Need a New or Replacement Social Security Card? We’re Making it Easier!
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 19, 2024
Do you need a new or replacement Social Security card? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
You may be able to complete, or at least start, your application on our website – and, if necessary, can even use our online scheduling tool to schedule an appointment at a local office.
Get Started
You can visit our website to begin the process. You’ll answer 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 Social Security office or card center to complete the application.
- Complete the application process at your local office.
Replace your Social Security card
Need to replace your card? Depending on your situation, you may be able to request a replacement card without visiting a local office. The Card Replacement Screener on our Replace Social Security card page helps you determine the best way to do so. Choose Answer a few questions to get started.
In most states, you can use your personal my Social Security account to request a replacement card. Even if you can’t complete the process online and must visit an office, you can still save yourself time by starting the application online.
Were You Asked to Come into the Office? Here’s What You Should Know
If you start the application online and we determine you need to come into the office, you may be eligible to use our new Online Self-Scheduling option. Scheduling online can save you time when you visit us to complete the application. This option allows you to:
- Select your language preference.
- Select the most convenient office to receive service.
- Choose to receive communications via email or text.
- Choose to receive email or text appointment reminders.
- Conveniently use your mobile device to check in for your appointment.
You can also reschedule, modify, or cancel your appointment online without having to call or visit the office.
It’s never been easier to do business with us. Please share this information with your friends and family—and post it on social media.
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Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account, social security, Social Security card, SSN
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Craig G.
Why is it that I have to pay for a new social security card, when my information was lost. I lost my wallet??????
Sue
Hi, Craig. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. We do not charge a fee for a new or replacement Social Security card. It’s free. For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. If you need a replacement card, you can begin and, in many cases, complete the application process online. We hope this helps.
Mark. M.
I am a UK Citizen but when I was in my 20’s I worked in the US for the next 18 years. I am now nearing retirement age and would like to claim my Retirement benefits. I have all my old docs (Passports, I-551s, Social Security card, Drivers Licence etc.). However, I had to return to the UK and I changed my name by Deed Poll in the UK a few years after returning. Can I change the name on my Social Security card? If so, how? If not, how should I claim Retirement benefits as the name change was made in the UK many years ago?
Sue
Hi, Mark. Thanks for reading our blog and for your questions. To change your name on your Social Security card, we will need to see a document (original or certified copy) that proves your legal name change. If you’re living in the U.S., you can begin the replacement card process online here. You may have the option to self-schedule an appointment to show your document in a local Social Security office and complete the application. For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
If you’re living outside the U.S. and need assistance with your name change and Social Security benefits, you can contact your local Federal Benefits Unit. Also, our Office of Earnings & International Operations page provides additional resources for our customers living abroad.
When you’re ready, the most convenient way to apply for retirement is online. We hope this helps.
Laurie
Hello. I am 66 y/o and started collecting my SS a few years ago. I am currently employed part time, staying under the maximum amount allowed as income.
My concern is…. although I’m receiving monthly checks, I am curious when (and IF) I will start getting the SS taxes being taken out with my current job? Is there anything I need to do other than file state and federal taxes each year?
Sue
Hi, Laurie. Thanks for reading our blog and for your questions. If you work while receiving retirement benefits, your monthly benefit amount could go up. Each year, we review the records for all working Social Security beneficiaries to see if additional earnings may increase their monthly benefits. There is nothing you need to do. For more information, visit our Receiving Benefits While Working webpage. Please note that once you reach full retirement age, this is no earnings limit. We hope this helps.
Billy R.
Hi there.
What is cola.
Sue
Hi, Billy. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. COLA stands for Cost-of-Living Adjustment. By law, the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) is the official measure we use to calculate the Social Security COLA. For information about our 3.2% COLA in 2024, check out our blog. We hope this helps.
Laurie J.
Under-Payment
I have paid into SSA since I was 15, I am full retirement age, still working, drawing on my deceased husbands RR-SSA, why do I still have to contribute and further more why will I never draw a dime of what I have paid in?
This is not equitable. Please justify why you are stealing my money.
Sue
Hi, Laurie. Thanks for reading our blog and for your questions. Regardless of your age or benefit status, the law requires your employer to withhold FICA taxes from your earnings to fund the Social Security and Medicare programs. Your employer also pays a tax equal to the amount withheld from your earnings. For every month you delay your own benefit past your full retirement age, you earn Delayed Retirement Credits up until you reach age 70. If you’re eligible for retirement benefits on your own work record and the amount is greater than your surviving spouse benefit, you can switch from survivors benefits to your own Social Security. To discuss your situation with a representative, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., or contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Dee
Where is your online scheduling tool?
Crystal B.
Hi, Dee. Thank you for using our blog. You can find information on how to schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment here. We hope this helps.
Aziza
Hello!
I am a US citizen and changed my name. I mailed the copies of the documents verifying that to our local SSA office. However I didn’t get a new social secutity card with my new name. How else can I do it?
Thank you!
Crystal B.
Thanks for using our blog, Aziza. In order to change your name on your Social Security card, all documents you submit must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. You can find more information on how to change your name here. We hope this information is helpful.
Mark M.
What happens if the name change was made in a country that does not require an issuing agency to effect a change of name (e.g. Deed Poll in the UK).
Is submitting the original Deed Poll the only option? Will that be accepted and returned?
Willie W.
Need a new SS card. 12/15/1944
Crystal B.
Hi, Willie. Thanks for using our blog. You may not need a replacement card. You rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. However, if you must get a replacement card, you can begin and, in some cases, complete the process online. Learn more here. We hope this helps.
Frances D.
Frances Donnelly Liebzeit
Marita R.
My Federal Benefits were suspended last Dec.2023 with prior 4 months of non-receipt. My rent is nearly 7 months overdue. I am currently in Mongolia. Can Social Security directly pay my Landlord Bank Account? I can’t open any bank account because I have no Alien Registration Card.
My elected bank in Mongolia got blocked causing the US Treasury site BANK DATA problems according to the Social Security Analyst. I am in dire need of help.
Kathy L.
Are you okay? Social Security is for american citizens and legal US residents with eligibility to be employed. You should look into it and how it works. Now are you waiting for the 2020 Overpayment Payment Center Cases to be REMOVED AND CLEARED FROM WITHIN the SYSTEM as Congress, the Courts and the social Security Administration AGREED TO DO?
Crystal B.
Hi, Marita. Since you are currently outside of the United States, you can contact your local Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office Of Earnings & International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.
Karen M.
Can the social security administration please start to REMOVE AND CLEAR the 2020 Overpayment Payment Center Cases ASAP please… Especially of the NON RECIPIENTS, you know.. people that don’t receive anything from the SSA or have anything to do with the SSA. Please remove and clear those 2020 Overpayment Payment Center Cases already as the SSA, the Courts and Congress AGREED TO DO.