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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Melissa s.
Hello,
I have been trying for the last 3 weeks to get a replacement card due to me getting married. I just graduated Nursing school and need to take my RN Boards so I can go to work. I cannot get any assistance. I’ve mailed my documents to the Norfolk, Va office and they returned my request stating they need my actual DL in order to change my name. I have been calling for weeks to no avail I cannot get through the line. How. An I go help as a CrisisNurse if I can’t first get my license!! No one can help me!!! What can do? I stay on a call for hours and no one answer..phone rings and then after 40 mins of ringing it hangs up on it’s own! Can I get a corporate office number to make a report?! There has to be a better way. Do I write my local Mayors office or to the Biden Administration for assistance? I NEED HELP!!!!
P.H.
Hi, Melissa. Congratulations on your marriage. We are sorry to hear about your experience. In order to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us a document that proves your legal name change. If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records, you must show us an identity document in your old name (as shown in our records). Keep in mind the submitted documents must be originals. We temporarily expanded our policy to accept secondary identity documents. We offer the option for you to mail your completed application with original or certified documents to your local Social Security office. For more information about how and what to submit, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Mike
My wife has mailed the marriage license twice and it was sent back twice once saying they never got it even though it was sent back from the local office now even with all the correct information that is on the marriage license they want her to send in her original driver’s license which is Bull as you website says if all the information is on the marriage license nothing else is needed
Now tell me who in the right mind would mail in there driver’s license how the world is today plus if you was to get pulled over you will get a ticket for driving without a license and also do the realize how hard it would be to get another driver’s license if this get lost in the mail ?
Angry &.
I have never had to go through so much crap to get a replacement card. This is putting my house hunting to a halt. The website thing is not working and keeps locking me out for 24 hours. I have everything else to show as proof. This is really sad.
P.H.
Hi. thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to apply for a replacement Social Security card. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
Our Social Security and Coronavirus web page, under “Social Security Numbers and Cards” heading, provides details on the documents you need to mail in with your Social Security card application to get a replacement card. We temporarily expanded our policy to accept secondary identity documents.
You can also call your local Social Security office for guidance on the appropriate service channels for submitting evidence. 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.
Carlos E.
Ss card
Jillian
I have been calling for DAYS. It has been more than three weeks since I applied for my new card, with my married name. I do not have a card, nor my marriage certificate at this time. I cannot update my dl or my passport because of this. And I cannot get any help because NO ONE ANSWERS THE PHONE EVER. I have called at different times each day…waited for 15-45 minutes…on hold or just ringing. Nothing.
This is absolutely INSANE. I do not know what to do since I cannot go in the office, and no one will pick up. At the very least, screw the card, I will keep my maiden name but I want my documents back.
P.H.
Hi Jillian. We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty reaching us by phone. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community continue to call their local Social Security office regarding the status of their application and documents. Look for the general inquiry telephone number under Show Additional Office Information. You can also call us at 1-800-772-1213. Please be aware that our call volume is higher than normal. Finally, you can submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “email a Question to our Support Team” form where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this helps.
A. M.
Not the original poster but how are we supposed to call the local office if no one ever picks up the phone? I am not talking about hold times. Every time I get through and it sounds like someone is going to answer all I can hear are the employees talking and joking around with each other. It’s nice to see what our tax dollars are paying for.
P.H.
Hi, we are sorry to hear about your experience. You can submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “email a Question to our Support Team” form where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. You can also call our national toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. In addition, we also offer several online services. We hope this helps.
Meagan m.
Hi I sent my sons social security info to an office and just received his documents back but not his replacement social security card why is that?
P.H.
Hi Meagan, thanks for using our blog. The Social Security card will be mailed separately. Typically, after we receive the application and verify the documents, you can expect to receive the card within 10 – 14 business days. If you would like to find out the status of your son’s card, 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.
Ashley
Hi,
I became a citizen back in July. I mailed in my citizenship certificate to update the my social security status. Its been a week now and I haven’t heard anything. I can’t start my new job because I don’t have proof for I9. Does anyone know how long will it take before the local social security office mail me back my original document or what other type of document I can use as proof for form I9? I can’t even get a passport done cos I have no proof of citizenship.
Please help!!
V.V.
Hi Ashley, thanks for using our blog. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this 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.
Lucy C.
did you get the document back as of today?
Peter A.
Hi. Where can I get an application for a replacement card?
Ashley
I believe you can search for from SS-5.
V.V.
Hi Peter, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to apply for a replacement Social Security card. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
Our Social Security and Coronavirus web page, under “Social Security Numbers and Cards” heading, provides details on the documents you need to mail in with your Social Security card application to get a replacement card. We temporarily expanded our policy to accept secondary identity documents.
You can also call your local Social Security office for guidance on the appropriate service channels for submitting evidence. 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.
eric
can u mail me a form for social security card
P.H.
Hi Eric. Thanks for using our blog. For your security, we do not have access to your private information in this venue. You can print the application from our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact your local Social Security office. You also have the option to use our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213 to request a SS-5 form (Application for a Social Security Card). Our automated services are available 24 hours a day. We hope this information is helpful!
Rebecca H.
Where do I send application for a social security card to if all the offices are closed
V.V.
Hi Rebecca, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to apply for a replacement Social Security card. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
Our Social Security and Coronavirus web page, under “Social Security Numbers and Cards” heading, provides details on the documents you need to mail in with your Social Security card application to get a replacement card. We temporarily expanded our policy to accept secondary identity documents.
You can also call your local Social Security office for guidance on the appropriate service channels for submitting evidence. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The Locator will also provide your local office mailing address. 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.
Gigi
Is there anyone out there that can give me some answers as to why the Pensacola Social Security office is still shut down? All other government businesses are fully operational. I mailed in important original documents per their standard request and rules online. I can not get a hold of anyone on the phone and the building seems to always look empty. This makes me uncomfortable as to the wait time, or even if there is anyone who works there anymore to receive my mail and name change request. It has been weeks so far, when I was told I should receive some reply or my documents with in 10 business days by the post office. Thanks.
P.H.
Hi Gigi. Social Security offices are currently open only for in-person appointments for limited, critical situations. We are unable to accept walk-in visitors. If you feel you have a critical situation, please check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for more information.
For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. Please call your local Social Security office regarding the status of your documents. Look for the general inquiry telephone number under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.