick and convenient access. As far as your application for a replacement Social Security card, 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. Please contact your local Social Security office to follow up on your application. We hope this helps.

          • Daniel S.

            I am interested of working with you

    • Timothy W.

      Same thing I’ve been dealing with for 2 years

    • maria m.

      gracias por la informacion esta pagina es muy informativa

Comments are closed.