Replacement or Corrected Social Security Cards during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: February 21, 2023
Social Security offices are currently open only for in-person appointments for limited, critical situations, depending upon local office conditions. However, you can continue to apply for a replacement Social Security card online and by mail.
Before requesting a replacement card, please remember that you might not need the physical card. Most of the time, simply knowing your Social Security number is enough.
If you have a critical situation that requires you to have a physical card and you cannot apply by mail or online, you should call your local Social Security office. Please visit our website for more information.
Applying Online
If you don’t need any changes to your Social Security Number record (such as a name or date of birth change), applying for a replacement card online is your most convenient option. You don’t need to mail proof or visit an office.
You can use our online application if you are an adult, have a State-issued drivers’ license or non-driver identification card, and live in the District of Columbia or one of the 45 States that verifies State-issued documents for us. All you need to do is create a my Social Security account to access and complete the online application.
If you live in one of the five States that do not participate—Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and West Virginia—know that we are working hard to bring this service to you as soon as possible.
Applying by Mail
We require proof of your identity with your replacement card application, usually a State-issued drivers’ license or non-driver identification card, or U.S. passport. We call these documents “primary” identity proofs. We understand mailing primary identity proofs with your replacement card application can be challenging. To help, we are temporarily expanding our policy to accept alternative identity documents—or what we call “secondary proofs”—when you cannot mail primary proof.
Acceptable secondary proofs include, but are not limited to:
- Employee identification card.
- School identification card.
- Health insurance card (not a Medicare card).
- U.S. military identification card.
These proofs must be current (not expired), show your name and identifying information (such as your date of birth or age), and be an original or a certified copy.
If you need to change your name, when you mail your replacement card application, you will need to submit proof of identity plus proof of the name change. The proof of identity can be primary or secondary proof. Proof of the name change could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name, or a court order approving the name change.
You may be able to submit one document to serve as proof of your name change and identity. For example, you may submit a marriage certificate as proof of name change and identity if the certificate shows the marriage occurred within the prior two years and:
- Includes your prior name.
- Includes your age, birth date or parents’ names.
- This information matches your Social Security Number record.
We will return any documents you send us.
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Tags: COVID-19, Social Security card
See CommentsAbout the Author
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
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Martha N.
Hi. I submitted my application for a social security card through immigration in March. My card was supposed to have arrived by March 19th but it never did. All the calls I’d make inquiring about the situation would get me nowhere. I eventually found someone that was kind enough to explain that my address had been messed up so my card could not be mailed. It was really frustrating finding that out. Anyway, I was advised to apply for a replacement card and told to send in my original work authorization card. Even though I was worried about the safety of my documents because of what happened the first time, I sent in my work authorization anyway since I really need the card in order to get employment. I would like to know if there is a way I can track the progress of my replacement card application because I am really anxious as I am running out of time. I am supposed to have began working in order to be able to keep my work authorization card and status but since social security is taking long, I can’t do that and it is out of my control. I would be really disappointed if I lost this opportunity and it would not have been my fault. I am desperate. Please help me.
V.V.
Hi Martha, thanks for using our blog. Please call your local Social Security office. Look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Lora r.
I had my survivor benefits reinstated today.we were supposed to get our monthly payment yesterday. Will we still get april’s?
Oi
V.V.
For your security, Lora, 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 for assistance or you can call your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
MARREKO N.
Is there away to check the status of my replacement card. I am about to start work and I need it for my I-9 certification. I completed the application for and sent my DL last Monday to our local office because its appointment only. Thank you.
V.V.
Hi Marreko, thanks for using our blog. For status of your Social Security card application, please call your local Social Security office. Look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Sourav A.
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Dj
In Nevada i can’t find the address anywhere to send the papers to. It says all over the place “mail it in” but doesn’t day where. there are only 5 states. the least you can Do is make finding the address possible queen the office is closed and i can’t get it online.
If it goes by county I’m in Clark county, las Vegas Nevada,89107
A.C.
Hi, DJ. Thanks for your question. You can find your local Social Security office information here. We hope this helps.
Cristi H.
Hello.
I’m in Texas. I’ve been waiting six weeks for a new SS card because of a name change. I included all of the appropriate documentation, along with my passport and my original birth certificate. Why is it taking so long? I have had absolutely zero response. I’m starting to worry over whether or not I will get my documents returned, not to mention getting my SS card. Sending these types of documents through the mail is the perfect scenario for identity theft.
A.C.
Hi, Cristi. We are sorry to hear about your experience. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community to continue to work with our offices with specific questions. You can ask to speak to a supervisor on your next call. We hope this is resolved soon.
Mark T.
Hi Crisiti – Did you get your new SS card? I’m still waiting. I received my document within a week afyer I mailed it. I was told it was cut/printed last May 20 and it should arrive within two weeks. I’m wondering if I should wait and call on the 4th week.
Just wondering others experience if I should be worried.
Angela
Christ -did you get your documents… I got my ss card but no documents.. I’m so mad
Tiyu
Thank you for this article
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Julie K.
My daughter recently got married and mailed in her identity documents to her local office in Birmingham AL by certified mail. The mail room signed for the documents on
January 23, 2021 and yet nothing has been returned to her three months later. She has called numerous times and they have not helped her at all. It is not even entered in the system. They have her social security card marriage license and passport. We need help badly !! Please let us know what to do. She has even asked if she could just go get them back by picking them up and she is getting nowhere. Do we need to hire an attorney ? This is completely UNACCEPTABLE!!
A.C.
Hi, Julie. We are sorry to hear about your daughter’s experience and situation. For her security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We have referred your concerns to our Operations Staff. We do ask that members in our Blog community to continue to work with our offices with specific concerns. She can ask to speak to a manager on her next call. We hope this is resolved soon.
kim
I’m a resident of ILL my son who is 16 needs ID which he cant obtain until we get a replacement cared this whole set up is a mess up only make it eligible for 18yr and older we were in a devastating loss all of our belongings including records we cant go to local office he just was hired for employment what is supposed to do we mailed the application in with his only form of identification his school ID to now schools have reopened again what are we supposed to do this is more than frustrating
A.C.
Hi, Kim. Social Security offices are currently open only for in-person appointments for limited, critical situations, depending upon local office conditions. We are unable to accept walk-in visitors. If you cannot use our online services, please call your local office or our National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. If we cannot help you by phone, your local office can determine if an in-person appointment or other option may be available to help you. Thanks.
Amanda v.
Yes I need make a appointment for my Ssc that I had change my name on it
A.C.
Hi, Amanda. Social Security offices are currently open only for in-person appointments for limited, critical situations, depending upon local office conditions. We are unable to accept walk-in visitors. If you cannot use our online services, please call your local office or our National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. If we cannot help you by phone, your local office can determine if an in-person appointment or other option may be available to help you. Thanks!