COVID-19, Social Security Number and Card

Replacement or Corrected Social Security Cards during the COVID-19 Pandemic

March 23, 2021 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: February 21, 2023

A hand holding a Social Security CardSocial 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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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

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Comments

  1. Jose

    I need a temporary ssn Can I go in to the offices?

    • V.V.

      Hi Jose, thank you for your question. If you’re asking about a replacement card, check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number. We hope this helps!

    • Walt

      There is NO such thing as a temporary SSN

  2. Jerry L.

    Why did my ssi get cut off I only got$228 a month how did I get over paid if I only got$228 a month I don’t under sand why I am 64 years old I should be getting more I think so can you help me find out for me thanks

    • V.V.

      For your security, Jerry, 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.

  3. goldberg, r.

    WHERE THE FUCK IS OUR 1400 DOLLARS?!?!?

  4. Tracy M.

    I am currently homeless and need a replacement card to apply for housing, is this important enough to get an appointment so I don’t have to wait for the postal service that is severely backed up? I cannot wait weeks to get to get it in the mail and don’t feel comfortable sending documents at this time? Thank you.

    • V.V.

      Hi Tracy, thank you for your question. First, realize you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number. We hope this helps!

  5. Robin R.

    I recently sent my md state ID to the social security adm. It was mailed January 18 2021 it is now March 24 and I haven’t heard anything I’ve called several times only to be told they would call me back. Now I see this information. Still waiting for my identification card and my children s replacement ss cards.please help.

    • V.V.

      Hi Robin, 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.

  6. Candy P.

    I need a copy of my child’s ss card but when I go to sign into my account it says wrong password and they will send mw a pin in the mail but I have been waiting for almost 2 months should I try to get another pin sent? Or what should I do??

  7. John C.

    I need a social security card for housing. I’m not comfortable going outside.
    I already collect retirement SSA. Can my local office help me get my card replaced?

    • V.V.

      Hi John, thank you for your question. First, realize you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number. We hope this helps!

  8. M. W.

    How do I order a replacement card for my under 18 child. I need the physical card. I can’t open an online account for her because she is under 18.

  9. Id r.

    I called my local office to request an appointment because I had a court ordered name change in April of 2019 and I need a new card reflecting this. I was told that I would receive a return call with 48-72hrs to set up free appointment. I have not heard from anyone and it’s been almost a week. This isn’t my first attempt. Prior calls were never successful.

    • V.V.

      Hi there, thank you for your question. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on the documents you need to mail in with your Social Security card application to get a replacement card with your new name. We hope this helps!

  10. Stephanie

    I now have guardianship of my 7 ye old granddaughter. I do not have a social security card for her. All I have is a copy of her birth certificate and proof of guardianship. How do I get one? Also I was told that her name was spelled wrong on her as card her mother had.

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