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
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Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
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Dann
I need help, I can read and write Spanish perfectly. But I am unable to speak a word. Why ?
Latoya k.
I have been trying to get a replacement card for me and my son since mine and his was stolen We had terrible storms in Louisiana so building closed I sent proper documentation thru the mail even tried to create account online unsuccessful My identity was stolen I need a new card for me and my son I have been dealing with this for 5-6 months now I can’t get a job without it please help
V.V.
Hi Latoya, thanks for using our blog. To check on your Social Security card applications and documentation, 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.
Anna M.
I want to know if my child have a social security number her name is Maureen Michelle Siller McGrath
V.V.
For your security, Anna, 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.
Jana
When will your offices be open
V.V.
Hi Jana, thanks for using our blog. We are still able to provide critical services. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for more information.
Jerald J.
Were do i mail the appilcation to or how do i find out the ssi number never contects me to talk with somone
V.V.
Hi Jerald, thanks for using our blog. You can call your local Social Security office. Look for the general inquiry telephone number and the mailing address 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.
Stacey E.
What if it says address cant be verified? Will I get my card or no?
V.V.
Hi Stacey, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number. We hope this helps!
Raú R.
Necesito ayuda para sacar mi Social secuirity, nunca lo he sacado vivo en México y nací en estados unidos, solamente cuento con mi acta de nacimiento, por favor necesito ayuda:(
aquí dejo mi numero de teléfono: +52 8994226239
V.V.
Hello Rau!
For information in Spanish, please visit us at http://www.segurosocial.gov or http://www.facebook.com/segurosocial.
For Social Security information in other languages, please visit us at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/multilanguage.
Thanks!
Ada C.
I sent my marriage certificate in to change my name and never got nothing back in the mail all they tell me its in the mail its been 6 months
V.V.
Hi Ada, 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.
Luise B.
If someone finds a Social Security card can that person use the Social Security card number to open a credit card?
V.V.
Hi Luise, thanks for using our blog. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. Visit http://www.identitytheft.gov to report identity theft and get a recovery plan or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on what you can do if you think someone is using your Social Security number.
Marlene S.
Can it be a copy of the marriage certificate?
V.V.
Hi Marlene, thanks for using our blog. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. All documents will be returned to you.
Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number. We hope this helps!
Derick a.
Uli have not still received my social card its been over.2 months i got my documents back and a ticket saying ny social security card is in process still havent received it
V.V.
Hi Derick, thanks for using our blog. To check on the status of your Social Security card application and documents, 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.