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. Cesar

    My son’s was born in Texas and I don’t have his birth certificate do to the hospital making an error in the the birth certificate…he was named infant and the last name is his mother’s how do I go about correcting it and getting a social security number for him he is 15 now and I would like to fix this before he is 18 please help any information will help

    • A.C.

      Hi, Cesar. Thank you for visiting our blog. Please contact the State of Texas Bureau of Vital Statistics for assistance. We hope this helps.

       

  2. Scott

    Hi I currently have a copy of my social security card but did the mistake of laminating it and need it to replace my state ID Card so I can get my job and start asap, is there any way to get a card quicker than the 7-14 days I’ve read?

    • Scott

      I meant to say I still have my original card but laminated it and desperately need to get another one to renew my state ID card as soon as possible to be able to start my employment?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Scott. Thanks for your question. Social Security cards are mailed from a central location based on the information entered into the enumeration processing system at the local field office or Social Security card center. Typically, you should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days, after we verify your documents and process your application. 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. 

  3. Faisal A.

    Hi, I applied for SSN Card online and then visited the SSA office in Norristown on 7th September 2022, PA but even after 10 working days I haven’t got my card through postal mail.

    Please guide me through the next steps to get the card on my postal address.

    Thanks.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Faisal. Thanks for visiting our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this is resolved soon. 

  4. ashley t.

    I am trying to get my son’s social security card but I don’t know his social security number. So I’m having a hard time getting a new card without that the only identification I have is his birth certificate please help me get his social security card

    • A.C.

      Hi, Ashley. Thanks for visiting our blog. For information on how to obtain a replacement Social Security card for a child and what documents are needed, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We encourage you to work with your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps. 

  5. Samuel

    How do I start the online SSN application process?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Samuel. Thanks for your question. To learn more about the process of applying for a Social Security card, what documents you will need to get a card, and to see if you are eligible to apply online, please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. We hope this helps. 

      • Nellie T.

        I started my application online and went to my local office yesterday , I stated several times that I’ve initiated my application via website , but I never got asked for my application number ,they just asked for all the details I’ve already filed before , they asked me if this was the first time applying for a social security which it is cause in my mind we’re talking about the application I’ve already made and we’re just now confirming details , but then I got asked for the birth certificate and Once again told them that when I did my application online I entered my residence permit and my passport as My documents to present , they told me my birth certificate was needed and now I’m super confused and worried cause I’m not sure it they did another whole new application ignoring the one I’ve already done , what can I do ? This is my first time getting a social security number .

        • A.C.

          Hi, Nellie. Thanks for visiting our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office for case-specific answers. We hope this helps. 

    • VEREDA S.

      WHERE DO YOU GET FORM FOR REPLACEMENT CARD

      • A.C.

        Hi, Vereda. Thanks for your question. 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. 

      • Sidnee

        Vereda – To get a replacement SS card, I filled out a form called Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card (https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf).

        I took this, along with my Passport, to my local Social Security Administration Office. You can also use an unexpired U.S. driver’s license or a State-issued non-driver identification card.

        Unfortunately, I had to wait for an hour for my turn, but once I was called, the process was quick. I was given a receipt for my application and I’m now waiting for it in the mail.

        You can apply for one online, but setting up a my Social Security account takes forever because they have to mail you an “access pin.” I opted to just go to the office directly.

        Hope this helps, from one frustrated American to another.

  6. Chandra K.

    I have applied for SSN in Walnut creek office on July 14th and it has been wait for 8 weeks now. I am constantly following up with local office but still have not received the card. The local office re-sent the application on August 4th. It has already crossed two month. This delay is affecting my salary etc. Any help or guidance would really helpful.

    • Chandra K.

      This is quite strange even reply is not provided

    • A.C.

      Hi, Chandra. We are sorry to hear about your experience and situation. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak with the manager on your next call or visit. In the meantime, we have also referred your concerns to our Operations Staff. We hope this is resolved soon. 

      • Chandra

        Thanks for the response, how can I contact DHS. For SSN, they call gets redirected back to local ssa office. Who have no clue this is kind of dead end.
        Please help me

    • Mohammed j.

      Hey i am also in the same boat.. applied on 7july and until now it is still pending with Dhs.. dont know what to do.

    • mohammed j.

      Hi, even i have the same issue, i applied for ssn on 7 July 2022 and it is still pending. Any advice ??

      • A.C.

        Hi, Mohammed. Thanks for visiting our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak with the supervisor on your next call or visit. We hope this is resolved soon. 

         

  7. Shie

    Hello, I can’t get a hold of anybody over the phone.Good i found this site. I want to ask on how to get a replacement card for my 11yo daughter. I just found out that my daughter has an ssn number already but we didn’t receive it. Can i apply it online? I want to set an appointment but the waiting call of an hour is too much.Thank you!

    • A.C.

      Hi, Shie. Thanks for visiting our blog. Generally, when applying for a replacement Social Security card for a child under the age of 18, we consider the parent(s) or step-parent with custody, as the proper applicant. For information on how to obtain a replacement Social Security card, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. You will need to present documents proving your identity, your child’s identity and citizenship status (if not already established), and evidence of your relationship to, or responsibility for, your child. Keep in mind the submitted documents must be originals. You can use a birth certificate to prove your child’s age or citizenship; however, you cannot use it as proof of identity. We hope this helps.

  8. Rayraul L.

    hi there was looking to replace a lost social security card i still know the number

    • A.C.

      Hi, Rayraul. 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. 

  9. Taurino A.

    hi I lost my social security number how can I recover my number and also I forgot my number too

    • A.C.

      Hi, Taurino. Thanks for visiting our blog. You will need to visit your your local Social Security office. To see what documents are needed for a replacement Social Security card, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. 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.

  10. Thambidurai M.

    Hi! I applied for a new SSN last Aug 4 2022 in one of the branches of SSA here in Patterson NJ. Submitted documents such as foreign passport and I-94. 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?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Thambidurai. We are sorry to hear that. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. We hope this is resolved soon. 

      • Thambidurai M.

        Hi, Thank you for the response. However, it was not helpful. If I give my SSA application reference number can you expedite the process from your end.

Comments are closed.