How to replace a Social Security card

A replacement Social Security card is free. Depending on your situation, you can request it online or by calling Social Security, and it arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. Here's what to bring, the limits, and why it helps your family to know where your card is kept.

Do you need the card at all?

Often not. Social Security says that in most cases you don't need the physical card if you know your number. You mainly need the card itself when an employer or a service provider asks to see it. Source: SSA, replace your Social Security card.

How do I get a replacement?

The replacement is free. Depending on your situation, you may be able to request it online on Social Security's website. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and say you want a replacement card. If you need to visit an office, make an appointment to shorten your wait. The card comes by mail in 5 to 10 business days; the local office can't print one for you on the spot. Source: SSA, replace your Social Security card.

What documents do I need?

One document that proves who you are: a U.S. driver's license, a U.S. state-issued ID card, or a U.S. passport. A birth certificate doesn't count as proof of identity. If you were born outside the U.S., you also prove U.S. citizenship, for example with a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship, unless Social Security already has it on record. Sources: SSA, Form SS-5 and instructions, SSA, Your Social Security Number and Card (EN-05-10002).

Social Security accepts originals or copies certified by the office that keeps the original record. Photocopies and notarized copies aren't accepted. Source: SSA, Form SS-5 and instructions.

Is there a limit?

Yes: three replacement cards in a year and 10 in a lifetime. A legal name change doesn't count toward those limits, and there are other exceptions, such as showing you need the card to avoid a significant hardship. Source: SSA, Your Social Security Number and Card (EN-05-10002).

Why your family should know where it is

When someone dies, the funeral home usually tells Social Security. If there's no funeral home, or it doesn't report the death, the family calls with the person's name, Social Security number, date of birth and date of death. Source: SSA, when someone dies.

The same number comes up again for survivors. Certain family members may get monthly survivor payments, and a spouse may get a one-time $255 payment. Having the card, or at least the number, in one known place makes those calls simple. See Social Security survivor benefits and the documents checklist. Sources: SSA, when someone dies, SSA, what survivors need to apply.

Checklist

[ ] Your U.S. driver's license, state ID or U.S. passport (the original)
[ ] Proof of U.S. citizenship, if you were born outside the U.S.
[ ] Your Social Security number, if you know it
[ ] The mailing address where the card should go
[ ] A safe place for the new card, with your other important papers
[ ] A note in your family binder saying where each person's card is kept

Social Security suggests keeping the card in a safe place with your other important papers and carrying it only when you need to show it. For a simple system, see how to organize important documents. Source: SSA, Your Social Security Number and Card (EN-05-10002).

Your life's operations manual, ready in an afternoon

FamiliaLista stores your instructions, messages, and access — and delivers them to your people only if you're ever gone or unreachable. By message and email, in English and Spanish.

Start free →

Familia plan from $79/year · Your family, ready. No matter what.

Want this talk for your church, school or team?

Frank Flores gives free family-readiness workshops, in English or Spanish.

Book a free workshop →

Frequently asked questions

Does a replacement Social Security card cost money?

No. Social Security replaces your card, or your child's, for free.

How long does a replacement card take?

It arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. A local office can't print one on the spot.

How many replacement cards can I get?

Three in a year and 10 in a lifetime. Legal name changes and some other cases don't count toward the limit.

Is this legal advice?

No. It's general information from Social Security. Social Security decides what it accepts.

Sources

General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change; check the official sources above or talk to a licensed professional about your situation.